Complementary Therapies & Services Offered at Swingle Clinic:
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on therapy using a light touch and gentle movements to monitor the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) throughout the body. CSF surrounds, safeguards, and provides nourishment for the brain, spinal cord, and membranes. The pumping motion of this fluid creates a subtle pulse (detected through the palpation of bones) similar to that of a heartbeat, which can be felt throughout the body. This rhythm is monitored & modulated by applying light pressure at specific evaluation points throughout the length of the body (head, neck, spinal cord, lower back, and ankles).
With CST, the natural rhythm of the CranioSacral function is restored, blood, and oxygen flow are improved, toxins are removed more efficiently and brain cells function more effectively as they are receiving the nutrients they require. With CST, individuals generally feel a release from stress and anxiety and begin to enjoy a renewed sense of well-being which facilitates neurotherapeutic treatment.
Trans-Cranial Direct Current Stimulation (Tdcs)
A DC current is applied to the scalp with the intention of altering neuronal activity. Tdcs uses such a low level of micro-amperage electrical stimulation that clients rarely feel it. It has been found to be very effective in facilitating neurotherapeutic treatment of a variety of conditions, including those associated with anxiety, depression, and obsessive thought patterns.
Stimulation is generated by attaching a wet cloth, cotton ball, or sponge to an electrode which is then placed on the scalp over the brain region to be treated. A second electrode is placed on a grounding area, such as the shoulder or arm. Stimulation is usually limited to three-minute exposures, generally at the beginning and end of a neurotherapy session.
SomatoEmotional Release (SER)
The body often retains physical and emotional imprints as the result of trauma. These imprints become isolated and dysfunctional and create “energy cysts” in body tissue. Initially, the body is able to adapt to these energy cysts; however, over time the body loses its ability to adapt effectively and additional energy is required to carry out the most basic of functions. Suppressed physical and emotional trauma lay the foundation for many ailments. By locating and releasing the energy cysts, internal energy is able to flow freely and can markedly accelerate the neurotherapy process.
Dr. Swingle’s recent research on the use of SER in cases of severe emotional trauma, as an adjunct to neurotherapy was presented at the international conference of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.
SER was found to improve brain activity in the occipital region of the brain which is associated with emotional trauma. Some remarkable recoveries were experienced when the emotional trauma was treated neurologically with neurotherapy and the emotional content treated with SER.
Sleep Assessment
The sleep monitoring assessment program has clients take a sleep monitor home and obtain a four-night record of sleep. The monitor is a wireless EEG recording device that gives continuous EEG recordings from the frontal cortex over the entire night. We obtain a four-night record to be sure that the sleep disturbances that we observe are not simply transitory but are consistent across a multiple-night period. In addition to the sleep assessment, clients at the Swingle Clinic always have a ClinicalQ assessment. This is an EEG recording of brainwave activity over 5 critical brain areas.
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation is a therapeutic procedure using mild battery-powered electronic stimulation for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Stimulation is applied using ear clips or electrodes attached to the ear lobes. Usually, the patient experiences the electrical stimulation as a gentle tingling sensation, although sometimes no sensation is felt. CES is typically administered once a day for 30-60 minutes, though frequency may vary depending on patient needs and conditions. Positive results may be experienced immediately, though for some, it takes up to three of four weeks. For lasting benefits, treatment should be continued at regular intervals, on an as-needed basis.
Adrenal Stress Assessment
This is primarily used to assess the cortisol cycle for clients with severe stress tolerance problems and those with sleep disturbances. Saliva samples are taken on four specific occasions throughout the day and forwarded to a local laboratory for evaluation.
Visual Tracking
Eye exercises are done during neurotherapy treatment to facilitate efficient eye movement for tasks such as reading. These exercises have been shown to improve some of the symptoms of ADHD.
Myofacial physiotherapy
As a complement to neurotherapy, muscle movement efficiency is measured and treated using muscle tension biofeedback. This is frequently used for clients with pain and movement disorders.
Micro-magnetic stimulation
Used with braindriving treatment procedures, micro-intensity magnetic pulsing is used to activate or quiet specific areas of the brain. Often used in conjunction with other braindriving stimuli including harmonics, visual stimulation and micro-amperage stimulation of acupuncture locations.
Peripheral Biofeedback
Neurotherapy includes biofeedback of the brain. Peripheral biofeedback is focused on areas other than the brain such as blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, body temperature, blood flow and conductivity of the skin. These peripheral biofeedback procedures are often used for treatment of pain, poor coordination, body tension and anxiety.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
A form of peripheral biofeedback, HRV is very effective in helping clients learn how to rapidly and efficiently relax the body. It is also very effective adjunctive treatment for clients with stress tolerance problems.