What is Spinal Flow?
Spinal Flow Technique is a gentle, non-invasive modality designed to support the body's innate ability to heal and regulate itself through the nervous system.
Developed by Australian chiropractor Dr. Carli Axford, Spinal Flow is based on the understanding that the brain and spinal cord form the body's primary communication network. Every organ, muscle, tissue, and cell relies on this network to function efficiently.
When physical, chemical, or emotional stress accumulates, the nervous system may become overwhelmed, creating areas of tension and reduced communication throughout the body. Spinal Flow aims to identify these areas and encourage the restoration of healthy neurological communication.
Rather than treating individual symptoms, Spinal Flow focuses on supporting the body's overall function by helping the nervous system return to a more balanced and adaptable state.
The Philosophy Behind Spinal Flow
The body possesses an extraordinary capacity to heal, adapt, and maintain balance when its communication systems are functioning optimally.
Spinal Flow is founded on the principle that the nervous system coordinates every function within the body. By reducing interference within this system, the body is better able to regulate itself, repair tissues, respond to stress, and maintain health.
Rather than forcing change, Spinal Flow works with the body's own intelligence, allowing healing responses to occur naturally and at an individual pace.
How Does Spinal Flow Work?
During a Spinal Flow session, gentle contacts are made on specific Access Points located along the sacrum and cranium.
These Access Points are believed to communicate with the nervous system, encouraging the body to shift from a protective "stress response" toward a more regulated state where healing, repair, and recovery can occur.
The light contacts are not designed to manipulate joints or muscles. Instead, they provide gentle sensory input that may encourage the nervous system to release stored tension and improve communication throughout the spine and body.
As the nervous system becomes more regulated, many people notice improved movement, greater relaxation, reduced muscle tension, improved sleep, and an enhanced sense of wellbeing.
The Seven Gateways of the Body
An unique aspect of Spinal Flow is the assessment of the Seven Gateways, which are regions of the body where stress may accumulate and where the flow of communication within the nervous system can become restricted.
These gateways include:
Base Gateway – Coccyx (Tailbone)
Nerve supply: Tail bone, toes
Foundation Gateway – The Sacrum
Nerve supply: Pelvis, groin, hip, knee, leg, ankle.
Power Gateway – Lumbar Spine L1 - L5
Nerve supply: Low back, colon, prostate, uterus.
Centre Gateway – Thoracic Spine T1 - T12
Nerve supply: upper and mid back, heart,lungs, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, spleen, liver and kidneys.
Passion Gateway – Cervical Spine C3 - C7
Nerve supply: Neck, shoulders, arm, throat, thyroid.
Pause Gateway – Cervical Spine C1 - C2
Nerve supply: Neck, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses.
Awaken Gateway – Cranium (Head)
Nerve supply: Head, brain, cranial nerves.
During an assessment, these gateways are evaluated to identify where stress patterns may be affecting the body's ability to adapt and function efficiently.
The Access Points
Spinal Flow uses 33 specific Access Points located along the sacrum and cranium.
Each Access Point corresponds to different neurological pathways and areas of the body. Gentle contact at these points is intended to encourage improved communication within the nervous system and support the body's natural healing processes.
Rather than addressing isolated symptoms, the Access Points are used to assess and facilitate the body's overall neurological function.
Creating Flow Within the Spine
Healthy movement depends on effective communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
When stress accumulates over time, the body may adopt protective patterns, including muscle guarding, reduced mobility, altered posture, and increased tension. These protective responses can influence how efficiently the nervous system communicates.
The goal of Spinal Flow is to encourage greater "flow" within the nervous system by helping the body release stored stress and restore more efficient communication between the brain and body.
As communication improves, the body may become better able to regulate movement, recovery, digestion, sleep, immune function, emotional wellbeing, and overall resilience.
Because every person is unique, responses to can vary. Many people notice gradual changes over a series of sessions as the nervous system continues to adapt.
A Note on Evidence
Spinal Flow is a wellness-focused technique that is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions. It should not replace medical care where appropriate. If you have concerns about your health, it is important to consult your GP or another qualified healthcare professional. Spinal Flow may be used alongside conventional healthcare as part of a holistic approach to wellbeing.