Science

There are two key elements which need to be taken into account in order to understand the science behind The Human Reset. The first is the critical importance and the knock-on effects throughout the body of the area being treated, the sub-occipital muscles. The second is the effect that vibration based treatments can have on muscles, and as a consequence, blood flow stimulation and the resulting healing effect.

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The sub-occipital muscles are a group of muscles located between the base of the skull and the top of the neck. The muscles support the head and neck and aid in extension, flexion, as well as rotation. Due to the close relationship of cervical tension and cerebral vascularization, the reset helps with increased circulation. (Due to the close relationship of the sub-occipital muscles to the vertebral artery, tension or muscle stiffness can lead to compression or restriction of the artery which reduces blood flow- this is not really accurate). This decreased blood flow can lead to light-headedness and dizziness while the muscle tension itself can result in headaches or neck pain (1,2,3,4). Beyond being the pathway for blood flow to the brain, the neck also has a significant biomechanical function as the first point in the vertebral column to which all extremities are linked. This in turn means that a misalignment, tension or malposture of the neck can lead to symptoms that reach far beyond the shoulders and back, ie impairing shoulder rotation, lower back pains etc. Owing to their function as supporters and enablers of head and neck movement, the sub-occipital muscles are prone to strain and trauma through external forces as well as extended periods of poor posture (5) With increasing use and time-spent on digital media, the latter is becoming a growing issue and cause of pain. With the average American spending 7 hours and 50 minutes on digital media, primarily with our heads pointed in an unnaturally downward facing position, “tech neck” and poor posture are becoming an increasing occurrence, even amongst younger adults(6). Whilst the head weighs 10-12 pounds (~5kg), when tilted to a 45-degree angle, the amount of force exerted on the neck increases to nearly 50 pounds (~22kg) (7). This along with our sedentary lifestyles amongst other things is leading to back, neck pain and tensions being common place, as well as resulting headaches, light-headedness and even lack of focus.

Whilst an area of the science that is still unfolding, initial studies have been published that also show decompression of the sub-occipital muscles to have a positive effect on the Vagus nerve, e.g. by increasing the output to the heart (8). The Vagus nerve is the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system which controls digestion, heart rate and the immune system.

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