The Spinal Wave

One of the most fascinating aspects of Network Spinal research by Dr. Donny Epstein is the discovery of the network wave—a visible spinal undulation occurring in response to specific gentle touches at precise points along the spine. This wave is not just a mechanical movement; it has been scientifically studied using surface electromyography (sEMG) and is classified as a Central Pattern Generator (CPG)—a self-sustaining oscillation that plays a crucial role in the reorganization of the nervous system.

The Spinal Flow Technique, developed by Carli Axford, is an innovative healing modality rooted in the principles of chiropractic and osteopathy. Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments that often involve forceful spinal manipulations, Spinal Flow is a gentle, holistic approach that works exclusively with the body’s innate healing intelligence. This method identifies and releases stored tension within the spinal system, facilitating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and enhancing overall nervous system function.

Carli Axford, the creator of the Spinal Flow Technique, has an extensive background in spinal health and healing. She studied directly under Donny Epstein, the founder of Network Spinal Analysis (NSA), and gained firsthand experience working in a U.S. spinal clinic, where she treated some of the most severe spinal pathologies. Her approach builds upon Epstein’s work but focuses exclusively on the body’s physical structures rather than incorporating electromagnetic fields, as NSA does. Spinal Flow is particularly effective in assessing physical progress in spinal conditions such as scoliosis, chronic pain, and postural imbalances.

The Science Behind Spinal Flow and Network Spinal

While Spinal Flow and Network Spinal share some foundational principles and both provide tangible, measurable improvements in spinal health and can be used as a quantifiable tool for assessing progress in spinal conditions, the key distinction lies in their scope. Network Spinal integrates both the body and its electromagnetic field, while Spinal Flow works strictly with the body’s physiological structures.

Scientific Research on the Network Wave

Since 1997, extensive research has been conducted on the network wave, which shows a mathematical coherence between the sacral and cervical spine. Studies conducted at the University of Southern California have demonstrated that this wave is not random but follows a predictable pattern, indicating a higher level of organization within the nervous system.

Findings show that this wave develops over time as spinal cord tension decreases. The wave originates at the sacral and cervical regions—areas where the spinal cord is anchored to the vertebral column. Over time, as the spine becomes more adaptable and flexible, the wave’s complexity increases, demonstrating a higher degree of neural integration and self-regulation.

Further research suggests that the network wave is an electrophysiological phenomenon that propagates along the spine in response to specific inputs. It functions similarly to CPGs involved in locomotion (such as walking or swimming), but uniquely, this is the first identified CPG in the spine unrelated to movement.

The development of the network wave suggests a process of neurologic entrainment. Specific light-touch contacts to the spine leading to vertebral motion segments moving in rhythmic and synchronous patterns. This process may take anywhere from several weeks to several months for an individual patient to fully develop. The Surface electromyography (sEMG) research demonstrates that the movement of spinal musculature during the wave phenomenon is both electromagnetic and mechanical.

The network wave may be the first CPG (Central Pattern Generator) discovered in the spine that is unrelated to locomotion. This finding has profound implications for spinal cord injury recovery and the development of reorganizational healing. Traditionally, CPGs have been well-documented in relation to locomotion (e.g., walking, swimming, and flying). However, this is the first instance of a CPG observed in the spine apart from locomotion or respiration.

The network wave involves a visible undulation and specific rocking movement of spinal segments, elicited through gentle contacts in a defined sequence at specific spinal areas. These areas correspond to meningeal attachments where the spinal cord connects to the vertebral column.

Implications for Spinal Health and Healing

Epstein hypothesized that bound energy from defensive spinal cord tension—resulting from adverse experiences—becomes available as energy to create a higher-order spinal and neural integrity. This transformation may contribute to greater adaptability, healing, and resilience within the nervous system.

One of the most exciting implications of this research is its potential impact on spinal cord injury recovery and overall nervous system health. The network wave’s coherence patterns provide a new metric for assessing central nervous system function, offering a non-invasive way to measure neurological well-being.

Additionally, this research supports the core principles of Spinal Flow Technique, demonstrating how gentle stimulation of specific spinal areas can induce self-correcting movements in the nervous system, leading to profound health improvements. This technique can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as:

• Scoliosis and postural imbalances
• Chronic pain and tension
• Stress-related spinal disorders
• Neurological dysfunctions

Conclusion: A Revolution in Spinal Healing

The emergence of Spinal Flow Technique and its related research is reshaping the way we understand spinal health. The ability to observe and measure the network wave provides an exciting avenue for assessing and improving nervous system function without invasive procedure.

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For further details on the Spinal Wave, you can check the original source of some of this information in the National Library of Medicine of the Government of USA, in this link:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4939370/