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Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
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Spinal Flow Technique
Body-Based
Spinal Flow Technique is a gentle, non-invasive somatic healing modality developed by Australian chiropractor Dr Carli Axford, based on the principles of Network Spinal (formerly Network Spinal Analysis) developed by Dr Donald Epstein. The technique works with the spine as the body's central communication highway — the spinal cord carries the nervous system, which governs every function in the body. Using light, precise touches at specific access points along the spine and sacrum, Spinal Flow practitioners help release stored stress, tension, and trauma locked in the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. For cancer patients, Spinal Flow is used to support nervous system regulation, reduce treatment-related pain and fatigue, release the physical and emotional tension held in the body during a cancer journey, and facilitate a deeper connection between mind and body that supports healing.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
The spine stores physical and emotional stress as interference patterns (areas of tension and disconnection) in the connective tissue, vertebrae, and spinal cord. These stored stresses prevent the nervous system from functioning at its full capacity. The gentle touch points used in Spinal Flow activate the spine's own self-correcting intelligence, triggering a spontaneous 'somatopsychic' wave — a rhythmic, wavelike movement that travels up the spine and is understood to discharge stored stress, restore neural communication, and reorganise the nervous system toward greater coherence and self-healing capacity. This is similar in principle to somatic experiencing (SE) but works specifically through the spinal pathway rather than generalised body sensation.
What a Session Looks Like
Sessions are 45—60 minutes. Clients lie face-down or on their side, fully clothed, on a low, padded table. The practitioner uses fingertip pressure (often lighter than the weight of a coin) at 3—5 specific access points. Sessions are gentle enough for post-surgery, post-radiation, and patients receiving active treatment. A series of sessions is recommended — typically weekly for 4—8 weeks initially. Sessions are fully in-person; the physical touch component means remote sessions are not applicable.
Cautions & Considerations
- Not a substitute for conventional cancer treatment
- Inform the practitioner of your cancer diagnosis, treatment phase, any spinal metastases, osteoporosis, or recent surgery before commencing sessions
- Avoid direct spinal work over areas of known bone metastases — ensure practitioner modifies the protocol accordingly
- Post-session integration responses (emotional release, tiredness, increased awareness) are normal
- Choose a practitioner certified in Spinal Flow Technique or Network Spinal Analysis
- Not suitable as a primary therapy for cancer-related spinal cord compression medical clearance is required