New Articulatory Techniques

Diagram of the Nervous System

In France, Jean Pierre Barral, DO is developing techniques which first decrease nerve reactivity to allow the patient to soften and relax ligaments, tendons, nerves, and other tissue around the bound up joint. The nerve fibers in our skin have reflex arcs in the spinal cord that connect to the muscles, joints, and arteries at that same spinal level (see: Hilton’s law).

By decreasing the “fight or flight” tone communicating between interconnected nerves, the associated relaxation within skin, muscle, and blood vessels allows improved circulation and drainage and deeper access into the joint capsule and ligaments. When the tissues are receptive, it becomes easier to settle the joint into its functional position, with a small and gentle, well-directed movement, similar to the Still technique.