Tag Archives: cause of dystonia

Introduction

February 6, 2014 curefordystonia Leave a comment

Cerebrospinal Functional Medicine

Cerebrospinal Functional Medicine (CFM) is a new medical specialty developed by Dr Young Jun Lee. Dr Lee is a Korean Medicine Doctor who was also the first doctor to receive a Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine. Through persistent studies and research over many years he has found that balancing the TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) can recover structural distortions which leads to stablization of nerves. As a result, his findings have led to the formation of a new discipline of medicine which he termed ‘Cerebrospinal Functional Medicine (CFM)’ and he has published a number of materials within the field.

In CFM, it is viewed that many chronic and ‘intractable’ diseases are caused by structural imbalance which leads to problems in the nervous system. Therefore the treatment applied involves correcting structural imbalance thereby recovering the nervous system and functions of organs to normality. Also, the principle within the field recognises that TMJ is the core component in controlling the function and structure of the cerebrospinal column and whole body balance.

The core theory of CFM is ‘through balance of TMJ the whole body balance is regulated’ – meaning that TMJ balance must be achieved in order to realign the upper cervical vertebrae which allows balance of the rest of body structure and stabilization of the nervous system. Based on this theory, many years of research and clinical experience has allowed Dr Lee to develop assertive and reliable methods of diagnosis, tests and treatments as a ‘holistic approach by manipulating the TMJ’. The treatment method, referred to as Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy (FCST) consists of using intraoral appliances to balance the TMJ, realignment of upper cervical vertebrae and the rest of body structure by manipulation.

For years he was ridiculed by other doctors as he emphasised importance of TMJ. However, he has also successfully collaborated with many medical doctors, including neurosurgeons, dentists and alternative medicine professions who have accepted his theory and actively supported him in advancing this new approach to cure diseases. The work is still ongoing and a growing number of people are now recognising the significance of his findings. His seminars and professional courses provided to doctors are also increasing in popularity.

What is FCST(Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy)?

Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy (FCST) is a non-surgical treatment method currently widely applied in South Korea which normalises the nervous, hormonal and other body systems through resolving structural problems, based on CFM principles. It was developed by Dr. Lee who himself was a patient 30 years ago, suffering from paralysis in the left arm. According to Dr Lee, the cranium, spine and pelvis are core parts of our skeletal structures and distortion in any of them can affect related muscles, nervous and hormonal systems which can result in provoking a range of symptoms. FCST is a new form of treatment of 21^st century which allows the core structures of our body (including cranium, spine and pelvis which can be classified as 3 points of distortion as well as TMJ) to regain balance thereby recovering normal function of nervous and other systems making it possible to cure chronic and ‘intractable’ diseases.

Conceptual Framework

In order to comprehend the full mechanism, it is important to understand the following concepts which are laid out in the ‘Framework’ drop down menu:

Importance of balanced body structure
Importance of TMJ
Cause of Dystonia

Link to clinical cases

ABOUT

Gallery January 30, 2014 curefordystonia 2 Comments

Introduction:

Welcome to the Cure for Dystonia blog. I am 24 years old, living in the UK with a full time job and was sadly diagnosed with Generalised Dystonia October 2013. However, I was fortunate enough to find a cure and by January 2014 I was able to return home to the UK having fully recovered. Through this blog I aim to provide and share as much information as possible with other Dystonia patients. Here is a guide to get the most out of this blog:

Blog Navigation:

My story – two subsections: my story and diary during treatment. ‘My Story’ describes the development of TMD and Dystonia and the struggles I had experienced up until the treatments. ‘Diary during treatment’ then follows but I suggest that you first have a read of the Framework and Treatment sections to aid your understanding. It is still a work in progress but I will be uploading regularly so readers can find out about my ups and downs up until the end of my treatment process. I appreciate that sequencing may be a problem for some readers (i.e. the first post seen is the latest post) but I recommend reading from the earliest date which can be done by scrolling down to the end of the page and navigating to the oldest post.
Framework – explains concepts and theories behind FCST (Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy). It is recommended to read the subsections in chronological order.
Treatment – explains all the available treatments at Dr Lee’s private medical practice (also known as FCST clinic)
Pigeon Hole – miscellaneous information, tips and resources
Clinical Cases – videos of successful treatments at FCST clinic

Brief history about myself:

April 2012 – Discovery of TMD (self-diagnosis)
March 2013 – Medical Diagnosis of TMD
April 2013 – September 2013 – Dental Treatment for TMD
June 2013 – Symptoms of Generalised Dystonia start
October 2013 – Diagnosed with Generalised Dystonia and dental treatment discontinued
October 2013 – FCST (Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy) started
January 2014 – Full recovery from Generalised Dystonia and relief of TMD symptoms

Purpose of this blog:

It is common for patients suffering from chronic disorders to try many different types of allopathic and other alternative treatments. However, they are often let down after finding out that they do not have great or long lasting effects. I too have been through this – for years I had symptoms of TMD, which I didn’t identify until 2012, and I had tried most treatments available from medication, physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic to sports therapy. Although some of these attempts were helpful, the symptoms would always return and I would soon be looking for the next best option to prevent the deterioration of my condition.

Consequently, I became aware and saddened by the fact that my life was all about consuming time and energy on finding effective (and sometimes expensive) treatments while my friends seemed to enjoy their youthful and passionate lives. Then, when Dystonia started, everything took a turn for the worst and my chance of living a normal life became slim. However, after 4 months of intense treatment, I finally have something to look forward to; a life without pain and limitations.

I would introduce FCST, as ‘clinically proven with sufficient scientific backing but one which lacks acknowledgement by the majority due to domination of existing ‘mainstream’ medicine’. At first, it was my mother who trusted in this treatment and convinced me to consider it as a final resort. I was sceptical but as the therapy progressed I came to realise that this was potentially the final treatment that would rule out the need for any further treatment.

Dr Lee, who treated me, developed this method of treatment. He was actually a patient himself over 30 years ago suffering from paralysis of his left arm. From seeking ways to treat the malfunctioning limb he found that the root cause of the problem with the nerves was structural distortion. But then he had to face another obstacle – an effective way to resolve the structural imbalance permanently. However, he did not give up and after years of extensive research and clinical trial and error; he was finally successful in developing a cure and he named it FCST (which in essence, focuses on TMJ balance). Over the past decade, Dr Lee has been able to actively gather hundreds of clinical evidence which has made it possible to be widespread in South Korea. Today, a substantial number of patients suffering from different symptoms are being treated his clinic every day.

Some readers may misapprehend my intention for this blog perhaps with the idea of promoting the clinic. However, I hope the readers understand that as a former Dystonia patient who has been through the difficulties, experienced the whole treatment process and now regained normality in life, it would be wrong for me to not attempt informing others in need. In fact, I realised it would be difficult to carry on with life without feeling guilty if I decided to sit back because I know only too well the frustration that other sufferers must be experiencing and the feeling of being alone with no one fully understanding what they are going through. For that reason, I am merely endeavouring to introduce this treatment as one of the options that may want to be tried by those who are desperate to live a ‘normal’ life.

Connection to TMJ, Home

Importance of TMJ

Gallery January 30, 2014 curefordystonia 4 Comments

This section explains how TMJ affects the spine structure and the nervous system. Subsequently, explanation of how FCST is unique in treating TMJ to other treatments available is provided.

i) TMJ and structure

Movement of the TMJ is very closely related to the second cervical vertebra, C2 or also known as Axis. One might think that when the mandible opens and closes, its movement is centered around the condyle in the TMJ itself. However, this is not the case. According to the Quadrant Theorem of Guzay, the axis of rotation of the mandible lies exactly at the odontoid of C2. (The odontoid is the upward, toothlike protuberance from the second vertebra, around which the first vertebra rotates.) When the mandible moves downwards, this generates a pulling force, loosening the muscles around C2. Likewise, when moving up (i.e., when closing the mouth), it generates a pressure, which tightens the muscles around C2. This means that in an occlusion with decreased vertical dimension will aggravate muscle tension around C2 when the mouth is closed. Therefore, it is clear that distortion in TMJ will affect the position of the Axis too.

Of all 24 vertebrae in the spine (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar), there is only one vertebra with an odontoid/axis, which is C2. Therefore, the Axis plays a key role in the balance of the entire spine. Together with the TMJ, C2 is the most significant variable affecting the entire spine structure.

So what happens next after subluxation of Axis? The rest of the spine collapses like in the domino effect even affecting position of the cranial bones and pelvis. This is explained by Lovetts reactor relationship.

According to Lovett Reactor relationship, each vertebra is coupled in motion with another vertebra and the pelvis is coupled in motion to the cranium. C1 + L5, C2 + L4 and C3 + L5 automatically move in the same direction (also known as coupling movement). The other vertebrae pairs, for example C4 + L2 move in the opposite direction. Therefore, impact on one vertebra influences other vertebrae in the spine.

Therefore, TMJ distortion causes subluxation of C2 (Axis) which leads to the collapse of the rest of the body structure.

IMPACT OF DISORDER TMJ AND AXIS — Source : http://www.upcspine.com/anatomy2.htm

ii) TMJ and nerves

Nine of the 12 cranial nerves are found near the temporal bones from which the mandible is suspended. Particularly, the 5th cranial nerve (also known as trigeminal nerve) innervates the TMJ and are coupled to C1 and C2 (Atlas and Axis). The cranial nerves together control 136 different muscles (or 68 pairs of “dental muscles”) connecting the entire spine. According to Dr Lee, misalignment of TMJ disturbs the trigeminal nerve and it can lead to problems in the rest of the nervous system. Problems in the nervous system may cause abnormal muscle contractions and pain due to central sensitization and wider range of brain plasticity.

Not only this, TMJ distortion which causes subluxation of C1 and C2 can limit the space of foramen magnum (which is an opening at the base of the skull) through which the cerebrospinal fluid circulates. This can negatively impact the body-brain communication and also cause restriction of the jugular foramen, another opening in the base of the skull transmitting veins, arteries, and nerves. Restriction in these openings can mean less efficient brain respiration due to decrease in the cerebrospinal fluid circulation and can also limit proper flow of blood to the brain.

The link below is a demonstration of how subluxation of upper cervical vertebrae restricts the jugular foramen. (Click slideshow in the file)

jugular foramen demo.

In conclusion, TMJ is the most important factor which contributes to collapse of spine structure and disruption of the nervous system.

iii) What causes TMJ imbalance?

Many people think that TMD (TMJ Dysfunction) is mostly caused by trauma (i.e. injury) to the jaw. However, there are many other causes of TMD including the following:

Chewing on one side consistently
Malocclusion
Neglect of missing tooth
Trauma due to complications of head and neck injury and traffic accident
Bad oral habits
Genetic or congenital problems
Solid foods and chewing gum
Mental stress
Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
Bad habits such as poor posture

When patients first experience TMJ problems, they may feel pain around the jaw area, develop headache or problems chewing. However, once TMD becomes chronic the symptoms are not only concentrated on the facial area but patients start suffering variety of symptoms including pains going down to the neck and back and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Below is another study carried out where one TMD patient was sent to different specialists and the following were her diagnosis from each of them:

It can be said that TMJ is the only joint in our body which causes such different symptoms between acute and chronic patients. Usually, for other joint related illnesses, the symptoms do not involve much more than pains around the affected joint area. However, studies have found that many chronic TMD sufferers not only experience pains and depression but also indigestion, allergies, chronic fatigue, dry/soar eyes, eczema, difficulties in hearing, loss of coordination, numbness in the limbs and fingers, tinnitus, asthma, cold hands and feet, apnoea, vertigo and many others. This can be explained by the impact TMJ imbalance has on the rest of our body structure and the nervous system as described above.

iv) How can TMJ imbalance be resolved?

There are various dental treatments, surgeries and other practices in both medical field and alternative medicine today but it may be very difficult to find treatments that are effective for all sufferers. So how is FCST different?

Dr Lee’s holistic approach is unique in that he treats TMD taking into account all of the following factors:

Freeway space* (see below)
Occlusion
Position of the Cranium, TMJ, Spine and Sacrum

Ultimately, this treatment aims to achieve the optimal balance (left, right, front and back) from top to bottom of our entire body. Once this optimal balance is achieved in the entire body and patients no longer experience Deflections it is viewed that patients do not require further treatment.

* Freeway space

A freeway space is the space that exists between the upper and lower articulatory members at rest. It is only when we swallow that the teeth make contact in order to create pressure. The space varies from 1-8 mm but most people tolerate a space in the 2-3 mm region. According to Dr Lee, even 1/10 of a mm defect in the freeway space can distort the TMJ (and therefore causing problems with the nervous system). A splint made of hard material, although custom made, does not allow flexibility when there are muscular and/or structural changes in the individuals as a result of wearing the device, making it difficult to settle at the precise freeway space. Therefore, his intraoral balancing appliances are designed to fix this flaw. During treatments he uses special thin sheets of paper for optimal balance (sometimes referred to as zero point).

Home, What causes dystonia

Cause of Dystonia (and other chronic disorders)

Image January 27, 2014 curefordystonia 3 Comments

This post explains the cause of Dystonia which basically simplifies what has already been explained within Framework. However, it is important to note that the cause explained below by Dr Lee also applies to other chronic disorders including:

Parkinson’s
Tourette’s or Tic Disorder
Epilepsy
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Asthma
Eczema
ADHD, OCD, Depression and Anxiety
Autism
Schizophrenia
Tinnitus
Trigeminal neuralgia
Irritable Bowels Syndrome and other indigestion related illnesses
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Headache
Herniated Discs and other disc related problems
Paralysis and Numbness
Stroke
Hypertension

Over the past decade, he has treated many types of chronic disorders and his results are as following:

My view on the cause of Dystonia is due to subluxation of upper cervical vertebrae caused by distortion of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which leads to the related nerve cells in the brain stem sending abnormal signals to the muscles resulting in muscle spasm, tension and contractions. (See TMJ connection to Dystonia for more information)

This is because around TMJ there are 9 cranial nerves and they are directly and indirectly related to 136 muscles connected to cervical vertebrae and the rest of the spine. Especially the 5th cranial nerves which are mostly dispersed around TMJ control the Atlas and Axis (C1 and C2).

Therefore, when abnormal signals are sent through the nerves around TMJ, the related muscles, ligaments and fascias over tense and contract which essentially causes subluxation of upper cervical vertebrae.

Subluxation of the Axis causes various problems in the brain and other parts in our body. In particular, it triggers distortion and tension in the spinal cord and also restricts the foramen magnum passage. It also leads to abnormal signals being sent through to the brain stem connected to the spinal cord. I believe that the abnormal signals sent to nerve cells create damage and lead to chronic disorders (of course this is my view). Therefore, in my opinion, Dystonia is one of the disorders caused by damaged nerve cells.

For these reasons, I think the fundamental treatment is one that intercepts the abnormal signals sent through the nerves dispersed around TMJ. In order to do this, it is necessary to balance the TMJ. This allows alignment of Atlas and Axis leading to recovery of the channel from the brain to the body and restores the damaged nerve cells in the brain stem.

Therefore, to treat Dystonia, alignment of axis is vital and in order to achieve that the abnormal signals sent through the TMJ need to be eliminated. There are two major impacts of abnormal signals: 1. It travels through the sphenoid bone which is connected to the lower mandible and directly effects the sensors in the brain stem 2. Due to subluxation of the axis (C2) there are indirect effects on the brain stem.

It might also be useful to read My view on FCST.

I believe there are 4 elements in a healthy body: 1. Structure (a good posture of spine and a proper nervous system structure) 2. Mindset (Positive mind) 3. Exercise (regular exercise, good daily routine and a good posture) 4. Diet (small portions, vegetarian diet and brown rice diet)

Of the 4 elements, one that a doctor can help treat is the structure of spine and nervous system. The rest are self treatments which patients can achieve without a doctor’s help. Maintaining a positive mind can help relieve stress and anxiety and allows dispersion of healing hormones (also known as endorphins). A regular exercise and daily routine involved around nature can help train the mind. Vegetarian and brown rice diet and avoiding precooked food can also help strengthen the mindset. These efforts are very effective in maintaining a healthy body.

In order to regain a healthy structure, the abnormal signals sent through the nerves around TMJ need to be eliminated. To achieve this, a balancing appliance is required. There are different balancing appliances that are used: 1. CBA (Cervical balancing appliance) – a custom made TMJ intraoral balancing appliance which align the TMJ, cervical vertebrae and nervous system 2. TBA (TMJ Balancing appliance) and OBA (Occlusion Balancing appliance) which maintain the balance of TMJ .

The most effective treatment is if both medical treatment and self treatments are combined. However, one may still experience effective results by putting effort in the self treatments.

Within our body the following structures can become collapsed:

1. Cranium (made up of 22 bones)

2. Spine (33 vertebrae)

3. Pelvic bones (sacrum, ischium, pubic bone and ilium)

Of the above structures the following treatments are effective in regaining balance:

1.	FCST (Functional cerebro spinal therapy) – developed by Dr Lee this therapy allows alignment of the spine through balancing the TMJ using intraoral balancing appliances (CBA, TBA and OBA explained above)
2.	LCST (Dr. Lee`s Cranio Sacral Therapy) – using a CST pillow developed by Dr Lee this therapy allows relief of sutural jamming caused by abnormal tension and contraction of the cranium
3.	LPBT (Dr. Lee`s Pelvic balancing therapy) helps to reposition a distorted pelvis allowing smooth flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. Within this therapy, a Spine Balancer is also used which helps with normalization of the muscles around the vertebrae

The following self therapies are also effective in relieving some of the symptoms:

When a person thinks positively the pituitary gland disperses endorphins which are effective in releasing energy that eases healing of the body and pain relief. However, when a person has negative thoughts dispersion of noradrenalin (which is described as a stress hormone) occurs. An effective way to maintain a positive mind is to be grateful, think of loved ones and be repentant.

Maintaining a good posture helps to align the spine and normalize the foramen magnum passage allowing stabilization of the nervous system. A collapsed spinal structure can cause distortion of the foramen magnum passage.

The 4 stretching exercises are effective in realignment of the spine. The effects are greater if the intraoral balancing appliance (TBA or OBA) is worn while carrying out these exercises. They are demonstrated in the video linked below.

A regular and good diet helps to maintain a healthy body. It is important to eat small proportions in the evening and diet focused on vegetables and brown rice helps to get rid of body wastes out of the system. It also prevents obesity and chronic diseases caused by unhealthy food.

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	Dave on ABOUT
	cody on ABOUT
	Rob on FCST
	sebas.araque@gmail.c… on ABOUT
	curefordystonia on ABOUT
	Anonymous on ABOUT
	curefordystonia on FCST
	Mark Usher on FCST
	curefordystonia on Spasmodic Torticollis /Cervica…
	Thungfa on Spasmodic Torticollis /Cervica…

My story on overcoming Dystonia