Introduction to the Central Channel

A number of primary information system systems converge and interact along the center of the back. This is where the bony spine, the meninges, the cerebrospinal fluid, the nervous system, and the governing vessel meridian all meet and work together to serve the different levels of body function. We call this area the Central Channel because it is the center of so much exchange of information and energy.

The Central Channel

The Central Channel Release technique relieves some of the compression that accumulates in the meninges due to stress events during a lifetime.* By applying soft contact on or near the attachment points of the meninges, we can stimulate the tissues of the meninges to release and unwind stress matrixes that have been restricting the free flow of energy along the central channel. This creates more space in the spine and restores motion throughout the whole body. This recovery of motion is a key indicator of the recovery of life force, especially in governing vessel.

Meningeal Attachment Points

The occipital ridge is a primary attachment site of the meninges, while the sacral notch is related to the primary meningeal attachment at the second sacral tubercle. Both places are origination areas of the parasympathetic impulses.

The meninges also attach to C-2 and fuse into the tissue of the coccyx. There is disagreement as to whether or not they attach to C-5 or to the inside posterior ridge of the atlas.

Contraindications

It is important to keep in mind that this technique has a strong effect on the meninges. This is a deep layer of the body that conducts a very primitive layer of life force. As these tissues decompress, physical/emotional/mental toxic debris can release into the body to be discharged. If a person is in a weak or extremely unstable condition, they may not have the capacity to handle the movement of these substances and energies. Also, the expansion of motion throughout the body can stimulate strong activity in the nervous system, organs, chakras, meridians, etc.; it is important to regulate how much life force is released, as it will stimulate change at physical, emotional and psychological levels.

Therefore, when working with this powerful technique, it is even more important than usual to work with care. Watch, listen, observe.... as motion amplifies in the body you will be making judgements regarding what is 'enough.' You need to stay grounded and present in order to know where the receiver's limits are. Facilitating deep change necessitates more responsibility on your part during treatment.

Because this technique can stimulate deep change in the body/mind, there are certain contraindications for using it. In the case of the following conditions, it is recommended to either work very briefly, or wait until you have experience with the more advanced central channel classes before using even this basic beginning technique:

• a history of epilepsy or other seizure conditions
• any type of vertebral fusion surgeries
• extreme and acute mental or physical illness
• a history of heavy drug use (pharmaceutical or recreational)

The main indicator to guide you in your decision of how long to do this release is motion. The more acute someone's symptoms are, the less motion you want to stimulate. If someone is in a vulnerable or acute condition, introduce small amounts of change and monitor how the they handle this new input of information and energy through their system before going further.

If someone becomes very physically, emotionally or mentally unstable after a session and it persists in a way that they have trouble handling, that is an indication to do less with the central channel at that time. Use more traditional shiatsu, massage, shin tai or reflexology to assist the body in integrating the new influx of energy.

* There are advanced shin tai classes called Central Channel and Advanced Central Channel. These cover a comprehensive and refined system of working with the central channel through the release of specific stress matrixes in the meninges. Please see our website https://shintaiinternational.com/shiatsu-shin-tai-... for scheduled courses.