Immuno-Vegetative Regulation

Balancing the immune system, reducing silent inflammation and ageing processes, and improving overall well-being

Traditional knowledge from osteopathy, acupuncture and reflex therapy meets modern science.

How can local and systemic dysregulations be identified and therapeutically influenced? This course combines neurophysiological insights with osteopathic treatment approaches to target the autonomic nervous system and the immune system – visceral, parietal/fascial and cranial.

The missing link in many functional disorders

• Food intolerances
• Respiratory problems, such as asthma
• Connective tissue weakness, strains and inflammation
• Lack of drive and general weakness

How does treatment influence the body’s own regulatory mechanisms?

A manual stimulus triggers a cascade of neurophysiological processes: from the reception of afferent sensory information and its central processing to autonomic regulation.

These processes can influence, among other things, blood circulation, heart rate, breathing, muscle tone and immune activity.

A particular focus is placed on the interplay between chronic silent inflammation and ageing – the phenomenon known as inflammaging.

Targeted hands-on practice instead of abstract theoretical models: We work on key regulatory zones to specifically engage and support the body’s own regulatory mechanisms.

Part 1 – The Innate Immune System

Fundamentals of innate, non-specific immune regulation and the interaction of its diverse cellular components: macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils and other immune cells.

Part 2 – The Parasympathetic Nervous System: The Body’s Continuous Monitoring System

• Anatomy and functions of the parasympathetic nervous system: the vagus nerve and pelvic nerves
• The controversial polyvagal theory
• Silent inflammation as an important factor in numerous diseases
• Oxidative stress, glycation, senescent “zombie cells” and mTOR
• The microbiome and the vagus nerve
• The inflammatory reflex: the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

Assessment and treatment techniques – a.o.:

• Simple approaches to dampen excessive reactions
• Targeted treatment along the parasympathetic regulatory pathways – from the brain via the vagus nerve to the pelvic nerves
• Key treatment zones, including the superior temporal line (linea temporalis superior), the cymba conchae of the ear, the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, the oesophagus and stomach, the spleen and other areas

Part 3 – The Sympathetic Nervous System:

Anatomy of the sympathetic nervous system and sympathetic anti-inflammatory reflexes

• Stress models and stress axes: their influence on cortisol and adrenaline production
• Emotional regulation: hypothalamus – prefrontal cortex – cardiac plexus and coeliac plexus
• Sympathetic efferent pathways to the extremities and the head

Assessment and treatment techniques – a.o.:

• Sympathetic chain and endothoracic fascia
• Thoracolumbar fascia
• Sympathetic ganglia and adrenal glands
• Special focus: asthma and the pulmonary plexus

Part 4 – Balancing the Immune System and Healthy longevity

• Targeted key treatment zones, including specific areas of the sternum
• Epigenetic clocks and biological ageing processes
• Yamanaka factors and cellular reprogramming
• Scientific studies: DO-HEALTH, TRIIM and others,
• Nutrition and supplements in the context of current scientific research

A practical course combining traditional osteopathic knowledge with modern science. Explore the neurophysiological connections between the nervous system, the immune system, inflammation and longevity – and expand your therapeutic understanding with targeted approaches to immuno-vegetative regulation.