ACA Update #1

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~ Contents of ACA Update #1 ~

  1. Why study evolution?
  2. What is "listening"?
  3. Incorporating the left gastric vein into your treatment of the stomach.

 

Over the course of this year I want to keep you updated on what's in store for you during my new classes.

A few tidbits to whet your appetite!

 

~ Evolution, Embryology & Anatomy ~

So why study evolution? On a macro scale the study of evolution is simply the study of how organisms adapt to their environment.
 
 This seems all so theoretical and academic and well beyond what we as manual therapists need to do but when you bring your focus in a bit... and you look at it from a more patient-centered perspective the study of evolution helps us to understand how it is that we as human organisms have adapted to our environment over long stretches of time but also the same evolutionary principles that have been in action for millions of years are at work today.
 
 Of course, we don't see these principles in action because our viewpoint is too narrow, too singularly focused upon our own experiences within the confines of our bodies.
 
Studying human anatomy from an evolutionary perspective, on some level, is almost a spiritual exploration because it provides us with a deeper understanding of the processes of change, which is always at work, always occurring, never ceasing.
~ Listening Tips ~
"Listening" is the defining principle upon which visceral manipulation is based. However, I think there are few other points we must take into consideration. This opens up a much larger conversation for us. What are some of the other things to consider when integrating JP's wonderful work into our practices as manual therapists?
 
 It is important to not only remember the key principles of listening but also to keep in mind what it is these principles actually mean.
 
 I will be discussing this over the course of the next few emails. My goal in sending these emails to you, is to serve as a reminder and to help prepare you for the upcoming Advanced Clinical Applications class you have registered for. I want to make this the most amazing experience for you possible. You have probably deduced of this from the high caliber of TAs that will be present in the class.
 
 What is "listening"? I asked JP this one time and his comment to me was; "Ah, it is very simple. There is a tension in the body and the body is attracted to this tension."
 
 So, what I understand from this is that there is a "listening" which occurs WITHIN the person's body and it actually has nothing to do with us as a practitioner. Essentially, we are observers. Of course, there comes a point when we actually have to do something but before we get to that point we need to be good observers. That's what listening is. Listening is the act of observing. In some ways it is an active process. We have to DO something to open up our sensory pathways in order to be receptive to the "listening". But what is it that we actually do and what is it that we are actually observing? I will be exploring these with you over the course of the next few emails. So, stay tuned!
~ Techniques you may want to consider practicing in preparation for the first class (CG-1)~
Study the image below and you notice the left gastric vein.
This is the vein that courses along the lesser curve of the stomach and comes from the portal vein.
 
Notice the small tributaries extending off of this vein around the esophagus...the esophageal tributaries. Now, on the next few patients mobilize their stomach in a medial/lateral glide and focus all of your attention on what you feel underneath the finger pads of your right hand.
 
Of course, you're not able to feel the presence of the vein but rest assured that it is there. The structure you're more likely to feel is the pulsing of the gastric artery. As you work with your patients who have stomach issues know that when you are mobilizing their stomach in a medial/lateral glide you are having an effect on this vein. So how are we able to feel the difference in the tissues when we have successfully mobilized this vein? You should ask 🙂
 
When you release the tissue tensions and interesting phenomena occurs called extravasation. This is the movement of plasma out of the vein and into the extracellular tissue space, which you can feel as a softening in the tissues. So, the next time you do this technique on a patient pay attention to what you are feeling in your hands and feel a sense of awe at what is actually occurring at a physiological level underneath your hands.
 
We will be going into this kind of anatomical and physiologic detail in the classes.
 
In my next email we will be exploring this left gastric vein a bit more.
 Click here for course descriptions, highlights and the "learner objectives" for the first 3 classes 
 
When is the first class?  December 15-17, 2017 at the Best Western Executive Plus Hotel in Seattle (200 Taylor Ave.)
 
Email Grace at gracemt@me.com if you are still not sure and need more information.
 
The first 4 classes are now scheduled.
 
To register click on the following links...
 
Advanced Clinical Applications of Visceral Manipulation for Common Gastrointestinal Issues 1 (ACA-CG1)
(Liver, Stomach & Gallbladder)
Advanced Clinical Applications of Visceral Manipulation for Common Gastrointestinal Issues 2 (ACA-CG2)
(Duodenum, Small Intestines, Large Intestines & Rectum)
Advanced Clinical Applications of Visceral Manipulation for Common Gastrointestinal Issues 3 (ACA-CG3)
(Pancreas, Spleen & Kidney)
Advanced Clinical Applications of Visceral Manipulation for Common Genitourinary Issues (ACA-GU)
(Bladder, Uterus, Ovary, Uterine Tubes, Prostate & Testicals)
Advanced Clinical Applications of Visceral Manipulation for Common Thyro-Pericardial-Pulmonary Issues (ACA-TCP)
(Thyroid, Esophagus, Bronchi & Lungs, Heart & Pericardium)

In my Update #2 we will be exploring this left gastric vein a bit more.

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