Frequently Asked Questions
What is Network Chiropractic and how is it different from traditional chiropractic methods?
Network Chiropractic (a.k.a. Network Spinal Analysis) was developed in the early 1980’s by Dr. Donald Epstein to help patients resolve tension patterns which occur when the spinal cord is over-stretched during physical injury or when the body is under mental or emotional stress.Like an over-stretched rubber band, the spinal cord tissues oscillate at a higher frequency or “phase” when they are under tension, and that frequency is distributed throughout the body’s 75-100 trillion cells via an elaborate nerve network that links every cell with between 3-9 nerve fibers.
Instead of trying to mechanically adjust or align the spine through manipulation of the vertebra, like a traditional chiropractor, a Network Chiropractor seeks to understand the physical, chemical, emotional and mental factors related to the tension pattern, and then find the specific points on the spine that will inform the brain and help the body resolve its tension using just a few ounces of what is often described as “feather-light” pressure.
No twisting, popping or cracking is necessary.
What is a typical visit to cardea like?
A typical visit to cardea is an uplifting experience!A Network Spinal Analysis session is called an “entrainment”, a term that means“to get in synch”. During an entrainment an undulating wave-like deepening of your breath will spontaneously occur and various regions of your spine will begin to gently move in synch with each other as tension releases.
You remain fully clothed lying face-down on a table while Dr. Higney evaluates your body using the Network Spinal Analysis system. She will feel your spine and muscles and observe your posture and breathing patterns. She will then use gentle pressure on specific points along your spine to initiate the entrainment process.
A typical visit lasts about 15-20 minutes and will leave you feeling more relaxed, energized and at peace.
What kind of results can I expect right away?
You can expect to immediately feel more relaxed, loose and flexible in your body. Most clients remark that they begin to sleep better, often starting after a single visit. Your breathing will become deeper and easier. In most cases, your pain and tension levels will be significantly reduced within a short time.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! As your body shifts out of “fight or flight” mode, you’ll begin to experience more clarity, a sense of inner-calm and peace and a pleasant elongation of your spine as your posture transforms.This is only the beginning of the many life-changing benefits that Network Chiropractic has to offer. You can read more about the long-term benefits ofour care under Our Services.
What conditions/symptoms can you help with?
Network Chiropractic is not considered a “treatment” or “therapy.” However, by releasing tension from the spine and helping the nervous system adapt to stress more effectively, our unique process has helped thousands of people experience relief of the following:
Migraines Low back pain Neck pain
Acid Reflux Asthma Anxiety
Ringing in Ears Sciatica Headaches
Shoulder Pain Tension Headaches Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Allergies Attention Deficit Chronic Fatigue
Bedwetting TMJ Disc Herniation
Torticollis Muscle Spasms Whiplash
Disc Injuries Depression Fibromyalgia
How often will I need to come in to get results?
Your recommended visit frequency will depend on your body’s current condition, your lifestyle and your overall health and wellness objectives. You can read moreabout the benefits and objectives of our programs under Our Services.
Our basic program, called Body Revitalization, consists of 20 visits over an 8 week period. Our intermediate program, Body Transformation, consists of 60 visits over a 6 month period and our advanced program, Body Awakening, consists of 120 visits over a 12 month period.
You should come in an average of twice a week to obtain the best results. However,you’ll still receive many benefits from our care even if you come in less often. We don’t believe in a “cookie-cutter” approach and during your initial visits we’ll evaluate your specific situation and decide together which program is the best fit for you, or we’ll create a customized program to meet your specific needs.
What scientific evidence do you have that your method works?
We’ve worked with people of all ages, walks of life, and differing health concerns with outstanding results (find out what people are saying about us).
A retrospective study of over 2,500 people conducted through the University of California at Irvine Medical College documented significant improvements in quality of life in the majority of people receiving Network Chiropractic care.
The wave patterns that occur during a Network entrainment are the focus of several research papers by French mathematician professor Edmund Jonckheere. ProfessorJonckheere is currently exploring the relationship between the “wave” createdin Network Spinal Analysis and the energy-efficiency and adaptability of the nervous system.
Network Spinal Analysis is a cutting-edge methodology on the frontier of bodymind research! Find out more about Network Spinal Analysis Research.
How is your Network Chiropractic clinic different from other medical clinics on the Seacoast?
cardea is located conveniently in the heart of the Seacoast. We offer a relaxing and tranquil retreat where clients are invited to look inward toward their best health.
Dr. Kimberly Higney offers a rare combination of practical experience and expertise, having trained internationally and under world-renowned coaches and experts in various professions including Dr. Donald Epstein, Dr. Dennis Perman, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. David Seaman and others. Dr. Higney is certified in Network Spinal Analysis care, in addition to her experience with whole food nutrition, personal training/physical conditioning, and the mind-body connection.
As part of our program curriculum at cardea, we teach Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI) exercises that use your own hands, directed movement, focused breath and certain well timed statements to further your progress.
We provide educational seminars and interactive workshops, many at no additional cost, on a regular basis to help you get the most out of your care with us. We also offer select nutritional and wellness-enhancing products to optimize your experience and ensure that you get lasting results.
We provide the most comprehensive care available on the Seacoast. Our goal is to help you simplify your life, to support your growth and to help you sustain a wellness lifestyle.
I’ve suffered from back pain for years. What would you suggest?
Back pain, especially chronic back pain, is rarely a one-cause one cure situation.There are many factors that can contribute to ongoing back pain, including unresolved physical injuries, emotional and mental stress.
Rather than just giving you a twist or a pop for temporary relief, we suggest a holistic and comprehensive approach that will help you identify and change the patterns that are contributing to your back pain.
Through a cutting-edge approach that combines low force Network Spinal Analysis “entrainments” (a unique method that promotes a spontaneous wave-like release of tension within the spine) and a specific series of exercises called Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI), we’ll help you release tension and connect tothe underlying source of your pain so that you can truly resolve it.
I’ve suffered from headaches for years. I’ve tried a number of doctors, but none of the medications they’ve prescribed have helped. Can you help?
Although we don’t claim to diagnose and treat any one symptom directly, we’ve worked with hundreds of patients with many types of headaches, ranging from tension headaches to migraines, with positive results. In most cases the severity and frequency of the headaches significantly diminishes, or the headaches are eliminated altogether.
Medications only provide temporary relief for headaches. We seek to understand the factors contributing to the headaches and help you make the necessary life changes to keep the headaches from recurring. Experience has shown us that headaches, like any other pain signals, are a sign that your body is asking for a change in your behavior, your perceptions, or your body structure.
We help you develop the awareness and discover the resources to change the way you’re living. The by-product of that lifestyle could very well be a headache-free life!
Between trying to run my company and trying to spend quality time with my family, I’m finding it overwhelming. How can your programs help relieve me of this stress?
The stress over having too much to do and not enough time to do it is epidemic in our culture. Consistently high stress levels freeze the body in a “fight or flight” mode, tightening muscles, rounding shoulders, making breathing shallow, and limiting blood and oxygen to the parts of your brain and body that are responsible for relaxation, revitalization, creativity and growth.We find that a busy life itself is typically not the problem. The problem is an inability to adapt, shift gears and “unhook” from the stress-causing factors that are overwhelming you.
Our programs will help you release tension from your body and learn how to adapt to and manage the stress that you’re under without taking it home with you. Expect to work with us twice a week for about 8 weeks to get the ball rolling. We’ll release tension from your spine and nervous system, teach you helpful exercises, and give you plenty of recommendations to decrease your stress levels quickly and naturally.
I work at a computer all day and I have constant neck pain. Can you help with this?
When it comes to their computer station, most people have a far from optimal ergonomic setup. In fact, we find that even people with excellent workstations often get neck and back pain from long hours in front of the screen.
The problem is that most people either aren’t aware of, or just ignore their body’s cues and feedback telling them to move, stretch or reposition themselves. They regularly push through to finish a project, even though their bodies are building up considerable tension in the process.
Our solution is to help you get so connected to and in tune with your body’s cues and feedback that you’re able to stay present and attentive to the exact positions you need to be in.
Instead of staying static at your desk and needing neck pain to let you know that you’re not being attentive to your body, with our care, you’ll be able to stay fluid, flexible and free instead.
This all sounds good, but how much will it cost?
The cost is the best part! Our programs are very affordable, especially when you consider the cost that doing nothing about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing could have on your life and health.
Your monthly car payment ensures that you’ve got transportation to get where you want to go. For about the same amount per month our 12-month program will help you get where you want to go in your life!
We accept many types of insurance for the initial stages of care, and we’ll handle everything for you. Just present your insurance card at the time of your first visit.
How can I be sure that your office will be a good fit for me?
You can also learn more about our approach and get a feel for our office by attending one of our Free Monthly Workshops. We invite you to join us for the next program. Just give us a call at (603)433-2023 to reserve your space (workshops fill up fast so be sure to call now to ensure a spot)
Practice Member Login
