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What is Atlasology?
How the Atlas got its name
Atlas - bearer of the world
Our 1st cervical vertebra - the Atlas - got its name from Greek mythology and means "carry, endure": The Greek Titan Atlas was the king of Atlantis and was punished by Zeus by having to heave the earth and the heavens after Atlas attempted to storm the heavens.
The Greek Titan had to carry the world, just as the 1st cervical vertebra (C1) carries our head. This fact led in medicine to the designation atlas for our 1st vertrebrae.
For the titan Atlas, carrying the world was a burden - for us carrying our heads shouldn't be a burden. However, if our atlas (C1) is no longer in the center, carrying the head can become a burden and trigger various symptoms. Atlasology can offer support here so that the head can be carried through life with ease again and the resulting complaints can be minimized or disappear.
The Atlas and its influence on our body
Nerves flow through the Atlas
Our top cervical vertebrae C1 - the atlas - is located just below our head. Due to this special position, it has the following physiological functions, among others:
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bearer of our 5-7 kg heavy head (adult)
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passage of numerous nerves.
An infinite amount of information flows from the brain to the rest of the body via the nerves every second. The nerves pass through the atlas and continue through the spinal cord, which is located inside the spine and is therefore well protected from injuries. The nerves (the so-called spinal nerves) emerge from the spinal cord between the vertebral bodies and from there reach the corresponding organ or limbs. Arrived here, nerve impulses are transmitted from the brain, whereby the cells carry out a corresponding function.The brain is the hub of the system, the spinal cord is the main transmission line and the spinal nerves are the connections to the organism. This flow of information is vital for an organ to renew and regenerate. If the supply of this information or energy is reduced, the activity of the cells and thus of the organ is also reduced - it cannot optimally renew and regenerate itself, the self-renewal process is suppressed, which can lead to complaints.
Impact of a displaced atlas
Pelvic elevation
When the atlas is off-center, the rest of the spine is affected:
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The spine adjusts according to the displacement of the atlas. This leads to a change in statics and can lead to a so-called "shorter leg". This is not a real shorter leg, but an elevated pelvis. This bad posture can lead to various complaints, such as pain in the hips, knees, back, neck, head, etc.
Innervation of the body
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In the center of the spine is the spinal cord, in which the nerves are routed from the brain via the atlas to the body regions and from the body regions back to the brain. Due to the changed statics of the spine, however, the nerves between the vertebral bodies (spinal nerves) can be compressed. This means that the nerve information can no longer flow optimally: Depending on which spinal nerve is compressed, this body region receives insufficient controls and the cells cannot optimally implement their function. This can lead to various complaints, such as digestive disorders, blood pressure problems, inflammation of all kinds, sciatica problems, tiredness, nervousness, tingling sensation in the arms and legs, headaches, dizziness, etc. The list below shows which spinal nerve flows where and is therefore responsible for which task .
Depending on its duration and severity, an misalinged atlas can lead to psychological challenges in everayday life.
When can the atlas subluxate?
Due to its position, the atlas is very mobile, so that we can optimally turn and move our head every day. At the same time, this exposed position and great mobility makes the atlas sensitive to displacement (subluxation) - also because there is no intervertebral disc (spinal disc) as a shock absorber between the 1st (the Atlas) and 2nd cervical vertebrae (the axis). In the course of life we encounter a wide variety of influences that can lead to a misaligned atlas, such as:
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during birth if the baby's head has been twisted or pulled too much or if the mother is exerting excessive force
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after physical events of all kinds: sport or traffic accidents (especially whiplash injuries/cervical spine syndrome), stepping into the void, stumbling, falling, hitting the head, jerky/unsteady head movements
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after tummy sleep, since the cervical vertebra assumes an unfamiliar position for a long time
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after muscle tension in the jaw (teeth grinding at night) as well as in the neck / shoulder area due to one-sided or incorrect body postures and movements (computer work, studying, during pregnancy, etc.)
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after mental challenges due to a tense attitude (stress, pressure to achieve, exams, grief, bullying, fears, etc.)
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We have all encountered one or the other mentioned circumstance
- they are simply part of life.
It is important that after such events the body is supported,
so that it can regenerate and no health problems will result
- this is where atlasology offers a valuable service.
Centred atlas Subluxated atlas
Why atlasology?
an aligment of the pelvic elevation
a release of nerve compressions -> leads to a best possible functioning nervous system
Due to its sensitive position and nature, but also due to our activities, the atlas can subluxate from time to time. However, neck and back problems are increasing in our society from year to year.
These complaints often lead to an impairment of everyday life and to psychological challenges due to the pain. Just as we take care of our teeth and go to the annual check-ups, the atlas should also be checked twice a year to prevent future problems.
Centering the atlas causes:
an activation of the self-healing powers
an increase in life energy -> improving your well-being.
* From birth to great age *
Further information on atlasology under: Swiss Association for Atlasology, SVFA
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