back protocol overview

Question 1

What are the 3 main parts of the Back Protocol, aside from the Warm-Up and Finishing Techniques, ?

Answer 1

1. Compressions
2. Decompressions / Traction
3. Lateral Decompressions

(each part is performed on the thoracic, lumbar + sacral areas)

Question 2

What is the general purpose of the Back Protocol?

Answer 2

to regulate the spine & abdominal cavity

(the back protocol & rest of whole body sequence are essentially regulating protocols that can be modified to address various presentations)

Question 3

What are the primary principles of the Back Protocol?

Answer 3

• to relax & adjust connective tissue, muscles, and bones to restore alignment of body tissues
• this will facilitate proper function & mobility, aid in healing, treat disease, and eliminate pain

Question 4

What are the benefits of Compressions?

Answer 4

• compresses the spine longitudinally & from lateral to medial
• accentuates spine’s natural curves
• opens & stimulates Du mai energy
• unblocks stagnation
• increases circulation of Qi, Blood, fluids around spinal column
• assesses / slackens Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ant. spine)

Question 5

What are the classic sayings about Compressions, that describe its purpose?

Answer 5

• “bend bow to loosen bow string”

- “if want to open, need to close first”

Question 6

What are the benefits of Decompressions / Traction?

Answer 6

• decompresses the spine longitudinally
• traction opens intervertebral spaces
• allows energy to course through Du / spine
• stretches Posterior Longitudinal Ligament & Supraspinous Ligaments
• traction & mobilization of sacrum frees up Dan Tian
• allows practitioner to assess restrictions of natural movement

Question 7

What are the benefits of Lateral Decompressions?

Answer 7

• decompresses spine laterally
• opens joints at ribs / transverse vertebrae
• stimulates energy Du –> UB / organs
• thoracic: release Spinal Erector muscles & Intertransverse Ligaments
• lumbar: Spinal Erectors & Quadratus Lumborum gently separated from vertebra
• allows Qi & Blood to flow; restores flexibility & mobility
• sacral Ba Liao points affect sexual organs & lower body
• release attachments to sides of sacrum & Sacrotuberal Ligament
• goldfish shakes free restrictions & encourages different sections of spine & body to reintegrate

Question 8

Which part of back protocol accentuates the spine’s natural curves? What are the curves?

Answer 8

• Compressions accentuate the spine’s natural curves
• Kyphotic curve at thoracic + sacral areas
• Lordotic curve at lumbar

Question 9

What part of the Back Protocol assesses & slackens the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (anterior spine)?

Answer 9

Compressions

Question 10

What part of the Back Protocol stretches the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament & Supraspinous Ligaments, and allows practitioner to assess restrictions of natural movement?

Answer 10

Decompressions

Question 11

What part of the Back Protocol opens joints at the ribs / transverse vertebrae?

Answer 11

Lateral Decompressions

Question 12

What part of the Back Protocol releases spinal erector muscles in the thoracic and lumbar areas, releases intertransverse ligaments, separates quadratus lumborum from vertebra, and releases attachments to the sides of sacrum & sacrotuberal ligament?

Answer 12

Lateral Decompressions