The class will be held at Synergy Healing Arts in Truckee, next to Truckee International Airport (KTRK)

10266 Truckee Airport Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

 

 

 

Peristalsis and Segmentation.

Two types of movements occur in the gastrointestinal tract: peristalsis and segmentation. 

Peristalsis is the involuntary contraction and relaxation of longitudinal and circular muscles throughout the digestive tract, allowing for the propulsion of contents beginning in the pharynx and ending in the anus. Swallow-induced peristalsis is termed primary peristalsis, while peristalsis evoked by distension of the esophagus is termed secondary peristalsis.

While peristalsis propels contents forward, segmentation is the mixing of these contents, both of which play an essential role in allowing for the absorption of water and nutrients.

The gastrointestinal tract is innervated by the enteric nervous system (ENS), a division of the peripheral nervous system, which controls the gastrointestinal system independent of any central nervous system (CNS) input. The ENS consists of 2 networks of nerves: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner plexus). The myenteric plexus is situated between the longitudinal and circular muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and contains the pacemaker cells and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The myenteric plexus and ICC mediate the process of peristalsis by alternating between distal relaxation and proximal contraction of the muscles.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556137/

The Digestive system

The digestive system is a group of organs responsible for the conversion of food into absorbable chemicals that are then used to provide energy for growth and repair. The digestive system is also known by a number of other names, including the gut, the digestive tube, the alimentary canal, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the intestinal tract, and the intestinal tube. The digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines, along with several glands, such as the salivary glands, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas. These glands secrete digestive juices containing enzymes that break down the food chemically into smaller, more absorbable molecules. In addition to providing the body with the nutrients and energy it needs to function, the digestive system also separates and disposes of waste products ingested with the food.

Physiology of the Large Intestine.

Function:

The large intestine has 3 primary functions: absorbing water and electrolytes, producing and absorbing vitamins, and forming and propelling feces toward the rectum for elimination. By the time indigestible materials have reached the colon, most nutrients and up to 90% of the water has been absorbed by the small intestine. The role of the ascending colon is to absorb the remaining water and other key nutrients from the indigestible material, solidifying it to form stool. The descending colon stores feces that will eventually be emptied into the rectum. The sigmoid colon contracts to increase the pressure inside the colon, causing the stool to move into the rectum. The rectum holds the feces awaiting elimination by defecation.

Sequence of digestion.

The process of digestion involves the mechanical and chemical breakdown of ingested food into smaller, absorbable components. The sequence of digestion occurs in several stages and involves various organs of the digestive system. Here is an overview of the key stages in the sequence of digestion:

1. Ingestion:

   - The process begins with the intake of food through the mouth.

2. Mechanical Digestion (Mouth):

   - Chewing (mastication) breaks down food into smaller particles, increasing its surface area.

   - Saliva, produced by salivary glands, is mixed with the chewed food. Saliva contains enzymes (like amylase) that start the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates.

3. Propulsion (Swallowing):

   - The tongue helps in forming a bolus (a mass of chewed food), which is then pushed to the back of the throat and swallowed.

   - The act of swallowing involves coordinated muscle contractions (peristalsis) that move the food through the esophagus.

4. Chemical Digestion (Stomach):

   - The bolus enters the stomach, where gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes (like pepsin), break down proteins.

   - The stomach's churning action further breaks down food into a semi-liquid mixture called chyme.

5. Propulsion (Stomach to Small Intestine):

   - The chyme is gradually released from the stomach into the small intestine through the pyloric sphincter.

6. Small Intestine:

   a. Duodenum:

      - Bile from the liver (stored in the gallbladder) and pancreatic juices enter the duodenum to aid in the digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

   b. Jejunum and Ileum:

      - The majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the jejunum, including sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids.

      - The ileum completes the absorption process, particularly for vitamin B12 and bile salts.

7. Propulsion (Small Intestine to Large Intestine):

   - Peristaltic contractions move the remaining material (mostly water and undigested particles) into the large intestine.

8. Large Intestine:

   - The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining material, forming solid feces.

   - The colon also houses beneficial bacteria that aid in the fermentation of certain undigested substances.

9. Formation and Elimination of Feces:

   - The remaining material, now transformed into feces, is stored in the rectum.

   - The anal sphincters control the elimination of feces through the anus in a process known as defecation.

Throughout this sequence, various hormones and neural signals regulate digestive processes, ensuring that digestion and absorption are efficient and well-coordinated. The digestive system plays a vital role in providing the body with essential nutrients for energy, growth, and maintenance.

The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. It contains three anatomically distinct divisions: sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539845/

Physiology of the Small Intestine.

The small intestine is a crucial part of the digestive system, responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption from the ingested food. It is a long, tube-like organ located between the stomach and the large intestine. The small intestine is divided into three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

1. Duodenum:

   - The duodenum is the first and shortest part of the small intestine.

   - It receives partially digested food, known as chyme, from the stomach through the pyloric sphincter.

   - Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, and pancreatic juices, produced by the pancreas, enter the duodenum to aid in the digestion process.

2. Jejunum:

   - The jejunum is the middle part of the small intestine.

   - It is the primary site for nutrient absorption, where the majority of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are absorbed into the bloodstream.

   - The walls of the jejunum contain numerous finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption.

3. Ileum:

   - The ileum is the final part of the small intestine, connecting to the large intestine at the ileocecal valve.

   - It continues the absorption of nutrients, particularly vitamin B12 and bile salts.

   - The ileocecal valve regulates the flow of material from the small intestine into the large intestine.

 

Key Functions:

• Nutrient Absorption: The small intestine is the primary site for the absorption of nutrients, including sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

- Villi and Microvilli: The walls of the small intestine are lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which further have microvilli on their surfaces. These structures significantly increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption.

- Mucus Production: Goblet cells in the small intestine produce mucus, which helps lubricate the intestinal walls and protect them from the acidic chyme.

- Peristalsis: Peristaltic contractions propel the chyme through the small intestine, allowing for the mixing and exposure of chyme to digestive enzymes.

The coordinated activities of the small intestine, along with the contributions of the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients essential for the body's functioning.

Physiology of the Large Intestine.

Function:

By the time indigestible materials have reached the colon, most nutrients and up to 90% of the water have been absorbed by the small intestine.

The large intestine has 3 primary functions: absorbing water and electrolytes, producing and absorbing vitamins, and forming and propelling feces toward the rectum for elimination. The role of the ascending colon is to absorb the remaining water and other key nutrients from the indigestible material, solidifying it to form stool. The descending colon stores feces that will eventually be emptied into the rectum. The sigmoid colon contracts to increase the pressure inside the colon, causing the stool to move into the rectum. The rectum holds the feces awaiting elimination by defecation.

 

 

Lymphatic vessels and blood vessels have some structural and functional differences, and one aspect in which they differ is in their flexibility.

Structure:

   - Blood Vessels (Arteries and Veins): Blood vessels have three layers: the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa. The tunica media is the middle layer, composed of smooth muscle and elastic fibers, which provides elasticity and contractility to the vessels.

   - Lymphatic Vessels: Lymphatic vessels have a simpler structure compared to blood vessels. They consist of a single layer of endothelial cells and lack a continuous basement membrane and smooth muscle layer.

Flexibility:

   - Blood Vessels: The elastic fibers in the tunica media of blood vessels, especially arteries, contribute to their elasticity. This elasticity allows arteries to expand and contract in response to changes in blood pressure during the cardiac cycle.

   - Lymphatic Vessels: Lymphatic vessels are generally more flexible and distensible than blood vessels. They can stretch to accommodate changes in fluid volume and pressure. This flexibility is essential for their function in collecting and transporting lymph, which is a clear fluid containing immune cells, proteins, and waste products.

In summary, while blood vessels have a more complex structure with distinct layers, including smooth muscle and elastic fibers, lymphatic vessels are simpler and are generally more flexible and distensible. The flexibility of lymphatic vessels is crucial for their role in collecting and transporting lymph throughout the body.

From our National Library of Medine:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4355271/

The abdominal protocol presented in this class serves a broad spectrum that can influence everyone's overall health. (I suggest reading the testimonials.)

It is helpful to understand the importance of colon-lymphatic relationships. In our work, learning the 'feel' of the technique while connected to relevant knowledge is a powerful combination.

Our very own 'National Library of Medicine' is an excellent resource for enhancing knowledge. 

This webpage serves to connect the colon-lymphatic relationship.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3064563/

I hope this serves you.

Lymphatic Anatomy and Physiology

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7394563/

Abstract:

Lymphatics have long been overshadowed by the remainder of the circulatory system. Historically, lymphatics were difficult to study because of their small and indistinct vessels, colorless fluid contents, and limited effective interventions. However, the past several decades have brought increased funding, advanced imaging technologies, and novel interventional techniques to the field. Understanding the history of lymphatic anatomy and physiology is vital to further realize the role lymphatics play in most major disease pathologies and innovate interventional solutions for them.

Conclusion:

Previously understudied, lymphatics are an emerging frontier in medicine. An understanding of lymphatic anatomy and physiology will further allow for novel lymphatic-based pharmaceuticals and interventions, further transforming treatment paradigms.

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Anatomy, Thorax, Thoracic Duct.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513227/

Structure and Course:

The thoracic duct is 38 to 45 centimeters long and 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter. It runs from the superior aspect of the cisterna chyli, a lymph sac at the L2 vertebral level, to the lower cervical spine. From the cisterna chyli, the duct continues superiorly, running between the aorta and the azygous vein and anterior to the vertebral column. The thoracic duct ascends through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm entering the posterior mediastinum, still to the right of the vertebral column...

 The 'Glymphatic' system.

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/nedergaard/projects/glymphatic-system.aspx

Throughout most of the body, a complex system of lymphatic vessels is responsible for cleansing the tissues of potentially harmful metabolic waste products, accumulations of soluble proteins and excess interstitial fluid. But astonishingly, the body’s most sensitive tissue –the central nervous system – lacks a lymphatic vasculature. What then accounts for the efficient waste clearance that must occur in order for the neural tissue of our brains to function properly?

This question has puzzled scientists for centuries.

July 2018

Hi everyone my name is Shelly Beale. I'm a licensed massage therapist in Idaho... I have known Taum for about 7 years, and I've been to several of his classes. The lymphatic drainage class is one of my favorites. I have taken this class twice and use the information a lot.

About four years ago I was taking a class with Taum... I don't remember which one but I had gone into class and was upset. My teacher Sue and Taum had noticed how upset  I was.. they both asked me what was wrong I explained I had a mammogram earlier that day I had to go back and have another one...two in one day..... The doctor decided I needed a biopsy the following Monday on a lump they had found. Taum did the lymphatic work on my stomach and arms, and proceeded to show me how to do the breast drain on myself, which I have shown several women. I love it!!!! I believe it helped me.. from Friday evening when he showed me the breast drain I did it on myself on Saturday and Sunday I did it again on Monday morning before we went to talk to the doctor,  we decided not to do the biopsy but to do surgery and take the whole entire lump out... they did another mammogram and found  that it had gotten smaller from Friday's mammogram. 5 days later we did the surgery and in that 5 days time it had gone down more than what the first mammogram showed. 

So in my own experience, I truly believe in the lymphatic drainage. Like I said it's one I truly use a lot and believe it has helped me...  and I've seen it work on others. Taum and his work are amazing. ❤

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November 8, 2007

This year, in your concern that another gifted woman had perished from breast cancer, you explained a technique that you called a "breast drain" that any woman could do to encourage drainage and removal of toxins from the breast tissue and glands. For several decades in the offices of several personal physicians (I have moved several times), I had heard expressions of concern during manual breast exams because of suspicious lumpiness within the tissue of my breasts. I would be repeatedly called back after a mammogram to have additional testing done.

A biopsy was never required but there was always the nagging sense that something needed to be carefully watched. There was also always a painfulness that I accepted as "normal". The doctors determined that I had a cystic condition in both breasts. During my most recent exam, however, after only a few months of applying the technique you explained, my doctor seemed quite pleasantly surprised that the tissue seemed much smoother. In fact, she did not mention a cystic content and even declared that the tissue condition was like that of a much younger woman. Now that is something that every older woman appreciates hearing! Best of all, the painfulness I had tried to ignore for so many years has virtually disappeared. I have passed your information along to both my daughters. So, you see, your good influence continues beyond the immediate sphere in which you do your therapeutic work.

Carol Ann

Interstitial and Lymphatic 'Homeostasis.'

Interstitial and lymphatic homeostasis are continuously interacting and vital for maintaining the proper function of every cell, tissue, and organ throughout the body.

This provides an overview of each and their relationship:

Interstitial Homeostasis:

Interstitial fluid surrounds and bathes every cell in the body.
Maintaining interstitial homeostasis involves regulating this fluid's composition, volume, and pressure to support cellular function. Key aspects of interstitial homeostasis include:

• Fluid Balance: Balancing fluid movement into and out of the interstitial space to prevent tissue swelling (edema) or dehydration.
• Nutrient and Waste Exchange: Facilitating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between blood capillaries and cells in tissues.
• Osmotic Regulation: Ensuring proper concentrations of ions and other solutes in the interstitial fluid to maintain osmotic balance and support cellular metabolism.
• pH Regulation: Maintaining appropriate pH levels in the interstitial fluid to support enzymatic activity and cellular function.

 

Lymphatic Homeostasis:

Lymphatic homeostasis involves maintaining the proper circulation, filtration, and composition of lymph, a clear fluid derived from interstitial fluid.

The lymphatic system plays a central role in immune function.

Key aspects of lymphatic homeostasis include:

• Fluid Drainage: Collecting excess interstitial fluid, proteins, and waste products from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream.
• Immune Surveillance: Filtering lymph through lymph nodes to detect and eliminate pathogens, abnormal cells, and foreign substances.
• Lymphocyte Production: Producing and distributing lymphocytes (white blood cells) involved in immune responses throughout the body.
• Transport of Fats: Absorbing dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the intestines and transporting them to the bloodstream via the lymphatic system.

The relationship between interstitial and lymphatic homeostasis is essential for maintaining tissue health and overall physiological balance. The lymphatic system helps regulate interstitial fluid volume and composition by removing excess fluid and maintaining proper immune function. In turn, interstitial fluid dynamics impact lymphatic function, as changes in fluid balance or composition can affect lymphatic drainage and immune responses.
Disruptions in either interstitial or lymphatic homeostasis can lead to various health issues, including tissue swelling, impaired immune function, and fluid imbalance. Therefore, maintaining the proper function of both systems is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Homeostasis

Taum's approach to manual therapy is primarily influenced by the work of Lauren Berry Sr, Registered Physical Therapist and Structural Engineer.

 Structural engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering. Structural engineers design the 'bones and muscles' that create the form, shape, and function of structures.

They also work with and understand the plumbing systems within those structures.

One of Lauren's many unique gifts to the manual therapy world was the concept of soft-tissue balance and distortion.

This is so appropriate:-)

Click here for more information on Lauren.

 A Holistic approach.

It serves to remember that we, as therapists, do not heal anything. We simply recognize, respect, and support the body's 'built-in' healing ability.

I hope this information serves you and those you serve.

*Muscles, tendons, ligaments, membranes, and viscera.

Terminology

Origin: The beginning site, the more fixed attachment of the muscle. Can be considered as the anchoring point.

Insertion: The movable attachment of the distal end of the muscle.

Entheses: Locations of stress concentration where tendons and ligaments attach to bone.

Superior: Toward the upper part of the structure.

Inferior: Toward the lower part of the structure.

Anterior: Nearer to the front of the body.

Posterior: Nearer to or at the back of the body.

Medial: Near the midline of the body.

Lateral: Farther from the midline of the body.

Proximal: Near the point of attachment, center of the body.

Distal: Away from the trunk, from the center.

External: Towards the surface of the body.

Internal: Away from the surface of and within the body.

Plantar: Refers to the bottom of the foot.

Dorsal: Refers to the top of the foot.

Unilaterally: Contracting on one side.

Bilaterally: Contracting on both sides.

Inversion: To turn inward.

Eversion: To turn outward.

Synergist: Cooperating and supporting.

Antagonist: That which counteracts, opposes.

Agonist: The muscle directly engaged in contraction.

Proprioceptors: Proprioceptors are specialized sensory receptors that are responsible for providing information about the position, movement, and tension loads of muscles and joints.

For more information: Proprioceptors

Periosteum: The periosteum is a dense highly innervated membrane composed of fibrous connective tissue that closely wraps (invests) all bone, except that of the articulating surfaces in joints which are covered by a synovial membrane.

The periosteum is the most densely innervated, followed by bone marrow and cortex. It is important to recognize and respect the sensitivity of this membrane. It may well be the most sensitive component in the body.

For more information: Sensory Innervation of Human Bone

 "Peri-" is a prefix borrowed from the Greek meaning "around or about" and "-osteum" also comes from the Greek, from "osteon" meaning "bone", so periosteum literally means "around the bone."

Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO): A spindle-shaped structure near the muscular/tendinous junction. This structure is thought to function as a feedback system that monitors muscle tension, inhibits muscle contraction of the agonist, and facilitates contraction of the antagonistic muscle. The purpose of this mechanism is to prevent overuse and damage to the muscle and involved joint.

https://geekymedics.com/anatomical-terms/

 

https://www.footmaxx.com/component/content/category?id=24&Itemid=1123

 

https://www.orthonorcal.com/blog/a-patients-guide-to-foot-anatomy-21481.html