How does the atlas become misaligned in the first place?

Many of my clients have suffered from traumatic birth. Forceps, suction, cesearian, prolonged labor; all can contribute to the atlas problem. I believe that the atlas is very vulnerable in early development. Children undergo tremendous stress learning how to walk. Car accidents, falls and abuse are all contributing factors as well. However, because of how common and prevelant this problem is, I feel as if the atlas was never truly stable in one's entire life. It almost seems hereditary, something visible in the family, something almost anomolous in our development. The children I treat already have this misalignment, as early as three years old, even younger!

How is this different from chiropractic work?

We do not adjust the atlas. We massage the tight muscles around the base of the skull and release it. The atlas moves into full location in one session. We do not require more treatment, only a follow up to make sure it stabilized.

How can this be permanent in only one session?

The atlas and occiput form a joint, much like any joint in the body. It was designed to fit like a tongue and groove, supported and stabilized by muscles and ligaments. If you look at the shape of the atlas and observe the condyles around the opening to the skull, there is little doubt that the atlas has a perfect home. With the weight of the skull resting on the atlas and the two styloid processes in front preventing forward and lateral movement, the atlas remains stable. It is difficult to use the word permanent. Any trauma intense enough can misalign the atlas or dislocate any joint in the body. However, under normal conditions, I consider all my joints to be permanent. I don't fear that my shoulder or elbow will dislocate randomly unless extremely traumatized. The atlas is another vulnerable joint that is heavily guarded from dislocating to ensure the survival of the species. My atlas was corrected by my father three years ago. It remains aligned, stable, and happy. I consider this permanent. The atlas may shift side to side as it is a moveable joint, but will not resort back to the full, tilted misalignment I see in clients before the treatment. Muscles are also in a constant state of flux, due to daily stress. In our session, we work the muscles. It is the tight muscles that prevent the atlas from moving correctly into position. The tool we use is so effective, that the atlas is able to slide far enough over to re-establish the atlanto-occipital joint. Without bringing the atlas back into complete alignment, it will have the tendency to slip out again, sometimes moments after being adjusted.

Is the treatment painful?

Some have experienced pain, some pleasure. In general, this is not a painful procedure. It may be intense at times or take one close to the threshold of pain, but it is never unbearable. A lot depends on how much tension exists before the treatment. Some clients are just more sensitive than others and experience greater intensity. But we must remember that working in an area already under chronic stress is uncomfortable. I have over the past two years become more and more gentle despite the depth of the work. Most of my clients never have an issue. I work slowly, patiently and focused. I never rush the procedure. Clients are treated in privacy in a relaxed environment. There have been very few complaints.

What kind of after-care should I seek?

In general, I support anything that helps the body relax and open deeper. Massage work is excellent, chiropractic work can be very beneficial, stretching and walking is also recommended. I trust that most people will intuitively know what is best. If you feel muscle tension in the body, seek out a massage therapist. If you feel some blockage in the spine, go to the chiropractor and stretch. If you feel anxiety, try some meditation or breath work. I personally have always turned to yoga and Tai Chi to assist me with my bodily concerns. Nature walks have also helped immensely. I mostly wish that clients find something they enjoy doing and be consistent with it. See yourself through before you just drop the activity and move onto another routine. A little everyday is more valuable then a lot once in a while. But be gentle at first and allow yourself time to rest the day of the treatment and ideally the next day if possible.

What is the cost of the treatment?

The standard price set by the institute in Switzerland is $250. This includes the follow up appointment.