The Gut-Brain Connection In Manual Therapy with Michael and Sheila Shea

This course deepens the practitioner’s work with autonomic nervous system (ANS) connections between the gut and the brain. New research is presented on the structure and function of the Vagus nerve above and below the respiratory diaphragm. Students learn important manual skills to balance this connection via new palpation skills of massage therapy, craniosacral therapy and Tuina Massage. Included in this class is contact with the Vagus nerve, abdominal aorta, coeliac plexus, superior mesenteric plexus and inferior mesenteric plexus to balance the gut-brain connection.

Distinctions are made between the gut-brain metabolic pathways of the immune and endocrine systems. Students deepen their understanding of Metabolic Syndrome; how it originates in the gut via lifestyle and inherited traits. Given that Metabolic Syndrome is a world wide pandemic, students are informed of causation and solution. This includes detailed information on the structure and function of the gut and related viscera. Techniques and protocols will be demonstrated to immediately integrate into a clinical observation and hands-on practice.

• Learn the signaling system of the ANS between the gut and brain
• Learn new bridging skills between the massage therapy and craniosacral therapy
• Understand the role of the immune and endocrine systems in the gut
• Begin to understand the body metabolically