What is the Mechanism Behind the Procedure?
Our bodies naturally strive for equilibrium. However, incidents like concussions or birth traumas can disrupt this balance, exerting force on the skull’s bones. Misalignment in the skull can lead to compensatory changes in our movement patterns. These changes might manifest as poor posture, breathing challenges, persistent pain, or even mood disturbances. The Nasal Release works by realigning these cranial bones, thereby enhancing alignment and promoting optimal function of neurotransmitters within the Central Nervous System. This realignment fosters a more harmonious bodily function, potentially alleviating various symptoms and improving overall well-being.
What can I expect from treatment?
The Nasal Release Technique is a unique procedure involving a finger cot attached to a simple inflation device, similar to a blood pressure bulb. To begin, the finger cot is lightly lubricated and carefully placed between the nasal turbinates. The inflation device is then used to gently expand the cot within the nasal passage. During this process, the opposite nostril is softly closed to prevent air escape. The patient is asked to inhale deeply and hold their breath. As the cot inflates, it gently progresses into the nasopharynx, subtly widening it. This process is meticulously repeated in the lower, middle, and upper portions of the nose to ensure a balanced and comprehensive treatment.
Typically, this initial session is not painful, involving just one inflation per nasal passage to gauge tolerance. If well-received, subsequent sessions may include more inflations. During the procedure, patients often experience a sense of pressure in the nose and head. It’s common to feel or hear minor clicking or popping sounds, which are indications of the cranial bones adjusting. These sensations are part of the normal process of restoring cranial balance and alignment.
Who can benefit from Nasal Release Technique
• Concussion and other head injuries
• Headaches, head pressure, migraines
• Low energy, Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
• Muscle spasms, neck and shoulder pain
• Poor concentration and focus
• PTSD
• Sinusitis, sleep apnea, snoring, other breathing and sinus disorders
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• TMJ (mouth, head and jaw pains)
• Vertigo and other balance problems
• Whiplash Syndrome
Symptoms that may respond to therapy
• Headache or facial pain/pressure
• Congestion or fullness
• Vertigo
• Balance Problems
• Snoring or Sleep Apnea
• Breathing Problems
• TMJ
• Nasal obstruction or blockage
• Loss of smell
• Types of Sinusitis
• Neck Pain
• Ringing in the Ears
Contraindications
- Caution should be taken with patients who might have “bleeding disorders” or are taking anticoagulant medications. This population may not be good candidates for this procedure.
- Patients with prior nasal or facial bone surgery, especially with modification of the turbinates, are not good candidates for nasal specific because the integrity of the structures is unpredictable.
- There has been at least one case reported where an asthma attack was initiated by the nasal release technique. (S. Oliver noted this from his private practice experience; it was suggested therefore as a precaution.) The clinician should be assured that the patients with a history of asthma have their inhaler with them when they are going to undergo this therapy.
The therapist performs an extensive medical history check before attempting this procedure, and will refrain from it if any contraindications are present.
Possible Side Effects:
• Epistaxis, or nose bleed, can result from the Nasal Release Technique
• Minor soreness over the maxillary-zygomatic or inter-maxillary articulations, tenderness of the nasal passage regions, a tingling feeling in the central maxillary incisors, and mild soreness of the gums is possible. In some cases, these mild symptoms persist, though diminishing, for up to several days. Infrequently, a patient might experience a headache after treatment.
• Throat irritation due to increased drainage from sinuses may also happen following Nasal Release Technique. This is temporary and goes away in a short time. Draining of the sinuses is a common side effect from this procedure. Some people’s passageways are very tight and feel uncomfortable during the procedure, but all have reported feeling better afterwards. The therapist attempts to gradually open the nasal passageways with multiple treatments to prevent a traumatic Nasal Release experience.
