THE ZONE TECHNIQUE
The Zone Technique is a chiropractic healing method, originally developed in 1931 by Dr. Thurman Fleet. This healing technique is based on six potential zones of the body that, when disturbed by emotional, physical, or chemical stressors, can lead to a variety of diseases and discomforts.
In short, the Zone Technique operates by analyzing the body as an electrical device. As such, each zone is regulated by a specific center of the brain (formed during the embryonic stage), with each center considered a “positive pole.”
There are also “negative poles” which exist in certain areas of the spinal cord.
SIX ZONES OF THE BODY
The six zones or systems identified by Dr. Fleet as being critical for optimal health are:
The glandular system. This system involves the pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid, uterus and ovaries, prostate and gonads, and several other glands. They are responsible for important bodily functions related memory, energy, appetite regulation, sleep, and relaxation.
The eliminative system. The eliminative system includes all of the organs involved in waste elimination, such as the kidneys, bladders, skin, sinuses and lungs. This system is designed to reduce toxin buildup within the body which, in turn, helps strengthen immune function, eases respiratory function, and reduces inflammation.
The nervous system. The US. National Library of Medicine explains that the nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) and all of the other nerves (the peripheral nervous system), and that each one responsible for a different function. For instance, some contribute to better mood and improved sleep, whereas others promote eye and ear health or balance the body’s hormones.
The digestive system. The human body needs certain nutrients to survive and the digestive system is responsible for taking these nutrients from the food sources we eat and breaking them down so they are more available for the cells that need them.
The muscular system. The muscular system includes muscles, tendons, and ligaments as all of these soft tissues are responsible for helping the body move more freely and without pain or tenderness. This system is also responsible for our strength, flexibility, and ability to retain balance.
The circulatory system. To function efficiently, the body’s cells need to intake nutrients and oxygen and expel waste. The circulatory system assists with this process by circulating blood-based “carriers” responsible for picking up and dropping off these substances, sending them through the body at a normal pressure and rate.
Dr. Fleet taught the following: “There are ONLY SIX kinds of disturbances that can affect the human body. These are GLANDULAR, ELIMINATIVE, NERVOUS, DIGESTIVE, MUSCULAR, and CIRCULATORY. All diseased conditions, aches and pains, and other discomforts experienced by the body can be attributed to one or more of the above disturbances to the body’s 6 systems or Zones.”
Here is how the Zones work: According to Dr. Fleet, the human brain is composed of many centers. These centers form in the embryonic stage of life and develop from the dorso-medial ectoderm of the embryo. There is a center which controls the glands of the body, a center which is associated with the organs of elimination, a center which regulates the central nervous system, and which is differentiated as an ectodermal neural plate in the dorso-medial region of the ectoderm.
The digestive organs are regulated by a brain center. In the motor cortex of the brain we find a center which controls all of the muscles of the body, and in the caudate nuclei (both), we find the center which regulates the flow of fluids (circulation) through the body.
Because the body may be properly classified as an ELECTRICAL MACHINE, these 6 brain centers represent the POSITIVE POLE of the body, and specific related points in the spinal cord represent the NEGATIVE POLE of the body. When there is a disturbance in any of the bodily areas, one or more of these centers are “shorted out.”
There has been a disruption of normal function of the entire center due to the effect of emotional, physical, or chemical stress.
The Zone doctor examines the patient to determine which of the brain centers are not in harmony with the systems they control. This is done by the Zone doctor feeling specific points on the patient’s head. These points are related to the six brain centers by nerve connections. When a brain center is not sending the proper signals to its system, all bodily material associated with that system suffers. In order to correct this, the zone doctor stimulates specific points in the spinal cord.
There are six sets of four points in the spinal cord (negative pole) that are related to the six brain centers (positive pole). Stimulation of the proper points by the Zone doctor sends healing energy up the spinal cord to the brain centers that need balancing. The balanced brain centers then are able to send out the proper signals to the body’s systems and the body is better able to heal itself
ZONE 1 – GLANDULAR SYSTEM:
The glandular center of your brain controls and regulates all of the glands in your body. This includes the thyroid, adrenals, pineal gland, pituitary gland, uterus and ovaries, prostate and gonads, and other glands. The glands in your body are responsible for many functions, including memory, appetite regulation, relaxation, sleep, energy, and more. SYMPTOMS OF ZONE 1 BEING OUT OF BALANCE:
Chronic Fatigue
Headaches & Migraine
Thyroid Issues
Weak Immunity
Increased Cortisol / Stress Hormone
Insomnia
Bad Memory
Poor Concentration
Poor Appetite
Fibromyalgia
Reproductive Issues
Suppressed Creativity
ZONE 2 – ELIMINATIVE SYSTEM:
The eliminative system includes the lungs, kidneys, bladder, and skin. These organs are involved with waste elimination and play an essential role in reducing toxin buildup in your body. This turn helps to strengthen your immune system function, reduce bloating, and create optimal respiratory function.
SYMPTOMS OF ZONE 2 BEING OUT OF BALANCE
Allergies/Congestion
Sinus Infections
Asthma
Shortness of Breath
Hives/Rash
Psoriasis/Eczema
Kidney Issues
Bladder Issues
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Diarrhea
ZONE 3 – NERVOUS SYSTEM:
Zone 3 comprises both the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (all other nerves in the body). Each nerve in the body is responsible for different functions, including sight, digestion, mood, sleep, the reproductive system, hormonal balance, hearing, and more. Balancing this zone can help promote a healthy immune system, improve mood and sleep, and increase energy, calm feelings, and relaxation. In addition, it can help balance the hormonal system. SYMPTOMS OF ZONE 3 BEING OUT OF BALANCE:
Hearing/Sight Issues
Inability to Sleep
Sciatica
Arm/Hand or Leg/Foot Tingling
Hyperactivity/ADHD
Cold Hands/Feet
Hormonal Imbalance
Anxiety/Nervousness
Extreme Worry/Fear
ZONE 4 – DIGESTIVE SYSTEM:
The digestive system is what makes up Zone 4. This system is responsible for taking nutrients from the food we eat and breaking them down to provide cells energy. Balancing this zone and maintaining a proper diet may help improve liver, intestine, and gallbladder health, decrease food sensitivities, and boost your energy. Additionally, it can help regulate bowels and restore a normal appetite. SYMPTOMS OF ZONE 4 BEING OUT OF BALANCE
Compromised Immune System
Problems With Appetite
Sensitivity to Foods
Weight Gain or Loss
Mild to Severe Digestive Pathologies
Acid Reflux
ZONE 5 – MUSCULAR SYSTEM:
The muscular system is composed of all the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues which allow you to move. This system also impacts balance, flexibility, and strength and directly influences your spinal alignment and nerve connections. Balancing this zone can help restore proper range of motion and movement, improve flexibility, eliminate chronic pain, and improve posture. In addition, it can help restore your center of gravity and expedite muscle recovery. SYMPTOMS OF ZONE 5 BEING OUT OF BALANCE
Weakness/Fatigue
Poor Balance/Posture
Joint Stiffness
Loss of Flexibility
Inflammation
Muscle Spasms
Neck/Back Pain
Upper/Lower Extremity Pain
ZONE 6 – CIRCULATORY SYSTEM:
Your circulatory system is driven by your heart pumping blood through your veins, arteries, and capillaries. During this process, the blood brings nutrients and oxygen to your cells and carries away waste. Bringing balance to this system can help normalize your blood pressure, encourage proper circulation, improve heart health and healthy blood vessels. SYMPTOMS OF ZONE 6 BEING OUT OF BALANCE:
High Blood Pressure
Cold Hands/Feet
pH Balance
Low Blood Pressure
Arrhythmias
Palpitations
Migraines/Headaches
Thyroid Issues
Poor Circulation
Edema/Swelling
Fever/Temperature