Neurotherapy (NT) is an effective ancient Indian bodywork therapy, which
first hit
the newspaper headlines in Britain and Canada a few years ago. 1,2,3

 

This is an old forgotten therapy that originates from India, and this practice also

has roots in Tibetan medicine4. These therapies were born in India and traveled
to
Tibet and later onto China. Transcripts of these theories are difficult to trace,

as these therapies were initially transmitted orally; it was much later on when

the Chinese invented paper.

 

Figure 1. The Nadis or Nerve Channels

 

All disease is the result of blocks or congestion in the nerve/Nadi system. 5 
Neurotherapy is a way of accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy
channels in the body. NT is a rehabilitative bodywork therapy, which works by
stimulating the blood supply and nerve currents to the relevant organs, so as to
redress the normal physiological functioning of the appropriate gland or organ. NT
utilizes the technique of "Indirect Stimulation" i.e. pressure is applied on the
arms and/or legs of the patient to stop the flow of blood to the specific region of 
the body for a particular duration (6 seconds) and then released, so that blood 
flows with a greater force to the correlated nerves /glands / organs. By applying
mild pressure at specified points on the limbs for specific time periods, results in
a "gain of function" for the relevant organ. 6 Historically, in the remote villages of 
India it was commonplace to see the house nurse relieve ailments like stomach
cramps by standing on the arms and legs of the patient. Neurotherapy was
traditionally carried in this manner, but in the west hands are used with equal
effect
, as this makes the patient feel more at ease. Pressure is adjusted
according to the age, sex, and tolerance of the patient. Usually the patient
usually experiences a pleasant sensation. 7
 
Figure 2. Neurotherapy carried out by traditional and modified western procedures.
 

The nadis or nerve channels according to this therapy are centered around the
navel.8 This theory also arises from the fact that the umbilical cord is the first
supply of the life force. "Nabhi diagnosis" is the main diagnostic tool utilized in
this therapy. "Nabhi diagnosis" involves palpating the nabhi points for

temperature variations, tension, pressure pain, reactive sensations, and

tightness. These nabhi points are linked to the digestive organs6. Neurotherapy

reaffirms that by treating the digestive system we address the root cause for

most disease. Consequently advise on diet, lifestyle, exercise, and meditation,

are valuable adjuncts of the therapy.


One ailment, which is not recognized in allopathy is the "dislocation of the

navel", which can lead severe ailments. 8 Like many traditional Indian folk

medicine systems initial NT procedure involves setting the navel, so as to

correct any misalignment. This is then followed by the focal point of

Neurotherapy, which is to stimulate the blood supply/ nerve currents/

prana/ chi in the relevant energy channel of the hypo functioning organs

(e.g. Liver, Stomach, Pancreas etc.)


Examples of Neurotherapy protocols include the treatment of;

1) Gall Bladder - NT treatment increases the blood supply to the right
hypochondriac region of the abdominal cavity. Thus, it stimulates the gall

bladder, the right half of the transverse colon, and the upper part of the

ascending colon, all of which lie in that region. We normally use it for

stimulating the gall bladder and related digestive disorders. Bile has both

antiseptic and laxative properties.

 

2) Spleen - NT treatment increases the blood supply to the left hypochondriac

region of the abdominal cavity. Thus, it stimulates the Spleen and the left half of

the transverse colon, and the beginning part of the descending colon, all of which

lie in that region. We normally use it for curing disorders of the digestive system,

such as a sluggish colon etc. This treatment is also used to stimulate the spleen

to produce white blood cells in the body, to combat viral infections.

 

3) Liver - This treatment stimulates the middle part of the ascending colon and

also alleviates pains along the horizontal line of the right side of the navel. Pain

in this area is found to be associated with disorders related to poor liver function.

 

These organs are also located in the Muldhara Chakra. According to ancient

Vedic philosophy this Chakra is involved in the physical and spiritual energy

centres of the body. As this is the emotional and subtle energy centre it is the

point of integration of the mind and body; hence also the success in the

treatment of Depression.