The autonomic nervous system is one of two control systems the body uses to control homeostasis, the other being the endocrine system. Many chiropractic methodologies have attempted to address restoration of balance to the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. We recall memorizing the effects of the two divisions on the body's various organ systems as we studied for various examinations.

It is often forgotten, after we begin practice, that very seldom is the entire body "locked in" total sympathetic dominance. That only occurs during "fright, flight or fight episodes." It is also possible in extreme emergencies for the entire body to be locked in total parasympathetic dominance, but that only occurs during prolonged periods of rest, recuperation, and reproductive episodes.

More to the point, the body is constantly involved in maintaining homeostasis. Some organs are being stimulated sympathetically, others are being stimulated parasympathetically, and yet others are functioning normally. All of this goes on without our conscious knowledge unless one or more organs are unable to respond appropriately. When that happens, we develop symptoms of organ dysfunction and muscle contraction in that group of muscles that share spinal innervation with the organ(s) involved.

Nutrition plays a key role by enabling a cell/tissue/organ to respond to autonomic stimulation.

In my January 1997 column, I detailed the relationship of calcium and potassium to the ability to respond to autonomic stimulation. In order to respond to parasympathetic stimulation it is necessary for potassium to accumulate inside the cells of those tissues being stimulated. In order for tissues to respond to sympathetic stimulation, calcium must accumulate inside the cells.

In other words, a calcium deficiency results in symptoms of parasympathetic dominance because the cells lacks adequate calcium to respond to sympathetic stimulation. A potassium deficiency results in symptoms of sympathetic dominance because the cells lack adequate potassium to respond to parasympathetic stimulation.

Obviously, these deficiencies will not become apparent until the cell/tissue/organ is required to respond and cannot because of the deficiency. At that time, symptoms of visceral dysfunction become evident as do symptoms of muscle contraction in the embryologically connected muscles.

These symptoms represent normal functions that are no longer occurring appropriately. They are either occurring too fast or too slow, or incompletely. In other words, there are no new functions in disease -- only functions out of time with the needs of the body.

The symptoms of sympathetic dominance are many, and I refer you to the many good textbooks in your library for details. More germane to this month's column are the many symptoms of potassium deficiency, primarily constipation, stiff or sore joints, and bradycardia (or the feeling of skipped heart beats).

A "clouded sensorium" is another symptom of potassium deficiency, one being seen more and more in our present society. It is usually referred to as the inability to think clearly or concentrate (attention deficient). Patients may even speak of a feeling of separation of their mind from their body.

When asked to identify the major cause(s) of potassium deficiencies in North America, many respond by blaming diuretics and blood pressure medications. But, that is seldom the case. The primary cause of potassium depletion is excessive sugar use, a very common condition indeed.

Muscle contractions associated with sympathetic dominance and potassium deficiencies will occur anywhere an organ/tissue cannot respond to parasympathetic stimulation. That fact enables chiropractors to pinpoint potential health problems and prevent them. It also allows correction of chronic problems before medicine recognizes the pathology.

Perhaps more important to the clinician is that muscle contraction will occur in the upper cervical section of the spine. This is related to the Vagus nerve and the role it plays in stimulating the upper half of the parasympathetic nervous system, which as you know extends all the way to the ascending colon.

MERIC ZONE ONE -- The atlas place

The patient complains of pain in back of the head and neck, localized to the suboccipital space below the occiput and one inch lateral of the median line.

Tenderness may be traceable from the spine over the occiput, then passing lateral to the sagittal suture over to the vertex of the skull. It may continue over the forehead to the supraorbital ridge and into the orbit.

Muscle contraction -- neck extensors

In my seminars, I discuss (and give references to substantiate) that the contracted muscle is not shortened, but actually elongated or stretched (weak) and is attempting to "pull the bones" at its opposite ends toward each other.

Associated visceral symptoms