Neuro-Spinal Integration (NSI) Seminar

 

Course Objective: To educate chiropractors and chiropractic students on the neurological and structural effects of tensegrity on the body and to offer a systematic approach for enhancing somatic awareness and promoting a greater participation of wellness between nervous system and spinal system.

Statement of Purpose: To share practical information in support of advancing the knowledge and resources of attendees through the neurological-structural relationship and its influence on wellness and wellness practices.

Overview of Course: This program will progress through the four main types of wellness care, each correlating directly to the four main objectives of the wellness patient: 1) Release and/or unwinding of spinal tension; 2) Maintenance (somatic education); 3) Neuro-spinal alignment to promote self-directing strategies of wellness; 4) Excitation of parasympathetic dominance for rest, relaxation, and peace.

Neuro-Spinal Integration (NSI) respects neurological and musculoskeletal tensegrity and their functional relationship to each other. As the neural and spinal systems become more aware of each other, the body supports improvements in optimal spinal health and functionality. With NSI, the neural system and chiropractor work together as a team to address structural changes so the spine expresses its most dynamic (optimal) state of alignment.

The neuro-spinal system is the main coordinating system for transmitting the wisdom within the body. If a disruption of communication occurs between nervous system and spinal system, the body loses the ability to self-regulate properly. To maintain the highest potential for health, we maintain a neuro-spinal system free of any interference.

By clearing the way between nerve system and spine, we enhance the communication of the body's inborn intelligence. Instead of any aberrant communication driving the functionality of the body, the wisdom of a freely functioning neuro-spinal system ensures a properly functioning body. As we have come to appreciate, the healthy functioning body needs no help. It simply needs no interference.

The subluxation hinders the full expression of one's optimal potential for health. Acting as a blockage between neural function and spinal function, a subluxation directs chiropractors where to place attention to support the free flow of innate intelligence through the body.

Chiropractors are able to correct subluxations using a host of different methods. In recognizing the intimate connection between neural system and spinal function, NSI places foundational focus on the neurological component for creating greater spinal health. Using the model of tensegrity, chiropractors address the body "in a manner consistent with the desired results." NSI gives chiropractors a cohesive vehicle for supporting the coherent expression of optimal health.

To understand the mechanism of NSI, we look closely at tensegrity. All cells, including neural cells, exhibit the qualities of tensegrity (tensional integrity). Tensegrity describes the complex interrelationship among all the structural components of the body that exists at every detectable size scale in the human body. Tensegrity represents the understanding that energy is neither created nor destroy as it relates to the distribution of forces throughout a structural system. Whether we look at a neural cell or the spine, tensegrity explains the transfer or exchange of forces on the system. Tensegrity explains why stress to one area of the body affects the overall functionality of the body.

The nervous system is responsible for the body being a receptive-based system. Through a complex matrix of receptor sites throughout the body, the nervous system perceives internal and external changes in the environment. As tensegrity explains the mechanism for structural changes occurring throughout the body, the nervous system is responsible to perceiving, responding, and adapting to these changes. The correlation between nervous system and spine is so great, in fact, it is reasonable to consider the spine itself is a main receptor site for the nervous system. Of course, the spine--in conjunction with the muscular system--is more familiarly known as providing stabilization, protection, and movement.

NSI addresses the body through specific "spinal contact sites" to affect a positive change throughout the body. Using an integrative system of analysis, NSI addresses the sensory and motor systems at the proper point along either the afferent or efferent pathway to support the dissemination and dissipation of energy through the body.

Dissemination involves the distribution of the body's inborn intelligence to "spinal target sites" to: 1) support the recuperative powers of the body and 2) maintain an optimal expression of health. Dissipation involves the release and unwinding of high tension in overstressed, non-adaptive areas of the body to facilitate a healthier spinal tone.

The entire approach of NSI centers around the delivery system. NSI uses posture, tone, and body dynamics to assess the current functional state of the body. By combining multiple parameters of the body in one system, NSI offers a proper application and delivery of the adjustment.

The Pre-threshold Adjustment or low-force application does not result in the release of gas from osseous joint spaces. The Threshold Adjustment occurs exactly at the point of release and represents the minimal amount of force (depth) necessary to physically align and increase motion of the spine. The Post-threshold Adjustment occurs at a deeper level of the spine and represents the proper application of depth on hypotonic areas of the spine.

NSI combines where and how to adjust the spine using a progressive understanding of both the role and expansive capabilities of the neurological system to enhance health and quality of life. NSI provides a cohesive way to support articular changes resulting in greater life expression. By properly utilizing the unconditional integrity of the nervous system, NSI gives chiropractors solid ground for establishing and carrying out proper management for care.

 

Dr. Michael A. Scimeca

1140 Alpharetta Street, Suite 4B

Roswell, GA 30075

770-912-9197

send e-mail