Spinal Energeticsᵀᴹ is a somatic and nervous system-based modality. It combines principles from both Eastern and Western traditions to work with the spine, nervous system and subtle physiological patterns that influence a person's wellbeing.

The practice is founded on the understanding that the body is not solely physical but is also influenced by emotional, psychological, and behavioural experiences. These layers often manifest as patterns of tension, rigidity, or dysregulation within the spine and nervous system.

Spinal Energetics uses low force and often non-contact techniques to engage the body’s innate capacity to reorganise. In response to light input, the client’s system may begin to express spontaneous movement, shifts in posture, or changes in breathing and vocalisation. These responses are not imposed or performed; they reflect the nervous system’s attempt to integrate and resolve held patterns.

Rather than directing the client, the practitioner collaborates with their system, observing, supporting, and creating space for internal regulation to take place. The goal is not to ‘fix’ or force change but to reduce resistance and promote physiological balance, allowing the individual’s own system to move toward health more effectively.

While influenced by a range of modalities, including Network Spinal, Spinal Flow, Innerdance, Alpha Alignment, Craniosacral Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, and Pranayama, Spinal Energetics maintains a distinct clinical foundation. It is increasingly being explored by practitioners working in physical medicine, trauma recovery, mental health and integrative care who are seeking approaches that support whole-system change through non-invasive and neurologically aware techniques.

First, we will take a few minutes to meet and connect, followed by a brief assessment. Then we’ll start the session with you getting comfortable on the therapy table. We will begin with some gentle techniques to help you relax, bring you into the present moment and for us to connect. Guided by music and your own life force energy, you may sense your energy flow gradually become more full. You may feel a release of tension or emotion or a change in consciousness giving you access to a deeper Self. The last part of the session, the energy shifts to gentle heart radiance while you are nurtured in blankets to relax your nervous system and help you integrate your experience.

Ruth is not a medical practitioner nor does she make any claims about healing physical illnesses. However, many people feel better and symptoms lessen or subside after receiving care by a somatic energy practitioner. Science has proven a connection between stress, trauma and illness.

Not everyone experiences movement. Those that do, may experience movement such as small adjustments, rocking, twitching, shaking and spinal waves. It can feel very strange the first time. It’s helpful to know that it’s just the body releasing energy and creating space for healing as the nervous system reorganizes itself.

Some people will release significant tension or gain a profound awareness after the first session. Others benefit from multiple sessions in order to condition their nervous system to respond. We suggest trying at least three sessions.

Somatic energy work is grounded in real neurophysiology. We are working with the body’s stress patterns and bioelectric signals. Clients feel the work in a very real, physical way and often achieve results faster than with talk-based modalities. Dr. Edmond Jonckheere at USC published studies on spinal waves. Currently, UCSD is partnering with Dr. Joe Dispenza and publishing some exciting discoveries relate to this field. Dr. Donny Epstein has connected neuroscience, quantum theory and somatic healing. If you’re interested in the science, read The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. This is the age of energy; however, we must acknowledge that this work is just beginning to be studied and remains partially mysterious. Perhaps one day science will catch up to the wisdom of somatic energy traditions.