I am mentored by a PT who teaches the ECHO program for the Ehlers-Danlos Society. She is also conducting research in compression syndromes. Visceral manipulation therapist, with deep rooted neuro background. This is her approach for gastric dumping and improving motility through improving vagus nerve function via dry needling. her approach is as follows:
"The technique that I use in office is addressing the sympathetic ganglia or the plexuses through dry needling but with a neural manipulation or cranial sacral-like approach. Therefore, the specific nerves are addressed with intention, but rather than pistoning or dropping and leaving needles, the practitioner keeps their fingers on the needle and waits to feel the rhythm of the plexus or ganglia and re-balances it. This can be done at the sympathetic ganglia that sits in front of the thoracic facets. Therefore, an approach to the deep multifidi at the specific level in question would bring the practitioner closer to the sympathetic ganglia that is on the other side of the lamina."
Consider T6 paravertebrals additionally to the needling in the ear for the vagus nerve stimulation. Remember the role of T6 in autonomic function. I remember this easily considering pathology associated at the T6 spinal level. Autonomic Dysreflexia in SCI population ring a bell? best way I can think to look at it is thinking of your needling approach like unkinking a catheter in comparison. hope this helps.
