Massage Articles
Gua Sha
The Biological Effects of Deeksha
Gua sha is an ancient East Asian healing technique taught by only a handful of Western practitioners. In China and Vietnam, gua sha is commonly used to relieve the aches and fever associated with the common cold. The Greeks used a similar technique in their daily massage regiments to invigorate the blood and relieve pain. In recent times, the technique has been passed over and considered a mere folk remedy just as massage and herbalism were just 15 years ago.
David S. Fofweiler, D.C. and Owen T. Lynch, D.C.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Volume 18, Number 1, January, 1995
ABSTRACT:
INTRODUCTION:
Gua Sha
Gua sha can be used to address various sorts of conditions. Most commonly used to treat body pain, to boost the immune system and to relieve symptoms of the common cold, this modality can also be used to generally balance the flow of qi through the meridians, to resolve certain psychospiritual issues and to innervate areas of poor circulation such as adipose tissue which can have both a detoxifying and contouring effect.
Gua sha provides lasting relief for chronic pain. There are a variety of both western and eastern mechanisms that contribute to and explain the results.
As the practitioner strokes over muscle spasms that have become entrenched “knots”, the pain-spasm-pain cycle which keeps muscles tensed in a protective response is broken allowing the muscle to relax.
Stroking over an area brings blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to tissue that has been deprived. The blood then carries away built up toxins like lactic acid.
Frictioning the tissue warms the underlying support structure, fascia. Fascia crystallizes and individual strands begin to “glue” together for various reasons including misuse, repetitive trauma, overuse and deposits of toxins. Warming this tissue returns it to its natural gelatinous state and releases any adhesions that may have formed.
Once muscular tension and adhesions are released, the body is able to realize its original structure.
Eastern philosophies recognize that exogenous factors like wind, heat, cold, and damp become trapped in the exterior layer of the body causing pain by obstructing the flow of qi and blood in the channels. Gua sha techniques are the most effective way of releasing these pathogens from the exterior and encouraging the free flow of qi and blood.
Besides pain relief, Gua sha has many other benefits.
By removing meridian obstructions, gua sha promotes the free flow of qi and blood, balancing the body and addressing almost any presenting illness.
Blood stasis impedes the production of new blood. Once the stagnation is removed with gua sha, new blood will be created again. Blood is the material basis of our minds. When deficient of blood, the individual will have a hard time with self esteem issues, creating boundaries and emotional flexibility. Blood deficiency will present a variety of other problems including muscular pain and lack of flexibility, lack of energy, dizziness, etc… By engendering the production of new blood, gua sha will treat both the psychospiritual and the physical problems associated with blood deficiency.
Just like Rolfing or other modalities of deep bodywork, gua sha can instigate emotional release. If the muscles are “holding” emotions, as they relax, these emotions will be freed and should be accepted, experienced, and resolved. As this happens, old issues that have been trapped in the muscles of the body will be resolved.
Gua sha acts on fascia. Every organ, nerve, vein, artery, and muscle is sheathed in envelopes of fascia. By stroking the superficial fascia, deeper structures will be affected and their performance will be enhanced.
Lymph glands and vessels are located in the fascia. The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess interstitial fluid from tissue, transporting dietary lipids from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood, and protecting against invasion through immune response. Gua sha will promote the circulation of lymph and free any restrictions within the lymphatic system.
Gua sha enhances circulation in general providing undernourished areas with blood to both feed tissue and remove waste products. As an area is innervated, it will be detoxified and toned by the deep massaging action of gua sha.
A session of gua sha will last from fifteen to forty five minutes depending on how many areas will be addressed. As with any sort of bodywork, the areas treated will include both the site of pain and also areas that contribute to the condition – primarily the back, legs, arms, and chest.
First, oil or lotion will be applied. Then, the practitioner will use a smooth edged tool to stroke over the area. Stroking will continue until the sha is released.
A red rash called petechiae will appear as the sha releases. Various qualities of the rash offer clues as to the nature and severity of the condition being addressed. It will take several days for the rash to fade. Stretching and light aerobic exercise like walking will hasten the rash’s healing.
Gua sha is not unlike a very deep massage. One moment might feel excruciatingly intense, the next overwhelmingly relaxing. The practitioner will respond to your level of sensitivity; however, as with the rest of our existence, there are often moments of discomfort that cannot be avoided in order to bring about growth and healing.
After a session, one should be sure to rest and relax. Also, drink a large amount of water to clear all the toxins released by the treatment. If not, the toxins will settle back into the tissue causing stiffness and soreness or even nausea and lightheadedness.
One should avoid alcohol, caffeine and strenuous exercise after a gua sha treatment.
Gua sha is an indispensable tool in the treatment of chronic pain. In fact, it is a relevant tool in treating almost any disorder given its ability to clear stagnation, to engender the creation of blood, to release the exterior and to innervate and detoxify tissue.
The Biological Effects of Deeksha
by German particle physicist, Christian Optiz
Deeksha and Brain Scans
During a recent stay at the Oneness University, I had the opportunity to measure the brains of several people at different
stages of the diksha process, using a very sensitive electromagnetic sensor. At first, I examined several participants of the
10 day deepening course who had already gone through the 21day course several months earlier. All of them showed the
brain patterns of enlightenment: A greatly decreased level of activity in the parietal lobes and enhanced activity in the
frontal lobes, with a dominance of the left frontal lobe. This is particularly important, because the difference between
genuine spirtual awakening and pathological mystical experiences that make a person more neurotic lies in the dominance
of the frontal lobes: Overactivity on the right side is problematic, whereas a healthy integration of spiritual awakening into
human life always comes with left frontal lobe dominance. These findings where also confirmed by Ralf Franziskowski, a
medical doctor specialized in psychosomatic medicine, who scanned people with an AMSAT diagnostic device. We
purposefully used two very different technologies to cross-check our findings.
One very interesting aspect of these findings was that the brain hardware of these people was more reflective of
permanent enlightenment than their current conscious experience. It seems that diksha first installs the neurobiological
hardware of enlightenment and the software in form of the experience slowly catches up. This makes a lot of sense to
me. So often people have access to great awakenings, but do not have the prepared brain to sustain and integrate such
awakenings. All the problems of “ungrounded” spiritual awakening have to do with this discrepancy. If the order is
reversed, it dramatically increases the chances of enlightenment being complete and easy to integrate into human life……
Although this study does not address those that have received individual deeksha outside of the programs in India, my
observation is that you are experiencing a profound neurological rewiring as well. Both your direct individual experience
as well as a quick reading of the book of Awakening makes this obvious to yourself as well as the casual observer.
Now, from a different perspective, Christian Opitz explains what happens on a biochemical level when you attend deeksha
for some time:
Diksha and the Hormones of Joy
Until now, I mostly emphasized the effect of diksha on various brain centers in my writings. An equally important aspect
of the process of awakening the brain is the change in hormone and neurotransmitter production. I would like to give an
overview of some of the significant changes in regards to hormones and neurotransmitters that I have found in people
who have been receiving diksha for a while. First, let’s take a look at some of the important neurochemicals and their
effect on our experience of life:
Dopamine
Produced in the substantia nigra in the mid – brain, this important neurotransmitter is almost always out of balance in
modern people. We need sufficient dopamine to feel alive, vibrant, to be able to concentrate and have good discernment.
Lack of dopamine leads to boredom, depression, brain fog, one merely exists but is not truly alive. This is turn leads to
cravings for dopamine stimulation, mostly through destructive means. Intense but short – lived dopamine stimulants are
for example cocaine, amphetamines, junk food, aggressive behaviors and conflicts with other people. Those suffering
from ADD are restless and often have hyperaggressive tendencies because they are desperately trying to stimulate some
dopamine production.
Too much dopamine at once leads to a dulling of the dopamine receptors and that in turn has undesirable consequences.
Delusions, including hallucinations that are mistaken for genuine mystical experiences, often go together with prolonged
overproduction of dopamine. People addicted to computer games have similar dopamine imbalances, which shows an
interesting correlation between the addictions to virtual realities, whether on a computer screen or on the screen of one’s
own mind. In some people, excessive dopamine can lead to stuttering. People who stutter usually have twice as much
dopamine in their system that average people.
It is easy to see that for a balanced spiritual awakening, we want a consistent level of dopamine without the detrimental
effects of extreme highs and lows. A consistent dopamine production goes hand in hand with awakened frontal lobes,
which Bhagavan associates with God – Realization. Given the fact that dopamine is essential to feel truly alive, it makes
sense that we need it to also feel the Source of all life.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the hormone of love, open – heartedness and gratitude. Happily married people produce more oxytocin,
relationship stress severely decreases it. Oxytocin is the neurochemical foundation for compassion, for truly caring for
others. When we care for others, we ourselves are rewarded many times over, because oxytocin regenerates the body and
induces a very deep sense of well – being. Love is great health insurance because of oxytocin. Indifference and cruelty are
accompanied by very low levels of this hormone. I assume that these biochemical facts are one of the reasons behind
Bhagavan’s emphasis on setting right relationships.
The production of oxytocin is severely hindered in most people today and this often starts at birth. In the late 1940s,
medicine began to use drugs at birth as if it was some kind of disease. Among those drug, petocin (synthetic oxytocin) is
used to induce contractions and thus birth, on the hospital’s schedule instead of following the natural interaction between
baby and mother. Whenever we receive a huge dose of a synthetic version of a hormone, our receptors are overwhelmed
and the body’s own production can be compromised. If this happens at birth, there can be permanent damage and a life –
long pattern of producing too little oxytocin. It does not help much that the most important bonding phase between mother
and child right after birth has become a medical procedure of taking blood, measuring the baby, cutting the umbilical cord
too early and not allowing the baby a direct bonding with the mother and thus a gentle entrance into this world. The
combination of petocin and the lack of empathy for the newborn baby in medicalized birth procedures is almost certain to
severely compromise oxytocin production.
It is interesting to note that heavy drug use at birth, from petocin to pain killers to even some psychedelic substances that
are no longer used, was introduced after WWII. When the first generation of babies who came into this world on drugs
had arrived at young adulthood in the 1960s, they where the first generation to seek a deeper meaning of life through
drugs. I believe the lack of natural oxytocin caused by drug use at the entrance into life can set up a strong recapitulation
pattern of seeking life through drugs.
Cortisol
The opposite in terms of effects on our life experience of oxytocin is cortisol, the stress and death hormone. We need
cortisol in life – threatening situations, but, as Dr. Hans Selye discovered, we tend to overproduce it much of the time
when there is no threat to survival in sight. On cortisol, all of life takes on the quality of struggle, including relationships
and even the spiritual search. Cortisol activates the parietal lobes, which are supposed to give us a sense of our physical
boundaries. When overactive, this sense of physical separateness is extended to our general experience of ourselves and
we then feel existentially separate. This is at least part of the reason why Bhagavan emphasizes the deactivation of the
parietal lobes. Cortisol makes us walk around with chronically overactivated parietal lobes. In that state, we are not able to
feel our feelings fully, to embrace ourselves as we are.
Being in the here and now, being in the flow, requires abundant oxytocin, sufficient dopamine and low levels of cortisol.
The effects of Diksha
Although it is very difficult to measure hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain directly, electromagnetic signature
testing allows for some conclusions about the effects of diksha in this regard. One of the main effects I have found with
people who have been receiving diksha for a year or longer is a regeneration of receptors for both dopamine and oxytocin.
This automatically leads to greater efficiency of these neurochemicals and a decrease in cortisol production. Diksha can
also regenerate the substantia nigra, where dopamine is produced and this directly shows up in changed electromagnetic
brain patterns. Many times I have observed a natural release of addictive patterns through diksha that where clearly related
to low dopamine levels. Another interesting parameter is the electromagnetic communication between the brain and the
heart. This seems to progressively get stronger in people through diksha and is one of the most important energetic
correlation's of the flowering of the heart and true compassion. In some of the Dasas and in Ron Roth, this connection
was off the charts when I measured them. Oxytocin is the biochemical bridge between the brain and heart. From the data
I have gathered so far, diksha seems to be effective in strongly enhancing oxytocin in the vast majority of people. I also
believe that this is one of the aspects of birth trauma that can be healed through diksha and that this effect makes diksha so
worthwhile for children. Even though children are not supposed to enter into an enlightenment process, growing up with
lots of oxytocin will give them a much more beautiful life experience.
Finally, the neurochemical effects of diksha are one reason why other methods people utilize for inner transformation can
become so much more effective when people receive diksha. If someone does not need meditation anymore to lower
cortisol, meditation can go to much deeper levels right away. If emotional or physical healing work is done on a person
who already has high levels of oxytocin, the receptivity to receive healing is enhanced. The synergy of diksha with specific
methods of inner transformation is a fascinating subject for more exploration and the role of neurochemicals is essential
for the effects such synergies produce.
Objective: To demonstrate the use of nasal specific technique in conjunction with other chiropractic interventions in managing chronic head pain.
Clinic Features: A 41-yr-old woman was treated for chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches. She had suffered weight loss and pain over a 2-month period.
Intervention and Outcome: Chiropractic manipulation and soft tissue manipulation administered 2-6 times per month for approximately 1 yr had minimal long-term effect on the patient's head pain. When additional interventions (nasal specific technique and light force cranial adjusting) were added to the treatment regimen, significant relief of symptoms was achieved
after the nasal specific technique was performed. The duration of the relief increased with successive therapeutic sessions, with minimally persistent symptoms after 2 months of therapy. '
Conclusion: The nasal specific technique,when used in conjunction with other therapies, may be useful in treating chronic sinus inflammation and pain. Further investigation is needed to
identify the usefulness of the nasal specific technique as an independent intervention, the use of the technique in
other types of patients and presentations, and the mechanism of therapeutic benefit. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1995; 18:38-41).
Key Indexing Terms: Chiropractic, Sinusitis, Headache, Facial Pain.
The "nasal specific" technique has been in use in the Pacific Northwest for many decades. Janse et al. (1), in 1947, de-scribed a technique for distention of the nasal chamber by using a "carefully lubricated and sterile finger cot" attached to the detached cuff of a sphygmomanometer. The cot is inserted into the nasal chamber and inflated by squeezing the bulb of the folded sphygmomanometer cuff. They describe using a slow increase in bulb pressure that causes "a widening and distention of all the sinus openings" into the meatus. Janse advocated releasing the bulb and repeating the procedure several times. No indication or contraindications for the procedure were given in the text.
Finnell describes the nasal specific procedure for use decongesting the nares and treating sinusitis and certain types of asthma in his 1951 edition EENT manual (2) and again in his 1955 manual (3).
He describes attaching a single finger cot to the bulb of a "blood pressure instrument" with its valve. He advocated attaching the cot to the bulb with a rubber band and inflating it to the size of a fist to check for leaks. The cot is deflated and wetted with cold water. Standing beside the patient with the head supported, the cot is introduced into the nose with a lubricated wooden applicator along the floor of the
Private practice of chiropractic. Faculty, Western States Chiropractic College, and private practice of chiropractic.
Submit reprint requests to: David S. Folweiler, D.C., Pacific Clinic, 833 SW 11th Avenue, Suite 715, Portland, OR 97205.
Paper submitted January 10, 1994; in revised form May 6, 1994.
inferior meatus. When the cot is inserted as far as possible, 
the wooden applicator is removed, the valve closed, and the nostrils squeezed closed. The cot is inflated with a quick pressure on the bulb, forcing the inflated cot into the throat. He de-scribes leaving the cot inflated for 1-2 min in the middle and lower meatus. A sharp instrument is kept handy for piercing the cot in the mouth, if necessary.
Chiropractor and naturopath J. Richard Stober is widely credited for refining and popularizing the technique in the Pacific Northwest. Stober's technique is similar to Finnell's except that two to five nested latex finger cots coated with water-soluble lubricant are used. The technique is applied in the following pattern: right lower meatus, left lower meatus, right middle meatus, left middle meatus, right upper meatus, left upper meatus, right lower meatus and left lower meatus; Stober would start on either side as clinical conditions warranted, but the alternation of sides and vertical order remained the same. The number of cots used varies depending on the desired
force of exertion on the mucosa and facial bones; a larger number of nested cots requires a greater bulb pressure
to inflate and thus exerts a greater pressure against the walls of the nasal cavity.
After the cots are tied onto the sphygmomanometer inflation bulb (preferably a trigger release model) with thread or other suitable media, the cots are lubricated with water soluble jelly and gently inserted into the desired meatus with the broken end of a flat toothpick. Care should be taken to avoid irritating the mucosal tissue with the toothpick. Once the nested cots have been fully inserted, the toothpick is removed; the patient inhales fully (to prevent aspiration of a cot frag-ment, should it break); the nares are squeezed closed to prevent
passage of the cots anteriorly out the nares during inflation, and the bulb is squeezed or pumped until a sudden decrease in bulb pressure is felt as the cots expand posteriorly past the firmer facial and cranial bones into the softer tissues of the nasopharynx and soft palate. Once the change in bulb pressure is perceived, the cots are deflated quickly to minimize patient discomfort (Stober did not advocate inflating the cot into the mouth, nor sustaining inflation). The technique is repeated with the remaining meatus in the order described above.
It is common for the patient to hear "cracking" or "popping" sounds within the skull during the technique. Occasionally, they can be perceived by the practitioner. Patients frequently describe the first treatment as uncomfortable or painful, similar in sensation to aspirating water into the nasal passage. Successive treatments are typically progressively more tolerable. Tenderness following the treatment along the median palatine suture or other facial sutures is common, persisting for a few hours or a few days.
Epistaxis can occur, but is not commonly long in duration nor large in volume. To avoid unnecessary trauma and prolonged epistaxis, the patient is advised to blow the nose gently into a tissue following the treatment, until the presence or absence of epistaxis is known. 
Practitioners are advised to be prepared for more severe epistaxis, and to avoid using the technique with patients on anticoagulant medications or with known hemorrhagic disorders. Caution should be taken in using the technique when histories of facial trauma exist, although anecdotal reports describe lasting pain relief when the technique is applied to patients with histories of facial fractures and deviated septums.
Berman (4) describes the therapeutic application of Stobers' technique or use with headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, chronic nasal and sinus congestion, and infection. He reports that patient response is often dramatic and long lasting. Berman also reported other improvements including "greater facial symmetry, less need for orthodontic intervention, fewer disorders of visual refraction, less earaches and ear infections, less mouth breathing, improved balance and coordination, fewer spinal complaints, and improved mental abilities." Berman offers that correction of "skull dysfunction" is the mechanism by which the technique is effective. He admits that no proof of such claims exists other than anecdotal evidence, including his direct experience.
No articles appear available in the scientific literature that examine the efficacy of the nasal specific technique for treating any pathology. Searching for such literature uncovered one unpublished study by Nyiendo and Goldeen (5). Their study concluded that claims for improved vision and hearing following nasal specific treatment could neither be supported nor refuted. They did find, however, changes in craniofacial measurements that did not reach significance when compared to a control (sham-treated) group. They did not examine the use of the nasal specific technique for complaints of sinusitis and/or sinus headaches.
CASE REPORT:
A 41-yr-old woman presented to the Eastside Community Clinic, a satellite clinic of Western States Chiropractic Clinic, complaining of inexplicable weight loss, chronic constant pain over temporal region of the head (typically right sided), chronic pain and pressure sensations over her frontal and maxillary sinuses, and posterior neck and upper thoracic pain. The weight loss was 14 pounds over a period of 2 months. which occurred despite a reportedly large caloric intake. She reported no night sweats, fever, lymphadenopathy, changes in bowel or bladder habits, nor any decrease in appetite.
Her past history was significant for sexual, physical and emotional abuse, hepatitis B infection, and intravenous nar-cotic and alcohol addictions. Her memory of the abuse was unclear; she could not recall specifics of the injuries she suffered. She had been "clean and sober" for nearly 3 yr and her current partner is nonabusive and supportive.
Her past treatment included
a year of chiropractic manipulative therapy and soft tissue manipulation that gave her some relief from her spinal discomfort, but did not give her significant or long-lasting relief. She had also been prescribed butalbital (a barbiturate) and Beconase (beclomethasone, a steroid), both of which she takes on a regular basis.
On examination, she appeared subdued and moved her head slowly and cautiously. Her voice tone suggested nasal and/or sinus congestion. Her height was 5'6". Her weight was 124 pounds, down from 138 less than 2 months prior. Numerous segmental motion restrictions (6) were found throughout her spine, especially in her upper cervical vertebrae. Her suboccipital, levator scapula, rhomboid, and upper trapezius muscles were taut and tender bilaterally; numerous trigger points (7) were found throughout these muscles. On palpation, motion of the cranial and facial bones was restricted and abnormal (8).
A complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis (UA) and nonfasting serum chemistry panel were performed. The CBC and UA were unremarkable. The serum chemistry panel revealed slightly decreased glucose, slightly elevated cholesterol and elevated liver enzymes.
She was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches with concomitant cervical and upper thoracic myofascitis. No underlying pathology responsible for the weight loss was uncovered. The elevated liver enzymes were attributable to a past and current history of drug use, past alcohol use and past history of hepatitis B.
Treatment consisted of the nasal specific procedure (earlier with two cots, then later with three cots], chiropractic manipulative therapy (9), ischemic pressure to trigger points (10), and light force cranial manipulation (as described by Upledger and Vredevoogd (11) and others]. Treatment was given 15 times over a period of 2 months. The nasal specific procedure was included for 10 of those treatments.
Over the 2 months of treatment, her headaches reduced significantly in intensity and frequency. During the second month of treatment, she had only one slight headache. Typically, her headaches would resolve immediately following the nasal specific therapy. She also reported increased amounts ofpost-nasal drainage immediately following the treatment and continuing for several days post-treatment, increased visual acuity, increased sense of smell, the ability to taste her nasal medication (Beconase) in the back of her mouth, increased sensitivity to her medications, and an increased ease of sleep and breathing.
As an apparent side effect of the nasal specific therapy, she reported a feeling of dissociation immediately following the treatment, and occasional strong emotional reactions starting a few minutes after the treatment and lasting from 1-10 hr. She was not uncomfortable with these side effects, and over the 2 months expressed tremendous gratitude for relief of her headaches. Her affect appeared to change from subdued to cheerful, bubbly and positive over the 2 months. She also reported an increased ability to handle stress successfully. As she expressed it, "I'm learning to live life without headaches".
DISCUSSION:
This case illustrates treatment of chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches by means of nasal specific technique, chiropractic manipulative therapy, trigger point therapy and light force cranial manipulation.
Numerous threats to validation exist due to the design of the study (single subject, subjective evaluation). Generalization to other patients, doctors and variations in technique is very limited. The short follow-up period also threatens validity.
Since the nasal specific procedure was used in conjunction with other techniques, the effectiveness of the nasal specific technique is not completely known. However, as noted above, the patient had received a year of chiropractic manipulative therapy and soft tissue manipulation without significant longterm change in her head pain before the addition of the nasal specific technique and light force cranial manipulation. In addition, the patient consistently reported an immediate cessation of head pain following inflation of the cots. Given the immediate pain relief following the nasal specific procedure (and not following the other interventions or during insertion of the cots), a hypothesis relating the effectiveness of cot inflation during the nasal specific technique in treating sinus headaches can be formed.
Numerous theories could be used to explain the benefits of the nasal specific technique for chronic sinusitis. One such explanation may be the direct elimination of mucous from the nasal cavity by the force of the inflated cot, thus reducing pressure and pain and allowing increased sinus and nasal drainage.
It is also possible that pressure against the thin, slightly pliable bones surrounding the sinuses allows equalization of pressure in the sinus to that of the atmosphere. Scuba divers report immediate cessation of sinus and middle ear pain with equalization of pressure in the sinuses and middle ear with the atmosphere; the nasal specific technique could cause a similar equalization, thus explaining the immediate cessation of sinus pain following application.
It is also possible that a neural reflex exists by which the nasal specific technique causes mucous thinning and/or altered
discharge. Mechanically compressing edematous tissues may result in a vascular response that leads to normalization of function. This sort of neural or vascular response may be responsible for some of the after-effects of the technique: increased sinus drainage, mucous thinning, longer-term pain relief, etc.
Another theory might relate the restoration of "normal" cranial motion with enhanced physiological functioning. Upledger relates several cranial dysfunctions to chronic sinusitis. Magoun (12) suggests that alterations in cranial motion contribute to sinusitis._Berman (4), Frymann (13) and Sutherland (14) also have contributed to the theory that abnormal cranial motion and function are related to pathophysiology. It is possible that the therapeutic effect of the nasal specific technique is created, in part, via the correction of alterations in cranial motion which may predispose a patient to chronic sinus infec-tion. The patient often reports hearing "popping" and/or "clicking" within the head during the procedure. It has been suggested that these noises may be due to the movement of cranial bones relative to each other and possibly small "cavitations" with the sutures. If alterations in cranial bone position or movement and/or pathophysiological sutural relationships cause head pain, then the immediate cessation of head pain following the technique may be due to induction of movement between cranial bones, similar to the reduction of spinal pain following manipulation, as suggested by Berman.
CONCLUSION:
Further study is necessary to determine the validity of the nasal specific technique for use in treating patients with chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches. Objectification of patients' pain level, the use of controls (untreated or shamtreated), and a longer follow-up period could increase validity. Use of the nasal specific as sole treatment may also help isolate its effects from that of the combination of therapies used in this case study. Research into the therapeutic mechanism of the nasal specific procedure is also lacking.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
The principal author wishes to thank Robert Homa-Godreau, D.C. for introducing him to the nasal specific technique. Special thanks are also given to Lester Lamm, D.C. and Steve Oliver, D.C., for continuing instruction in the nasal specific technique at Western States Chiropractic College.
REFERENCES:
1. Janse 1, Houser RH. Wells BF. Chiropractic principles and technic. Chicago: National College of Chiropractic, 1947: 623.
2. Finnel FL. Constructive chiropractic and endonasal-aural and allied office techniques for eye-car-nose and throat. lst ed.
Portland, OR: Ryder Printing Co., 1950: 145-9.
3. Finnell FL. Constructive chiropractic and endonasal-aural and allied office techniques for eye-ear-nose and throat. 3rd ed.
Portland, OR: Ryder Printing Co.. 1955: 149-50.
4. Berman S. Skull dysfunction. Cranio 1991: 9:268-79, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological nerapeutics volume 18, Number 1, January, 1995
Nasal Specific Technique, Folweiler and Lynch
5. Nyiendo J. Goldeen A. A study of the effects of the nasal specific technique on vision, hearing, and dental/craniofacial measurements. Western States Chiropractic College Library, 1981.
6. Gatterman MI, et al. Chiropractic management of spine related disorders. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1990; 75-7.
7. Travell JG, Simons DG. Myofascial pain and dysfunction. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1983; 1:59-62.
8. Magoun HI. Glossary of terms relating to osteopathy in the cranial field. Denver:' Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation, 1966.
9. Gatterman MI. Chiropractic management of spine related disorders. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1990: 118-23, 1428,187-99,223-30.
10. Travell JG, Simons DG. Myofascial pain and dysfunction. Bal-timore: Williams and Wilkins, 1983; 1:86.
11. Upledger JE, Vredevoogd JD. Craniosacral therapy. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1983.
12. Magoun HI. Osteopathy in the cranial field. Kirksville, MO: Journal Printing Company, 1966: 289-91.
13. Frymann VM. A study of the rhythmic motions of the living cranium. JAOA 1970: 928-45.
14. Sutherland WG. The cranial bowl. Free Press Company, 1948.
Skull Joint Pathology and The Need For Treatment
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Birth molding is often the most serious head injury that an individual will ever
suffer. Birth molding is usually the first injury that an individual will suffer.
Birth attendants usually say these severe subluxations and dislocations of the
skull are benign and self-correcting, and no treatment is applied to correct the
neonate's traumatized skull - even in severe cases (Ehrenfest, Baxter, Swartz,
DeSouza et al., Kriewall et al., Sorbe & Dalhgren.
I suggest, however, that treatment of this widely recognized trauma is both logical
and prudent. A few authors have suggested treating birth molding. Swartz, in his monumental
review of birth injury, including a bibliography with more than 2,000 references,
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issues an eloquent plea for
attention to prevention and treatment of this earliest
trauma.
Papers by Clarren et al. and Clarren report the use of a "helmet therapy" to reverse
birth molding of the cranial portion of the skull. In this treatment, the skull
is forced to conform to a helmet, which the child may wear for several years.
A 1986 editorial in Lancet also advocated the need for development of strategies
for treatment of these widespread but unattended injuries to our children.
The Birth Process
We are, with the exception of cesarean birth, born through the pelvises of our mothers.
The pelvis is the boney obstacle that the mother presents to the birth. The fetus/neonate
presents its head as the major boney obstacle to the birth. It is commonly accepted
that impact between these boney structures damages both mother and child. 
Cephalo-pelvic disproportion severe enough to cause the fetal head to jam in the birth canal necessitates delivery by cesarean birth, with forceps or suction devices, with pitocin induced contractions, and/or by other interventions. Even with intervention, some infant mortality and morbidity can still be attributed to head trauma during delivery.
Hydrostatic pressure differentials between the intrauterine and extrauterine spaces also contribute to birth molding (Swartz (8)).
Children who survive the birth process are not spared head trauma. The traumatic process that causes death in some cases, when less severe and not life-threatening is considered benign, non-pathological birth molding. This is a serious oversight.
From the 1950s until his death in 1988, J. R. Stober taught the nasal balloon technique at the Western States Chiropractic College and the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, both in Portland, Oregon. Video tapes and lecture notes of his classes are housed in the Western States Chiropractic College Library. The nasal balloon technique has been variously referred to as: bilateral nasal specific technique, endonasal technique, balloon technique, and Stober technique.
The nasal balloon device is very simple. It is constructed from 1)the bulb and
valve assembly of a sphygmomanometer and 2)latex finger cots (single finger exam
sheaths). Thread, string or a rubber band is used to attach the finger cot to the
nipple of the sphygmomanometer valve.
A flat toothpick is used as a disposable applicator to position the finger cot of
the nasal balloon device in one of the six nasal conchae (passageways). The
applicator is manually shaped to have a curved end to facilitate entrance into
the lower and upper nasal passageways. The applicator is used flat to enter the
middle nasal passageway (see Figure 11). The tip of the applicator is always
broken off to blunt it and prevent risk to the patients nasal mucosa.
Once the device has been constructed, and with the sphygmomanometer valve open,
the finger cot on the nasal balloon device is lubricated with a water soluble
lubricant (K-Y type). The applicator is then used to snag the end of the finger
cot, which is gently inserted into the nasal passage. Care must be taken to avoid
pressing the applicator against the sensitive and richly vascularized nasal mucous
membranes. Once the finger cot is positioned, the applicator is removed from the nose.
The patient is instructed to inhale and hold his breath. This is to ensure that
any mucous or other debris dislodged during the treatment is not aspirated.
The nostril not being treated is occluded by exerting light pressure on its lateral
aspect. This acts to stabilize the vomer and other midline structures. The
sphygmomanometer bulb is then gently squeezed to "prime" the finger cot balloon
and cause it to fill the nasal passageway where it has been positioned. The
sphygmomanometer bulb is then squeezed firmly. With practice, the priming and subsequent
firm squeeze can be accomplished in one motion.
The operator feels for the initial expansion of the finger cot and applies
successive squeezes to the sphygmomanometer bulb, if needed, until a release of
pressure is sensed as the balloon starts passing into the naso-oro-pharynx, or a
firm resistance to further expansion of the cot is felt. The valve of the
sphygmomanometer is then quickly opened and the finger cot is removed from the
nasal passageway. Patient tolerance must always be appraised when determining
when to release the balloon's pressure.
The procedure may then be repeated in successive nasal passageways until all six
passageways are treated. Common practice is to treat the lower passages bilaterally,
followed by bilateral treatment of the middle passageways
In 1929, the first description of the function and dysfunction in the skull
joints was described almost simultaneously by two independent researchers. Nephi
Cottam, a chiropractor, revealed his treatment in January, followed by William Sutherland,
an osteopath, in September. Cottam described a system of treatment based upon
high-velocity/low-amplitude thrusts. In contrast, Sutherland described a system
of treatment based on low-velocity/low-amplitude pressures, tractions, and torques.
Other chiropractic authors from who have written on aspects of skull joint treatment
include Sipes, Janse et al., Cottam, Kotheimer, Frisbie, DeJarnette, and Mladenoff.
Many osteopathic authors elaborated on Sutherland's theories of skull joint dysfunction
and his treatment techniques, notably Lippencott and Lippencott, Magoun, Brooks,
Upledger and Vredevoogd, Raymond, and White.
Authors from other diverse disciplines including dentistry who have written on aspects
of skull joint treatment include Denton, Chaitow, Gehin, and Liban.
Many of these authors are self-published. Many of the writings lack bibliographies.
They likely represent rediscoveries without knowledge of prior investigators.
Development of the Nasal Balloon
The nasal balloon is the first effective method for delivering a controlled
adjustive force from the inside to the outside of the skull.
The earliest intranasal treatments of skull joint dysfunction were known as "finger techniques".
In 1942, Lake, a chiropractor and naturopath, described a finger technique where
the practitioner works his little finger into the patient's nostrils and nasal passageways.
Janse et al. and Finnel also describe intranasal finger techniques.
Finger technique is also used in the system of manual therapy popularly known as rolfing.
In 1947, Janse et al.published the first known description of a pressurized nasal balloon.
The balloon was used to "open the nasal chambers" and "produce a widening and distention
of all the sinus openings into the meatus."
A short time later, in 1951 and 1954, Finnel, an optometrist and chiropractor,
described the operation of a nasal balloon device and coined the term "nasal specific"
to describe the technique. He wrote that his new term "will sound much better than
if you speak of the 'balloon technique' ." He - recommended using the nasal specific
technique for "lymph stasis," "deviation of the septum," "nasal congestion," "ethmoidal
irritation causing asthma," and "frontal and maxillary sinusitis."
In 1981, Failor, a chiropractor and naturopath, again described a nasal balloon device.
MANUAL HEADACHE TREATMENT
is a more inclusive and descriptive term for this discipline. The goal of
cephaloarticulopathic treatment is the normalization of restricted ranges of motion
within the 67 skull joints (see Table 1 and Figures 14). As a consequence, this
often normalizes the functions of soft tissue structures within the skull when the
underlying dysfunction of these structures is due to pressure, restricted blood,
lymph or CSF flow, or nerve irritation due directly or indirectly to the restricted
joint movement.
After birth, the mother who underwent expansive trauma in the form of abrasions and tearing of her birth canal and perineum, as well as stretching of the pelvic joints, is treated by stitching, bracing, adjustment, manipulation, and/or mobilization.
Meanwhile, the neonate, who shows the compressive trauma of the birth in the form of its distorted (sub luxated/dislocated) face and cranium, bruising, caput seccedoneum, cephalohematoma, and abrasions, is routinely left untreated. This injured child is cleaned and swaddled and dismissed as normal and suffering only trivial complaints.
Conventional wisdom at this time is that birth molding spontaneously resolves over the first few days of life without any residua. Often this conventional opinion is expressed by telling the parents that "most" of the birth molding will resolve during the first few days following delivery. This, though, begs the question: "What about that portion that does not resolve in the first few days, and what consequences will it have?"
While it is true that the pull of the meningeal membranes and the internal pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid act to partially reverse the birth molding, the infant skull, formed by 73 ossification centers (many of which are still unfused at birth), is much too complicated and delicate to spontaneously "pop" back into perfect alignment after the significant insult of delivery. Residual displacements (subluxations) of the skull's bones and pressures upon the soft tissues within then cause dysfunctions, many of which have been previously considered of unknown etiology.
The structure-function relationship is a well founded axiom within the health sciences. With the face and cranium housing amongst other structures the central nervous system, the cranial nerves, the neuro-endocrine system, the special senses, the proximal respiratory and gustatory functions (breathing, swallowing, chewing), as well as the many cranial articulations and their associated nerve fibers, it should be evident that it is vital that the skull's jointed relationships be intact for the skull to function normally.
It is generally accepted without question that facial and cranial trauma after birth leads to dysfunction of the housed structures. It is not generally accepted that the same trauma at birth is just as damaging. This is a severe oversight!