December 2005

Wellness ‑‑ Assessing and monitoring the 'living matrix'

by David Prescott, MA, JD, DC, FIAMA

"The book of Erwin Schrodinger about life evokes a variety of basic questions concerning the understanding of life in terms of modern physics rather than biochemistry. Problems of organization and regulation of biological systems cannot be understood by revealing only the chemical processes of the living state. This book (contains articles that) are valuable not only for understanding life, but also for creating new and non‑invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tools in medicine" (emphases added). ‑‑D6rr, Popp, Schomers, ed. "What is Life?," World Scientific (2002), back cover.

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The "living matrix" concept addressed in the four preceding articles focuses on the physics of life rather than the biochemistry. The foregoing quotation brings together two concepts that have long been expressed in chiropractic (although more metaphorically) as the "power that makes the body, heals the body."

In this article, I will address three (there are more) instruments used to assess and monitor the condition of the living matrix. These technologies are already extensively used in Europe and to a more limited extent in this country. Additionally, some of the treatment options available to address dysfunction (dis‑integration) within the living matrix as part of a "wellness" practice will be described.

As suggested by the above quotation, the diagnostic and treatment options relative to the living matrix are in their infancy. Therefore, you should exercise caution in considering the claims made by manufacturers of such equipment; including with respect to the equipment's status with the FDA. One has to ponder why it is that our chiropractic colleges are not actively engaged in evaluating such equipment.

The first two instruments addressed below are, like surface EMG, a form of bio‑feedback. These two instruments were developed in the context of evaluating the autonomic nervous system (ANS). However, it is coming to be recognized that these tools are not only evaluating the condition of the ANS but also the whole matrix. As recognized in "What is Life?," there is a need for continuing development of instrumentation to evaluate and monitor treatment of the living matrix.

As detailed in prior articles, the living matrix is a continuum reaching into every nook and cranny of the body. At its peripheral aspects, the matrix runs generally parallel to the surface of the skin. However, at various locations the matrix tissue projects perpendicularly to just below the outer layer of the skin in what have been histologically named "Heine cylinders." The German practitioners of functional medicine refer to these matrix point locations as windows to the living matrix. The next two sections deal with the use of these Heine cylinders (points) to evaluate and monitor the electronic (resonance) status and thermographic aspects of the matrix, respectively.

Electronic matrix imaging

The instrument pictured in Fig. 1 as an "electronic matrix imaging" (this writer's nomenclature) instrument is designed to measure changes in the electronic (resonance) status of the living matrix utilizing one or more matrix points as shown. The instrument helps the treating doctor determine specific, organ‑ related, regulatory dysfunction and, more importantly, it enables the doctor to measure and monitor the body's response to particular homeopathic, herbal, nutraceutical (or other) substances used to counter the functional deficit.

Computed regulatory thermography

Fig. 2 shows some of the matrix points at which temperature is measured in order to evaluate the functional status of the living matrix and related organ structures. This use of the living matrix has been dramatically defined by Dr. Schultz‑Ruhtenburg of Minden, Germany: "We can finally see what the body is doing before it becomes dysfunctional enough to create an irreversible problem." Again, prevention and early intervention are front and center.

It is often forgotten by contemporary chiropractors that Terrence Bennett, DC identified many locations on the anterior torso, which he termed "neurovascular reflex points." (Former LACC President Ralph Martin, DC documents Dr. Bennett's work in his book "Dynamics of Correction of Abnormal Function.") It would be interesting to evaluate thermographically Bennett's torso "points" with those pictured. Bennett's points on the head are used in AK. (Some European practitioners espouse that AK is a means for evaluating the living matrix.)

A European instrument for performing this type of thermography was recently "approved" by the FDA for use in the United States. As one would expect, the FDA's focus was on its use to diagnose allopathically defined disease conditions such as breast cancer, vascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders. The emphasis in Europe is on its use as part of functional medicine/wellness practice related to the living matrix.

Biological terrain analysis

The equipment pictured in Fig 3 was developed by Dr. Greenberg, DC based upon the work of Professor Louis Claude Vincent, a French government official. It measures pH, oxidative stress and the mineral status (concentration) within the living matrix (the biological terrain).

Among other things, scientists have demonstrated that pH significantly affects enzyme kinematics and has a far‑reaching impact upon the functioning of the digestive, immune and lymphatic systems. Oxidative stress values indicate the electron movement and concentration within the matrix and are adversely affected by stress, poor air quality, food lacking in nutritional value and lack of aerobic exercise, etc. Abnormal stress values lead to a susceptibility to dysfunction, disease and premature aging.

The mineral concentration is measured as "resistivity." A deficiency will adversely impact enzyme activity and elevated levels may produce congestion and stagnation (an interference field) of the body's dynamic fluids and the living matrix as a whole.

This BTA technology can move practitioners way beyond hit‑and‑miss nutritional and related treatment approaches. Indeed, the foregoing technologies, and others being developed or which could be developed, can move us into a true era of wellness ‑‑ prevention and early intervention.

(David Prescott is a former prosecutor, law school dean, professor of constitutional law, and a trial attorney with more than 30 years experience. He is also a 1989 Cum Laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College. He may be contacted through The Prescott Group, 888‑989‑0855.)