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About Spinal Flow® Technique
"If I have to put into words what experiencing Spinal Flow® session is like, I would describe it as an experience of coming home to my body and my heart, and reconnecting with the deep trust and knowing that I am whole"
What is Spinal Flow® Technique?
Spinal Flow® Technique (SFT) is a gentle touch-led modality that focuses on helping you connect with your body’s innate wisdom so that healing could happen.
SFT was developed by Dr Carli Axford over 20+ years of study, research, and clinical observation, recognizing the power of the body’s ability to heal itself to treat pain, illness, and dis-ease. She was a chiropractor who spent time at the world renowned Texas Back Institute in US before combining her extensive experience with her studies of various modalities and studies. After refining her methods to find the most effective way to help people heal, SFT was born.
SFT is a philosophy, science, and intuitive hands-on approach that prompts our spine and nervous system to release stress and help heal itself. We believe that our bodies are designed to heal and know exactly what to do to maintain health and well-being. This self-healing process is governed by our brain and spinal cord (aka our nervous system), which controls and coordinates every function in our body, supplying vital nutrients and information to every cell, organ, and tissue. When we get a cut, a scab forms to protect us from infection and allow new skin to form. Similarly, when we catch a cold or flu, our body raises the body temperature that triggers a host of cellular mechanism to ensure our immune system is doing its job to fight off viruses.
Spinal Blockages
But the stress of life, whether physical, chemical or emotional, can restrict this from naturally occurring by creating spinal blockages. When we are sleep-deprived, not getting adequate nutrition, or living in a constant state of high stress, our body struggle to regenerate itself and this impacts our capacity to heal, grow, and thrive. As these spinal blockages keep our nervous system in a fight: flight mode, our body begins to send physical and emotional symptoms to signal that something is wrong. But our body is not broken. In fact, our body possess an incredible innate intelligence that helps us heal. This is where SFT comes in.
Seven Gateways & Access Points
Our brain and spinal cord are covered by a balloon-like layer, called the dura mater. It is a thick membrane that serves many functions, including maintaining the cerebrospinal fluid and transmitting energy and information between our brain and body. Each of our cells is also covered by a semipermeable membrane which allows the cells to communicate, bind, and transport nutrients and waste. Where the dura mater is close to the skin is where we find access points – a vital way to connect to the seven gateways of our spine to send a message through the body to initiate the healing process.
Awakening the Spinal Flow®
The touch of SFT generates ease through these access points and increases the Spinal Flow in the body to enable healing to happen. The body recognizes the touch in these areas being areas of ease and the life force energy begins to increase as Spinal Flow traveling up and down the spine. As the flow increases it begins to clear blockages and layers of stress. When these blockages are cleared, you will be able to connect with the innate intelligence of the body to move into a state of health and well-being.
SFT clients have reported success in dealing with a wide range of symptoms including, but not limited to, brain fog, migraines, sleep disorders, chronic pain (shoulder, back, knee, hip etc.), digestive and reproductive issues, respiratory issues, sciatica, neurological conditions, immune-health related issues, anxiety, depression, and more.
SFT is recognized by the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT). You can read more about what SFT is about at https://spinalflowtechnique.com/about-spinalflowtechnique/.
FAQs about Spinal Flow® Technique (SFT)
Is SFT for me?
Anyone (including animals) with a spine, no matter the age, can benefit from SFT. Every one of us, whether a newborn baby or an elderly person, experience stressors in our daily life. SFT is a very gentle, safe and non-invasive form of modality that helps promote your innate ability to heal from the blockages stored in your body due to unresolved life stressors to help restore you to a state of wholeness and well-being.
What are the benefits of the SFT sessions?
Will I feel worse or nothing?
Sometimes certain symptoms can get worse before getting better. Although uncomfortable, this is actually a good sign as it shows that your body is beginning to shift as layers of stored tension and blockages in your spine are being released. Sometimes you may feel little or no change after the initial sessions. But trust that shifts can still be happening in your nervous system. It may be that you need time to rebuild your connection with yourself, your mind and body, and experience feeling safe again to be you. I am here to accompany you through that process.
What to expect from my sessions?
Some clients have experienced feeling lighter, more relaxed, more energized, more connected with themselves, breathe better, sleep better, less anxious, and can cope better with their daily life. Others may notice improvement in their physical symptoms including less pain, better movement, flexibility, or posture.
How is SFT different from other modalities?
SFT is a hands-on modality that focuses on releasing spinal blockages caused by unresolved stress. The underlying principle behind SFT is that there is a healing intelligence and wisdom inside the body. While this concept is not new, Dr Carli Axford developed SFT by integrating many techniques and approaches from her training to bring the clients energy and attention inside their body so healing could happen. Read more about SFT here.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone of us is unique, on our own path to healing. So healing may look very different for each person. Some may experience immediate results while others may find that their recovery takes time. Someone with chronic dis-ease or long-term issues may benefit from more frequent sessions initially. This may look like 2-3 times a week over several weeks. The frequency may gradually reduce as you start to experience change. This could be weekly, fortnightly, monthly or whenever you feel like your body could use some Spinal Flow® sessions. Children tend to respond to treatment very quickly.
Most sessions last about 30-45 minutes, except for the initial session which may take up to 1-1.5 hours. During the session, you will be laying faced down* on a massage table as I use very gentle physical touch on specific access points to connect with your nervous system. Throughout the session, you are not required to do anything but tune into and listen to what your body feels/needs. During a session, some may experience feeling relaxed and connected to their bodies or being in a meditative state. Others might have physical sensations, feel emotional or need to move their bodies. This is all normal as layers of emotional, chemical or physical stressors are getting cleared. (*if this is not possible, modified positions can be discussed)
Do I need to do anything in between sessions?
Healing doesn't just happen during the sessions. What we do outside in our daily lives is just as, if not more, important. Throughout our work together, we will also discuss how you can support your own healing process in between the sessions, through nutrition and wellness, movement, self-healing practices, body awareness, social connections and more. This will ensure that you are supporting your body in harnessing its own healing power for you.
What should I wear for the session?
All sessions are carried out fully clothed. It is best that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. Avoid denim, leggings, waist bands, belts, and other bulky clothing or restrictive clothing. This will allow a better point of contact along your spine and for your personal comfort during the session.
If you have more questions, I'm happy to answer them!