Why My “Energy Work” is Now Called “Autonomic Restoration Technique” or A.R.T.

If you’ve read my blog post on What is “Energy Work” Anyway? you learned a little about energy and you followed the story of how I got to this place in my practice. It’s the story of how and why I’ve put various techniques and modalities together to do what I do.

In this post, Why My “Energy Work” is Now Called “Autonomic Restoration Technique” or A.R.T. we’ll look at

• why this technique is special

• what autonomic means

• and how the restoration of this system leads to a balanced body and mind
  

Practicing this method for so many years has led me to the realization that my process is quite unique. In my 26 year career I have always been drawn to continuing education classes involving cellular biology and detailed supplement usage. Just from those classes alone I have gleaned over 500 post graduate hours of physiology and biochemistry, as well as completing a 208 hour functional medicine certification in 2017. So the knowledge behind the actual technique is unparalleled regarding the practice of energy work.

When looking at the goal of the various things I do, the common denominator is the effect on the nervous system, primarily the autonomic nervous system.

This is the part that controls the automatic functions of our body, such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, and sweating. It works unconsciously, meaning that we don't have to think about it for it to work.

The autonomic nervous system has two main parts…

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which prepares our body to deal with stressful situations by increasing heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, helps us relax and recover by slowing down our heart rate, breathing, and digestion.

Overall, the autonomic nervous system helps our body maintain balance and respond appropriately to different situations.

In our stressful world, it becomes increasingly difficult for these systems to switch back and forth as they should. Mental and emotional stress, including subconscious memories that act as micro-triggers to the fight or flight response, can cause some of the biggest disruptions in our nervous system. Physical stressors like injuries, strain from overuse, nutritional deficiencies and inability to release toxins also affect our ability to adapt to our inner and outer world.

We have built in feedback loops that foster adaptation when something internal or external is not quite right. Quite often these are the systems that need repair, and there aren’t good medical tests to discover or treat this breakdown of communication.

My unique approach is a toolbox of methods, knowledge and intuition that has been cultivated over the past 26 years. This system of analysis and treatment restores the body’s own feedback loops, connecting the mind and body, and leading to improved physical and emotional conditions. The restoration of the autonomic nervous system is the baseline for healing organs and tissues, as well as improving mental and emotional wellness.

The specificity of Autonomic Restoration Technique allows for incredibly personalized treatment plans. We find that once we have the exact right adjustments in place patients develop a healthier, stronger, more balanced mind and body.

-CW