Ayurveda Holistic Community - http://ayurvedahc.com/articlelive
Neurotherapy: Rediscovering an Ancient Indian Bodywork Therapy
http://ayurvedahc.com/articlelive/articles/141/1/Neurotherapy-Rediscovering-an-Ancient-Indian-Bodywork-Therapy/Page1.html
Ray Noronha, BSc Hons, CAy
Ray Noronha has worked in front line Medical Research in UK for a leading pharmaceutical company, prior to joining the field of Natural Healthcare in 1999. He is a writer, practitioner, lecturer, and researcher in the field of Ayurveda and understands disease pathology from an integrative perspective. He received his Ayurveda certification from the International Vedic Institute's School of Ayurveda. Ray is the Director of EQUALS International Institute of Integrated Therapies in Adelaide, Australia and works as a practitioner and of Ayurveda at Aspects of Healing, Adelaide’s first Integrative healthcare facility.
 
By Ray Noronha, BSc Hons, CAy
Published on 06/7/2005
 

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.

Neurotherapy: Rediscovering an Ancient Indian Bodywork Therapy
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.
Neurotherapy part 2

CASE 1

Postpartum Depression

About 10 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression (PPD).9  Postpartum depression is a traumatic event that may affect the mother herself and impact her child's emotional development. 10,11 Frau Schulz a 32-year-old happily married German woman gave birth to her son over a year ago.

 

A few months after the birth, she would constantly burst into tears for no apparent reason; feeling emotionally depressed. She and her family could not understand why these events occurred, as she was very happy with family life and her environment. She had no other health problems and her pregnancy was normal.

 

This was a mild case of PPD, as symptom(s) of severe cases often include weight loss or gain, thyroid dysfunction, insomnia, psychomotor agitation, fatigue, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. Frau Schulz had tried mild pharmaceutical medications for her depression from her medical doctor, but all to no avail.

 

"NT nabhi diagnosis" confirmed that her digestive organs and general health were in good order. However, nabhi diagnosis revealed problems with the Left Ovary (++), Right Ovary (++), and Uterus (++). According to NT theory this indicated problems with estradiol balance.

 

The basic treatment regime was carried out, by stimulating the relevant energy channels on the arms that are related to the ovaries and uterus. After only a few minutes of treatment the pain and tightness in these referred areas (of the ovaries and uterus) had significantly diminished. After only 3 weekly treatments her PPD symptoms disappeared and never returned.

 

Discussion

Studies indicate that the peak age of incidence of depression, 18 to 44 years, coincides with the prime childbearing years. 12 Depression is twice as common in women as men, with women being particularly vulnerable at times of hormonal fluctuation thus suggesting that depression occurring at such times may be, in part, hormonally driven. 13

 

Furthermore as levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are known to drop sharply in the hours after childbirth, this in some way may trigger depression. Because of this association, several investigators have examined the role of estrogen in the treatment and prophylaxis of PPD. These studies support the hypothesis that PPD may be triggered in part by estrogen withdrawal 14,15

This ancient rediscovered Vedic therapy detects the deficient organs using "nabhi diagnosis"; in this case the ovaries and uterus, and stimulates their respective nerve channels/nadis. NT theory suggests that stimulation of these organs will stimulate the production of estrogen.

 

NT has successfully treated numerous acute behavioral disorders such as Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Disorder 16, and Panic Attacks. In these cases "nabhi diagnosis" often highlights problems in the stomach, which we treat accordingly by Neurotherapy.

 

Often the therapy here focuses on stimulating the energy channels of the Stomach by applying pressure on the nerve plexuses on the legs, which stimulate the blood flow/chi to the stomach /navel chakra. A very recent research study using positron emission tomography (PET) scans on living humans demonstrated a significant deficit of serotonin receptors in patients with panic disorder. Smaller deficits are also seen in patients with depression.17

 

The development of 5-HT1A agents as "anxioselective" drugs by pharmaceutical companies indicates the importance of serotonin in the disease etiology of several behavioral disorders. Mechanosensitive enterochromaffin cells exist in the gastrointestinal epithelium, and these cells contain over 95% of the serotonin found in the body.18

 

Thus a possible mode of action would be that indirect stimulation of the stomach by Neurotherapy, may result in the production of this natural serotonin, which may have ameliorated the symptoms.

 

To say that these NT treatment plans are fortuitous or coincidental would be an error of judgment. One has to remember that this system of treatment is thousands of years old, but the rationale behind the treatment is contemporary.

Neurotherapy part 3

CASE 2

Panic Attack

Roughly 1.5% (perhaps as high as 5%) of adults will experience panic disorder at some time in their lives. 19,20 Panic attacks normally start during the late teens or early twenties and are at least twice as common in women as men. 21

 

Caroline, a 25-year-old Canadian woman had suffered acute severe panic attacks on being promoted to a management position. Symptoms included unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that included shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, heart palpitations, dizziness, and abdominal distress. These symptoms only presented on days of important meetings and project deadlines.

 

Neurotherapy navel diagnosis indicated problems mainly in the Stomach (+++) and to a lesser extent in the Pancreas (+) and Uterus (+). The treatment plan for these kinds of patients is a relatively simple regime of treating the deficient Pancreas, Stomach (more intensive treatment) and Uterus by applying mild pressure to the arms and legs of the patient at strategic locations.

 

Caroline responded very quickly, and after 4 weekly treatments her panic attacks disappeared.

 

Discussion

Several models can be put forward for the reasons for success:

1) NT navel diagnosis revealed central abdominal pain radiating from the upper to the lower quadrant. According to NT the organs of the Pancreas (+), Stomach (+++) and Uterus (+) were not functioning optimally. Henceforth Neurotherapy treatment targeted these organs, thus improving the blood flow to these areas and optimal functioning of these organs. 6

 

2) Neurotherapy believes that the body is the best producer of various hormones, enzymes, and chemicals. Sluggish organs need external assistance to recommence their functions. This therapy provides this by stirring and accelerating all circulation within a system, stimulating glands to optimally produce the particular chemicals required. 6

 

3) A very recent research study using positron emission tomography (PET) scans on living humans demonstrated a significant deficit of serotonin receptors in patients with panic disorder. Smaller deficits are seen in patients with depression.22 The development of 5-HT1A agents as potential "anxioselective" drugs by pharmaceutical companies indicates its value in such treatments.

 

As mechanosensitive enterochromaffin cells exist in the gastrointestinal epithelium, and these cells contain over 95% of the serotonin found in the body23, thus a possible mode of action would be that stimulation of the stomach by Neurotherapy, may result in the production of this natural serotonin and this may have played a part in the symptomatic relief.

 

4) According to Eastern philosophy, the life force or prana or chi flows through the top of the head and down the chakras. As we are stimulating the energy in the Manipura or Solar plexuses chakra, this may have several implications. Authorities such as Caroline Myss24 state that this chakra has several functions; (a) Organs - abdomen, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gall bladder, pancreas spleen. (b)Emotional issues such as fear, intimidation, self-esteem and responsibility. Thus the possibility arises that this may play a role in symptomatic relief.

Neurotherapy part 4

CASE 3
Epi-Gastric Pain

Digestive diseases are prevalent in the west. In the USA alone, around 60 to 70 million people are affected by all digestive diseases. 25

 

A 17 year-old German female Patricia Beck presented with a 4-year history of sudden onset of abdominal pain. The pain was initially severe and persisted as abdominal cramps of a milder severity. She had no nausea and her bowel movements were normal. Further she had no history of acid reflux. The Medical doctor had diagnosed her with Gastritis and the pharmaceutical drugs he had prescribed to date had not relieved the symptoms.

 

On physical examination, there was pain in the upper central quadrant (Epigastric, and Periumbilical regions) on palpation with accompanying rigidity. NT navel diagnosis indicated problems predominantly in the Stomach (++++) and to a lesser extent in the Pancreas (+), Liver (+) and Small Intestine (+).

 

The basic treatment formula for such cases was to treat the organs that showed up in the diagnosis i.e. Pancreas, Stomach, Liver, Small Intestine in that order with more concentrated treatment on the Stomach. Again this was carried out by applying mild hand pressure to the arms and legs of the patient at strategic locations.

 

Discussion

According to Dr. Mehra who pioneered modern Neurotherapy, one of the reasons for pain in any point is improper blood supply to that area. The pain in and around the navel occurs due to improper blood flow in the various branches of the abdominal aorta, or the mesenteric arteries and veins. The possibility arises that if one temporarily stops the flow of blood by applying pressure to the femoral artery at the thighs, the pressure build up should increase at the previous junction, which in this case is the area of the solar plexus. Consequently there is an influx of blood to solar plexus, which results in the significant reduction of abdominal hardness and pain.6 Thus it is proposed that this treatment improved the blood flow in the mesenteric vasculature and overcame any possible GI blockages.

 

Conclusion

At the Haus Der Traditionellen Medizin, Beuren, Germany I have used Neurotherapy to considerable effect, especially so in the treatment of menstrual problems, infertility, gastrointestinal problems, thyroid disease, and behavioral disorders. Furthermore, this ancient Indian bodywork therapy has ongoing successes in the treatment of serious illness, which include Parkinson's Disease, Diabetes, and Cancer. It is recommended that pilot studies be initiated to determine treatment efficacies for these serious health conditions.

 

India has produced esteemed alternative healing modalities. This is only a brief insight into Neurotherapy. Dr Mehra from Bombay, India has not only revived this traditional healing system of India, but he and his team have developed advanced treatment protocols for the treatment of all kinds of ailments such as muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, cancer, slip disc, spondilitis, paralysis, and asthma. 26

 

Thanks to Dr Mehra this alternative therapy has had a phenomenal growth in India, where there are now over 200 NT centers that successfully treat numerous patients with ailments as severe as Cancer, Down?s syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Heart disease, Diabetes etc. The fact that thousands of patients from all socio-economic backgrounds can testify to the benefits of Neurotherapy readily suggests there is something efficacious to this healing modality.

 

This is an exciting period in the rebirth of this unique Traditional Indian healing system of therapy. This healing gift was given to man centuries ago, but somehow through the mists of time this valuable knowledge had been lost. Fortuitously with time we have regained threads of this divine knowledge, which hopefully will be recognized for its true essence and reemerge as a valuable healing tool.

 

REFERENCES

1. Daily Mail (UK) Saturday, October 21 1995.

 

2. Daily Express (UK) Monday September 18 2000.

 

3. National Post (Canada) Saturday, December 11 2000.

 

4. Personal communication with Lama Lobsang Thamcho Nyima http://www.nangtenmenlang.org

 

5. Atreya. Secrets of Ayurvedic Massage. Lotus Press.2000

 

6. Dr. Lajpatrai Mehra. Manual on Dr. Lajpatrai Mehra's Neurotherapy. Dr. Lajpatrai Mehra Ashram Press, 2001.

 

7. http://www.ayurvedicacu.com

 

8. Robert E.Svoboda.Ayurveda, Life, Health and Longevity.Penguin Group.1992.

 

9. O'Hara MW, Zekoski EM, Philipps LH, Wright EJ. Controlled prospective study of postpartum mood disorders: comparision of childbearing and nonchildbearing women. J Abnorm Psychol 1990;99:3-15.

 

10. Beck CT. The lived experience of postpartum depression: a phenomenological study. Nurs Res 1992;41: 166-70 

 

11. Cox AD, Puckering C, Pound A, Mills M. The impact of maternal depression in young children. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1987;28:917-28

 

12. Reiger DA, Boyd JH, Burke JD Jr, Rae DS, Myers JK, Kramer M, et al. One-month prevalence of mental disorders in the United States. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1988;45:977-86.

 

13.  Payne JL.Int Rev Psychiatry. 2003 Aug;15(3):280-90

 

14. Ahokas A. Kaukoranta J, Aito M: Effect of Estradiol on Post-Partum Depression. Psychopharmacology. 1999, 146:108-110

 

15. Ahokas A, Aito M, Rimon R: Positive treatment Effect of estradiol in Post-Partum Psychosis: A Pilot Study J. Clin. Psychiatry. 2000, 61-:166-169

 

16. Noronha R. Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners Newsletter. Spring 2004, 15-17

 

17. Neumeister, A. Bain, E. Allison, C. Nugent, A. Carson, R. Omer, Bonne, O. Luckenbaugh, D. Eckelman, W. Herscovitch, P. Charney. D, and Drevets, W. Reduced Serotonin Type 1A Receptor BInding in Panic Disorder. The Journal of Neuroscience, 24(3):589-591. 2004

 

18. Gershon MD, Erde SM: The nervous system of the gut. Gastroenterology 80:1571, 1981

 

19. Treatment of Panic Disorder, NIH Consensus Statement Online 1991 Sep. 25-27;9(2):1-24.

 

20. William D. Kernodle, MD. Panic Disorder; The Medical Point of View. 4th Ed, 1997, Rand McNally Book Services Group, Chesterfield, VA, 23832.

 

21. Robins LN, Regier DA, eds. Psychiatric disorders in America: the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study. New York: The Free Press, 1991

 

22. Neumeister, A. Bain, E. Allison, C. Nugent, A. Carson, R. Omer, Bonne, O. Luckenbaugh, D. Eckelman, W. Herscovitch, P. Charney, D. Drevets, W. Reduced Serotonin Type 1A Receptor BInding in Panic Disorder. The Journal of Neuroscience, 24(3):589-591. 2004

 

23. Gershon MD, Erde SM: The nervous system of the gut. Gastroenterology 80:1571, 1981

 

24. Myss PhD Why people don't heal and how they can. Bantam Books 1997.

  

25. Everhart, J. E. (Ed.). Digestive diseases in the United States: Epidemiology and impact. (NIH Publication No. 94-1447).1994.

 

26. Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd. Saturday, May 10 1997.