Nasal Specific Technique
How does the procedure work?
WHAT IS NASAL SPECIFIC AND WHY IT WORKS
Nasal Specific Technique (NST) is similar to Cranial Facial Release (CFR) is an advanced endo-nasal “Balloon Assisted” cranial adjusting technique. It is a specialized technique that was derived from an earlier form of endo-nasal cranial adjusting called Bilateral Nasal Specific (BNS) pioneered by Dr. Richard Stober in the 1960’s and 70’s. CFR was originated by Dr. Adam Del Torto, DC and is an offshoot of BNS, but is much more specific and much less invasive.The objective of CFR technique is to unlock cranial fixations and induce mobility in the cranial system – primarily targeting the sphenoid bone, with the purpose of facilitating normal cranial respiratory motion and normal cranial function. This technique is performed by inserting tiny balloons in the nose (specifically the naso pharynx) that are quickly inflated to mobilize the bones of the face and cranium. It is a very fast procedure and feels similar to the sensation of jumping into a swimming pool and having water shoot up your nose – it isn’t exactly painful, but not the most comfortable sensation either – but it’s quick! The whole process takes about 2 to 3 seconds, and is performed in a series of 4 individual days of treatment over a 7-10 day period.
Please watch the video below:
To understand how NST works, it is important to realize that the skull is NOT one solid bone. It is made up of 22 individual bones that actually move every time you breathe – or at least they are supposed to. But cranial fixations are a common occurrence and often times the root cause of many chronic neurological conditions and recurrent pain syndromes that don’t respond to conventional chiropractic adjusting procedures. Frequent causes of cranial aberrations and sutural fixations are things like head trauma, birth trauma, uneven bite force (TMJ disorder), bruxism, etc., yet these conditions are seldom detected and rarely addressed by chiropractors.It is important to realize that cranial motion is not “gross osseous movement” – it is more of an expansion & relaxation type of movement, with each cranial bone having its own specific direction of motion. This “cranial respiratory motion” works in direct conjunction with “sacral respiratory motion” and is the key mechanism by which Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) is produced in the choroid plexus and circulated throughout the brain and spinal cord. This is essential to normal brain function which is essential to normal body function, embodying the basic scientific and philosophical foundation of chiropractic.What differentiates Cranial Facial Release from other endo-nasal techniques is that CFR is based on SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique) protocols with emphasis being placed on clearing everything below the level of the Atlas before adjusting the cranium. By “clearing everything below the Atlas” we are referring to the methods by which we locate and remove spinal subluxations and reduce torque off the dura before it enters into the cranial vault using SOT procedures and conventional chiropractic adjusting techniques. Relieving Dural Torque is a primary objective of CFR technique, as it plays an intricate role in cranial function and more importantly brain function. But relieving dural torque has an even greater effect on body function than just optimizing brain function. By reducing dural tension at its anterior attachment (at the diaphragma selli, which engulfs & ensheaths the base of the pituitary) it reduces mechanical torque on the pituitary gland and helps facilitate normal endocrine function.
RESEARCH STUDIES
This concept was supported by research performed in the late 1930’s by Dr. A.D. Speransky, M.D., Director of Research at the All Union Institute of Experimental Medicine and author of the book, A Basis for the Theory of Medicine. Through his research, Dr. Speransky determined that “slight mechanical torque on the control centers of the brain, and especially the pituitary-hypothalmus complex caused destructive pathologies throughout the entire body”. This was a 10-year study during which Dr. Speransky was able to identify over 80 specific disorders that he could directly attribute to this “mechanical torque” phenomena. CFR cranial balloon adjusting in conjunction with post-inflation CFR manual cranial adjusting procedures are specifically directed at reducing mechanical dural torque on the brain and pituitary gland. These studies lend support to the concept that CFR adjusting procedures enhances both brain and pituitary function, optimizing the primary two control systems of the body.The majority of people who come in for CFR treatment are often last resort patients looking for sinus relief. They have been through the gamut of conventional medical procedures without success, and are looking for a more conservative alternative approach to care that is cost effective and works! For things like breathing disorders, sinusitis, snoring, sleep apnea, deviated septums, migraine headaches, vertigo, facial pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia), facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), TMJ disorder, Post-Concussion Syndrome, seizures, neurological disorders, and more. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of infants with craniometaphyseal dysplasia (infantile skull deformities), hydrocephalus, and children with learning disorders – which is primarily what Dr. Stober used it for.Indications
• Headaches, head pressure, migraines
• Low energy, Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
• Muscle spasms, neck and shoulder pain
• Poor concentration and focus
• PTSD
• Sinusitis, sleep apnea, snoring, other breathing and sinus disorders
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• TMJ (mouth, head and jaw pains)
• Vertigo and other balance problems
• Whiplash Syndrome
Symptoms that may respond to Therapy
• Congestion or fullness
• Vertigo
• Balance Problems
• Snoring or Sleep Apnea
• Breathing Problems
• TMJ
• Nasal obstruction or blockage
• Loss of smell
• Types of Sinusitis
• Neck Pain
• Ringing in the Ears
Contraindications
- Caution should be taken with patients who might have “bleeding disorders” or are taking anticoagulant medications. This population may not be good candidates for this procedure.
- Patients with prior nasal or facial bone surgery, especially with modification of the turbinates, are not good candidates for nasal specific because the integrity of the structures is unpredictable.
- There has been at least one case reported where an asthma attack was initiated by the nasal release technique. (S. Oliver noted this from his private practice experience; it was suggested therefore as a precaution.) The clinician should be assured that the patients with a history of asthma have their inhaler with them when they are going to undergo this therapy.
The therapist performs an extensive medical history check before attempting this procedure, and will refrain from it if any contraindications are present.