Dan Mutter 8/5/24 Dan Mutter 8/5/24

A Balanced Tension

The first instrument I learned to play was the cello. I recall that the first lesson was how to tighten the bow. The “horsehair” threads that are drawn across the metal strings need to be not too tight and not too loose. It wasn’t until later that we learned to tune the strings. The seasoned ear and hand of the music teacher helped keep the violins, violas, cellos, and basses in tune. I can attest that the sawing serenades of 5th grade novices inflicted both physical and sonic trauma to those instruments. However, the generous encouragement of parents and teachers taught compassion, patience, and to trust the reward of diligent practice.

All stringed instruments require a balanced tension within and across the body to resonate their sound. It is this state of balanced tension that characterizes how the central nervous system feels when it is adaptive and resilient. In chiropractic, we refer to this as tone.

We often consider tension a bad thing, relating it to stress. Out of proportion and balance, it is. In proportion, it expresses balance, potential, and creative energy.

Dan Mutter 6/23/24 Dan Mutter 6/23/24

Tone & Tension

The bony framework of the spine and cranium serves as the physical protector of the nervous system, but also as a regulator of tension. Tension placed on tissue will change its shape. Changes in shape can and will alter function. From cell membranes to capillaries (tiny blood vessels), eyeballs, muscles, and stomaches, the tension on all tissues and organs reflects how well they can move energy and information. Too much or too little tension leads to disorder, dysfunction, and dis-ease. This is why we recognize the vital and central role the neuroskeleton plays in health.

The nervous system is the means of communication between all of the denizens of the physical body, our knowledge of the world around us, our relationship to others, and our connection to Source. It sets the tone for how we (be/do/have) life. Chiropractic is founded upon the principle of tone and its practice supports the conscious and ecological expression of life.