12/18/2025
I am sharing this post because it is full of wonderful information explaining our Nervous System and why Spinal Flow is so beneficial at helping the whole body heal.
Healing Soul~Mind~Body at Bowenwork Marin
Bowenworkmarin.com
How Spinal Flow Supports the Spine and Nervous System
The nervous system is remarkably adaptive. Under daily load from posture, movement, gravity, and stress, the spinal cord and its surrounding tissues are constantly adjusting to help the body function and remain protected. This adaptability supports communication between the brain, the spinal structures and the peripheral nerves that branch from the spinal cord, influencing muscles, organs, and tissues throughout the body. While this capacity for adaptation is essential for survival, the central nervous system is not designed to remain under constant strain or prolonged stress, whether physically, emotionally or chemically. Over time, ongoing stress and tension can begin to interfere with efficient regulation and communication within the body.
The spinal cord, a central component of the nervous system, is a tightly organized column of nerve tissue extending downward from the brainstem through the center of the spine. Despite weighing only about 35 grams and measuring roughly 1 cm in diameter, it plays a vital role in nearly every aspect of daily life. It carries motor commands from the brain to the muscles, receives sensory information from the body, partially processes it, and transmits that information back to the brain.
Structurally, the spinal cord is well protected. It is housed within 26 vertebrae, cushioned by intervertebral discs that absorb movement and reduce impact, and wrapped in three protective membranes known as the meninges, similar to the brain. Within the cord itself are two distinct tissue types that work together continuously.
The grey matter, shaped like a butterfly in cross-section, contains specialized regions responsible for processing information. The front portions house motor neurons that stimulate muscle movement, while the back portions contain sensory neurons that relay information such as touch, pressure, and pain back to the brain. Surrounding this is white matter, made up of axons that allow signals to travel efficiently up and down the spinal cord, coordinating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
In addition to transmitting sensory and motor information, the spinal cord contains neural circuits responsible for reflexes — automatic, involuntary responses such as withdrawing from heat or the knee-jerk reflex. These rapid responses help protect the body and reduce processing demands on the brain. Even subtle, persistent, low grade stress and tension along the spine can influence how these pathways function, affecting how efficiently the body responds to both internal and external stressors.
When spinal and nervous system tension becomes chronic, muscles may remain in a state of protective contraction, connective tissues can stiffen, and nerve signaling may become less efficient. Over time, this can contribute to symptoms such as chronic pain, stiffness, fatigue, altered posture, difficulty managing stress, and broader effects on digestion, immunity, and overall resilience.
Healthy spinal function depends on the coordinated interaction between spinal structures, muscular control, and nervous system regulation. When the nervous system is supported and able to regulate effectively, these elements work together with greater ease and efficiency.
Spinal Flow supports this regulation by working across these layers:
Releasing tension in spinal tissues: Gentle contacts encourage the meninges and surrounding connective tissues to soften, reducing unnecessary holding patterns and improving freedom of movement.
Supporting nervous system regulation: By helping the body shift out of constant protection and into a parasympathetic, rest-and-repair state, Spinal Flow reduces excessive muscular tone and supports clearer neural communication.
Optimizing structural and muscular balance: Improved coordination between muscles and spinal structures allows tension to distribute more evenly, supporting posture, movement, and overall nervous system efficiency.
When the nervous system no longer needs to remain in a constant state of protection, the spine and body can move toward balanced, responsive function, supporting reduced pain, improved energy, and greater overall resilience and well-being.
Image courtesy of: Gunther von Hagens, Body Worlds
