Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Spinal Flow® Technique was developed by Dr Carli Axford over 20 years of research, observation and clinical success. It combines her understanding of the spine, nervous system and Life Force Energy into a simple method that harnesses the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

    The Spinal Flow® Technique is a philosophy, a science, and an intuitive, hands-on approach that prompts our spine and nervous system to release stress and help heal itself.

    There is an innate intelligence inside every human body to grow, repair and heal itself. Just as our gut digests our food, our hair grows and our heart beats naturally, our bodies know how to harness this innate intelligence – or Life Force Energy – to heal and grow.

    The spine and nervous system is the pathway through which Life Force Energy flows. Unreleased stress creates a blockage in the spine which prevents the flow of Life Force Energy.

    By releasing stress stored in the spine, a Spinal Flow Practitioner helps restore the flow of healing Life Force Energy through every vertebrae in the spine and to every cell in the body.

    The Spinal Flow Technique is a complete modality which allows you to

    • Interpret the messages of the body which show as pain, dis-ease and other symptoms

    • Identify where stress is stored in the spine

    • Release spinal blockages

    • Restore the flow of Life Force Energy

    • Awaken the Spinal Flow

    • Allow the body’s innate intelligence to heal pain, illness and dis-ease.

    The Spinal Flow® Technique is a powerful and holistic approach that works with the body’s natural intelligence to release stress and tension, supporting healing and wellbeing from within. It is a complementary modality and not a registered or regulated primary health care profession. Practitioners do not diagnose or treat medical or psychological conditions.

    It is a gentle, non-invasive healing technique that activates the body’s innate potential to restore balance and vitality. It does not involve any massage or manipulation of any kind to bones, ligaments, tendons or tissues of the body.

  • As Spinal Flow is awakened, it allows healing Life Force Energy to move through each vertebra and reach every cell in the body. Blockages in the spine correlate with diseases of the internal organs, and spinal blockages represent an obstruction in the flow of information through the nervous system which prevents the body from maintaining homeostasis and regulating and repairing itself effectively. The Spinal Flow Technique releases these blockages, shifting unresolved stress and restoring the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

    The Spinal Flow Technique has an energy-healing component combined with a scientific understanding of the spine and nervous system to help the body heal itself on a physiological and energetic level.

  • There are 3 ways the spine can become blocked:

    ~ Physical stressors - injuries from sports, car accidents, falls, etc. are quite commonly addressed by Spinal Flow. In addition, Spinal Flow is quite effective in dealing with skeletal issues, such as scoliosis and immune disorders, such as fibromyalgia.

    ~Emotional stressors - Unprocessed emotions from childhood and later can cause ‘fight-or-flight’ creating havoc on the nervous system. Digestive issues, anxiety and depression can result. Spinal Flow can help the body return to a feeling of safety once again.

    ~Chemical stressors - There are known and unknown chemical stressors everywhere. It’s hard to hide from them, although we can take action to reduce our exposure to them. Pesticides and lawn care products are examples. There are also chemicals in food and drinks, such as dyes and pesticides, as well as personal care products, such as make up, shampoo, soaps, lotions and deodorant. Pollutants from local factories, manufacturing plants, companies and airplanes are other examples.

  • There are no known contraindications for Spinal Flow. In other words, Spinal Flow can benefit a wide range of people and issues, conditions, illnesses and injuries. Spinal Flow practitioners from all around the world continue to be amazed at the changes clients have experienced during their Spinal Flow journey. Some examples include:

    • Trauma and stress release - feeling calmer, more confident, better sleep, ability to focus

    • Symptom relief - conditions such as scoliosis and symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, fibromyalgia and other neurological disorders may ease as the nervous system shifts from “fight-or-flight” mode into “rest-and-digest” mode

    • Pain relief - as emotional trauma from accidents and injuries is released, physical pain may also be relieved

    • Pre and post surgery support - Spinal Flow may help the body and mind relax to allow accelerated healing to occur

  • As Spinal Flow is awakened, it allows healing Life Force Energy to move through each vertebra and reach every cell in the body. Blockages in the spine correlate with diseases of the internal organs, and spinal blockages represent an obstruction in the flow of information through the nervous system which prevents the body from maintaining homeostasis and regulating and repairing itself effectively. The Spinal Flow Technique releases these blockages, shifting unresolved stress and restoring the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

    The Spinal Flow Technique has an energy-healing component combined with a scientific understanding of the spine and nervous system to help the body heal itself on a physiological and energetic level.

  • Complete a New Client form available on this site under Client Forms and come to the session with an open mind and heart.

    Dress warm and comfortably, preferably non-restrictive clothing and socks.

  • At your first session, we will talk about your goals and how Spinal Flow can help you achieve those goals. We will do a spinal assessment, taking pictures to document a starting point and to measure progress over time.

    Afterwards, you will have a Spinal Flow session, which is up to 40 minutes. Lying comfortably and fully clothed, face-down on a massage table, I will gently touch access points on your spine, which will send a signal to your brain to send Life Force energy down and up your spine. The body does the work, gently releasing spinal blockages.

    Most of the 33 access points for optimal acceleration of flow are located on the sacrum and coccyx, on the lower part of the spine. I may also touch your head on the sphenoid, the backs of your thighs and bottom of your feet as these locations help encourage more flow.

    A recommended plan of action will be discussed at your first session once we speak about your goals and complete a spinal assessment.

    Follow-up sessions are up to 40 minutes of Spinal Flow.

  • It’s a relaxing experience to have Life Force energy flowing down your spine! Supportive music is played during your session and we’ll ensure your comfort while on the table with the use of pillows, etc. Some people experience their body moving during sessions, others may experience deep breathing and yet others, experience nothing at all. Every body is different and all experiences are perfect for each individual.

  • Every body is unique. No two are alike and reactions vary from person to person.

    Some people experience immediate relief or partial relief of symptoms. As with other modalities and techniques, some may experience a temporary increase in discomfort as the body works to release stored stress . Some may experience new symptoms in the days that follows as the body works to heal itself.

    I trust implicitly in the wisdom of the body to know how best to heal itself.

    ** I feel honored to support you in your healing journey. As such, I’m available by phone outside of office hours for any issues or concerns that may arise.‍ ‍

  • Every body is different, has different needs and a unique path to healing. One person may require a few sessions where another with the same condition may require several sessions or more. Deep rooted issues, such as stored emotional trauma from childhood and severe or long-held physical trauma will likely require more consistent sessions, preferably condensed into a short time frame.

    Some people have experienced transformation in as little as 1 or 2 sessions, but this is not always the case.

  • Even though your body does the healing, you are very much a partner in your healing.

    It’s important that you take steps to minimize and manage physical, emotional and environmental stress in your life to accelerate healing. Suggestions will be provided to you to help you .

    It is recommended that you drink plenty of water and nurture your body with fresh fruits and vegetables. Your body may also require extra rest, although some feel energized after a session.

  • I’m happy to provide a free 20 minute phone or Zoom consultation. Simply reach out to me and we can schedule a time to speak.

  • Please schedule an initial session for an intake discussion, spinal assessment and Spinal Flow session on this site or reach out to me via email.