Spinal-Flow Technique
The Spinal Flow Technique is an alternative healing approach that focuses on optimizing the function of the spine and nervous system, aiming to improve the body's overall health and well-being. It was developed by Dr. Carli Axford, a chiropractor and holistic health practitioner,
Benefits of Spinal Flow
While research on the specific effectiveness of Spinal Flow is still limited, proponents report various benefits of this approach, which may include:
Improved Spinal Alignment
The technique is intended to help with spinal misalignments, which could potentially relieve pain, discomfort, and muscle tension.
Pain Relief
Many individuals report a reduction in pain, especially related to musculoskeletal issues like back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Stress Reduction
By improving energy flow and enhancing relaxation, Spinal Flow may help to reduce chronic stress, which in turn can improve mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility
Restoring energy flow is believed to improve overall flexibility and mobility in the body, allowing individuals to move with more ease.
Holistic Healing
The technique aims to support the body’s natural healing abilities, addressing both the physical and energetic aspects of health.
Who Can Benefit?
Spinal Flow Technique can be used by individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors. It is often used for:
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Chronic pain or stiffness
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Headaches or migraines
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Postural issues
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Stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges
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General health optimization and energy flow
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More mental awareness, calm, clarity and empowerment
Core Concepts of Spinal Flow Technique:
Spinal Health and the Nervous System:
The technique is rooted in the idea that the spine plays a central role in maintaining the function of the nervous system, which controls and coordinates every single function in the body. Misalignments, tensions, or blockages in the spine (often referred to as "subluxations" or in Spinal Flow Technique, blockages) can lead to dysfunction or interference in the nervous system, which in turn can manifest as physical or emotional health problems. Within the autonomic nervous system, we have our sympathetic nervous system which protects us during times of threat. Whether it is a physical, emotional or chemical threat; if the body experiences something it doesn't like it goes into protection mode or what’s commonly referred to as fight, flight, freeze. Curling in to protect the heart, ramping up adrenals and hormones. To balance that out, we have our parasympathetic nervous system referred to as rest/ digest mode. It is designed to bring our levels back down to their natural state after the threat has passed bringing calm and ease back into the body. This is part of the body’s natural healing cycle. In today's society however, we're inundated with stress on a daily basis which makes it hard for that natural balance to take place. When stress isn't properly processed it remains stored in the nervous system which is housed within the spine. This is even more prevalent with emotional stress or traumatic life events. Every time we replay a stressful event in our mind, our body can't differentiate that the threat is in the past. This reactivates the fight/ flight response and all the ramped up levels of the sympathetic nervous system and keeps the body stuck in fight/ flight. This is often why, years of talk therapy doesn’t help as much as we are thought to believe it should. Emotional stress plays a huge part in our physical health. Whatever the stress or threat, regardless of how many years ago it happened, remains stuck in the nervous system if the proper cycle of healing wasn’t allowed wasn’t allowed to complete itself at the time.
Energy Flow:
Spinal Flow is based on the concept that the body has a natural energy flow, sometimes referred to as "life force energy" or "innate intelligence." If the nervous system is the main engine of our body, cerebral spinal fluid or CSF is the gas. This energy is thought to move freely through the spine and nervous system when the body is in alignment. Disruptions in this flow—caused by physical trauma, years of stress, or emotional blockages—can lead to a kink in the line, that is not allowing the full flow of CSF (gas) to properly run our body’s main engine, our nervous system. The Spinal Flow Technique aims to restore the natural flow of energy or cerebral spinal fluid, by removing the layers of stress and blockages by promoting increased flow in conjunction with sending small signals to the brain; thereby promoting self-healing and improved health.
Gentle Touch and Specific Adjustments:
The technique employs a light, non-invasive touch along the spine to detect and address areas where the flow of energy is blocked or restricted. This touch is subtle, with the practitioner often using their hands to sense changes in the body’s energy and make very gentle contact to activate the body’s own self-healing mechanisms and encourage the restoration of energy flow of the CSF. This is done with a one finger contact on key access points on the sacrum which is primary or cranium which is the secondary area for access points. The contact of these access points causes a regeneration of the body’s natural
healing system. Although the terminology is similar, this is not Cranial Sacral Therapy.
Awareness and Mind-Body Connection:
One of the key principles of Spinal Flow Technique is the idea of increasing the individual’s awareness of their body and mind. The technique aims to help patients tune into their internal sensations and recognize areas of tension or discomfort, which can help them achieve a greater mind-body connection. It encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional release during treatment.
Holistic Healing:
Spinal Flow is often considered a holistic healing approach, addressing not just physical symptoms but also emotional and energetic imbalances and how carrying years of stress has a huge impact on overall health. The technique aims to help individuals achieve greater balance in all areas of life, enhancing physical vitality, emotional well-being, and mental clarity.
What Happens During a Session?
Initial Assessment:
A session typically begins with a consultation where the practitioner asks about the individual’s health history, physical complaints, and any emotional or mental stresses. The practitioner will also perform an assessment to determine where there may be restrictions or misalignments in the spine that could be causing interference in the energy flow
Spinal Flow Activation:
The practitioner then uses their hands to apply a light touch along the access points on the sacrum and sphenoid / occiput area of the skull. The goal is to gently "unlock" areas of tension and allow the body to release blockages by promoting the flow of the cerebral spinal fluid.
Is It Safe?
Spinal Flow Technique is a safe and gentle technique. There are no contraindications with Spinal Flow Technique whatsoever.
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Spinal Flow Technique offers a gentle, holistic approach to spinal health and energy flow. By addressing blockages or imbalances in the nervous system, it aims to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While it shares similarities with other bodywork techniques like chiropractic and osteopathic care, it distinguishes itself by emphasizing the energetic aspect of health and healing from the body's own healing mechanism of the nervous system and cerebral spinal fluid. It is best suited for those looking for a non-invasive treatment that focuses on restoring balance and supporting the body's natural healing processes from the inside out.​
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Spinal Flow (SFI) is for me?
Everyone with a spine can benefit from SFT whether an eldery, a baby (even animals) to relieve trauma and stressors on the nervous systems. SFT is a gentle, safe and non-invasive form of modality to promote innate healing abilities to resore wellbeing holistically.
What are the benefits of SFT?
The benefits are endless including improvement in mental, emotional and physical symptoms such less pain, better movement / flexibility and posture. After a session some clients report better sleep, less anxiety, more energy, feeling light, more relaxed and better coping with daily life.
What to wear during sessions?
All sessions are done while fully clothed. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Avoid denim, leggings, waist bands, belts, and any bulky or restrictive clothing. Wear clothing that will allow better point of contact along your spine and for your personal comfort.
What should i expect during the session?
Initial sessions take up to 1-1.5 hours, and the follow-up sessions last 30 - 60 minutes typically. During the session, you lay faced *down on the massage table as i use gentle physical touch on precise access points of your back, and neck to connect with your nervous system. Throughout the session, you are not required to do anything but tune inward and listen to your body. During the session, some may experience connected to their body, relaxed, or being in a meditative state. This is all normal as layers of emotional, chemical, or physical stressors are getting cleared. (Modified positioning can be discussed)
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