Expert: John R. Cross - 9/15/2011

Question
Hi John,
In your book on Acupressure for musculo skeletal conditions you have written about stretch reflexes on the skull.
Could you let me know where I can get more information and how to apply them (a book or a web link to the information would be great).

Do all chiropractors know and practice them?

I would also appreciate if you let me know if you have written any specific books on treatment modalities for cerebral palsy.

Answer
Hello Akila,

The stretch reflexes on the skull have been 'around' for quite some time. They were originally called Stress Receptors (and still are in some quarters) and were researched by Dr. George Goodheart - the founder of Applied Kinesiology. They are an adjunct to strengthening and weakening muscles. They are not used much these days as other techniques have surpassed them. I find them very useful though and have some diagrams in my 'Reflected Energy Pathways ' booklet. No, I haven't written anything on cerebral palsy - it isn't my specialization. The stress receptors, though, I think work on triggering muscle responses through the CNS and could be very useful in that condition. This is a field of bodywork that is wide open for research!! Go for it.

Best wishes - John