Darrick E. Sahara, D.C.

Abstract

The Splint Orthodontic Myofunctional Appliance, or SOMA, created by Joseph Da Cruz, M.D.S., B.D.S, C.O.P.Q., has proven to correct cranial faults, neck distortions, pelvic imbalances/categories, TMDs, mental/brain misprocessing and Umbilical Reversal.

Introduction

Cranial faults, neck pain, neck tightness, neck distortions, pelvic categories and tempormandibular dysfunction (TMD) are common structural findings in patients in a clinical setting. In addition, there are many patients that have structural imbalances interfering with normal brain function causing malfunctions in the body's neurological system. As a result, these specific patients may also have various mental illnesses or focusing problems.

Umbilical Reversal was first discovered by John Diamond, M.D. If there is a positive finding for Umbilical Reversal, the patient's entire belief system is reversed, neurologically disorganized, or switched (as mentioned in Dr. Diamond's The Collected Papers of John Diamond, M.D. Vol. II, see also Timothy Francis', D.C., D.I.B.A.K., D.H. in his paper, The Fitness of Human Nature ).

Utilizing the SOMA is another way to correct structural imbalances involving functional neurology. The SOMA seems to clear out cranial faults, TMDs, pelvic categories and imbalances, Umbilical Reversal, mental/emotional problems, allergies, sleep apnea and insomnia. Furthermore, the SOMA seems to hold many structural corrections.

Discussion

Cranial Bone Movement and Cranial Techniques

According to George Goodheart, D.C., the concept of cranial bone movement and cranial techniques was first introduced by William Garland Sutherland in 1939. Coupled with Applied Kinesiological muscle testing, cranial technique became more specific in terms of diagnosis and treatment. According to Dr. Goodheart, proper cranial bone movement “move[s] like the gills of a fish – and vestigial gill mechanism of the skull”.

The respiratory movement of the cranial bones helps pump the cerebrospinal fluid throughout the brain and spinal cord. When said cranial bones become jammed or locked up, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid changes. As a result, the body may inherit nerve dysfunction and lymphatic drainage problems in addition to many other physical and mental symptoms.

The cranial bones move simultaneously with the sacrum, pelvis, as well as the individual vertebrae. Therefore, if the cranial bones become jammed, there is a possibility of pelvic imbalances such as categories I, II, or III. Thus, the entire dura becomes torqued, which can cause many muscle imbalances and structural distortions. Many physical distortions can be noted as the cause of many physical symptoms such as neck pain or tightness, TMDs, as well as mental misprocessing including Umbilical Reversal (emphasis on Dr. Goodheart's and Dr. Diamond's insight that “structure dictates function”). Finally, any distortion in structure can be the cause of many chemical and mental imbalances.

Umbilical Reversal

As aforementioned, Umbilical Reversal was first discovered by Dr. Diamond. The purpose of the umbilicus test is to reveal the real disturbance that the body was attempting to hide from the physician as well as the patient. Thus, true natural healing will not occur until this problem is discovered and corrected. The test is performed using a strong indicator muscle which goes weak when the patient puts his right hand on the physician's left hand which is therapy localizing the patient's umbilicus. According to Dr. Diamond, RNA will correct this problem. Next, after correcting the umbilicus test with RNA, Diamond states that the “deep seated disturbance” is revealed. Dr. Francis adds that “You can not fix it if you can not find it. The real key is finding it.”

Temporal Mandibular Disorders (TMDs)

Harold Gelb, D.M.D., Director of the Temporal Mandibular Joint Clinic of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary says that TMDs are actually an orthopedic problem. He explains that “If one leg is shorter than the other the entire body is unbalanced. The jaw works the same way. If the teeth can not meet properly, the jaw becomes very disturbed in its motion. Problems of non-occlusion and bad bite may produce many more problems.”

Dr. Willie May further states, “One half the sensory portion of the brain is directly connected with the oral cavity. When the occlusal malfunction is corrected, stopping injury to the involved part of the body, there is a chance for healing to begin.” David Leaf, D.C., D.I.B.A.K. and Dr. Francis add that the TMD problems are usually corrected by careful diagnosis and correction to the feet, the pelvis, and the upper cervical spine. Dr. Francis also has shown upper extremity osseous adjustments can also correct TMDs. This is an agreement with Gelb stating that TMDs are an orthopedic problem.

Consequence of Uncorrected Birth Trauma

Most structural problems are caused by physical trauma, chemical insults, and emotional disturbances. Robert Fulford, D.O. and Dr. Diamond believe that although there are many reasons for the inability of the patient to process information correctly such as learning disabilities to severe mental illness, the main reason for the brain to misprocess is due to the “consequence of uncorrected birth trauma”.

Dr. Diamond states that, “a consequence of uncorrected birth trauma caused by the difficulty of our present evolutionary state: too large a fetal head and too small a maternal pelvis” (Willis, 1993). Dr. Diamond adds, “As shown by [Doctors] Goodheart and Fulford, it can be demonstrated that the uncorrected bodily distortions created by the birthing process, especially cranial and neck distortions, lead ultimately to mental distortions, and to misprocessing.” In other words, the patient is not neurologically centered and therefore it would be impossible to make sound decisions or normal thought processes.

Clinical Observations

Many patients come into the clinic with a variety of structural problems as well as mental disturbances or illness. Dr. Goodheart, Dr. Leaf, Dr. Francis, Robert Blaich, D.C., D.I.B.A.K., Walter Schmidt, Jr., D.C., D.I.B.A.K., D.A.B.C. and Evan Mladenoff, D.C., D.I.B.A.K., as well as other competent chiropractors using Applied Kinesiology, all instructed us to untorque the dura, above, below, inside and out. It is the author's clinical experience that there are a small percentage of patients that come in with some structural alteration, whether it is a subluxation, fixation, or a compensatory dysfunctional pattern, which still remains after extensive treatment.

Using all knowledge on how to diagnosis and correct the patient's problems through Applied Kinesiology, sometimes the cause of the problem is an environmental problem that continues to bombard the patient. These problems are brought to the patients attention, but sometimes it is impractical or impossible for the patient to immediately change. For example, one cause could be a job related or working condition problem. Although, it is logical to instruct the patient that the working environment is unhealthy or stressful, the patient can not immediately change because the job insures the patient's financial survival. Another example, is the consistent bombardment of electromagnetic frequencies that are harmful or stressful to the patient's body. Once again, in many instances, the patient can not completely avoid the use of a cellular phone or computer although it would be in their best interest to avoid said items.

It is the author's observation that the SOMA can help hold and protect the patient's structural corrections even though the patient is subjected to a stressful environment. In addition, the SOMA also corrects many compensatory structural problems as well as primary. Therefore, the patient continues on the path of true healing as well as making the doctor's job much easier or more efficient.

On the other hand, another observation is that the SOMA, does not correct chemical problems such as blood sugar handling. The patient still needs to eat as instructed by the physician, and avoid the food sensitivities and chemicals that negatively affect his/her body. The SOMA is not the cure all nor substitute for professional psychological or psychiatric evaluation and regular chiropractic care.

Materials and Methods

Case Management: Dentist and Applied Kinesiologist

The SOMA should be case managed by both a dentist and physician practicing Applied Kinesiology. As the patient progresses in his healing process the SOMA will need to be adjusted accordingly from time to time, by both the dentist and Applied Kinesiologist. The dentist's job consists of specifically managing the dental occlusion, proper fitting of the appliance and other aspects to the patient's oral health. The Applied Kinesiologist, on the other hand, manages how the whole body is functioning in terms of the device as well as its absence.

Process and Procedure

The patient may initially come into the physician's office who practices Applied Kinesiology. The doctor will do his health history taking, vitals, and other methods of the initial examination. It is the author's opinion, that the patient should get treated first and correct all primary subluxations, muscle imbalances, compensatory changes, untorquing the dura, correcting cranial and sacral faults, TMJ involvements, and nutrition supplementation before sending the patient to the dentist. After several treatments and further measurements and evaluation the patient is then ready to see the dentist.

The dentist's job is to evaluate the entire face, occlusion, pain patterns involved in the head, neck, and shoulders, as well as noting signs of mouth breathing, swollen lymph glands and tonsils. Both the Applied Kinesiologist and dentist should measure the patient's jaw on opening, making careful observations of any lateralization of the jaw.

Frequently, if the patient goes to the Applied Kinesiologist first, the TMJ should be free of most of those abnormal movement patterns, such as lateralization of the jaw upon opening and closing. Dr. Leaf suggests that proper jaw opening should fit three fingers of the patient's non-dominant hand, while Dr. Diamond suggests optimal jaw opening is at least four fingers of the non-dominant hand.

Next, the dentist, takes impressions of both maxillary and mandibular occlusion. There are various ways to construct these cast models. However, alginate impressions, if taken well, seems to be adequate. Poly vinyl impressions are even more accurate, but can be more costly depending on the dentist one is seeing. The dentist then makes a mold and sends it to Dr. Joseph Da Cruz's laboratory in Austrailia. It is the author's experience that the process of sending it to Austrailia and making the SOMA and receiving it back takes approximately one month or more.

Dr. Da Cruz is very meticulous and evaluates the patient's occlusion. He can tell what is going on with the patient and predict the problem the patient might be experiencing by just examining the occlusion and teeth. He usually calls the dentist or Applied Kinesiologist directly when the SOMA is on its way. It is the author's opinion as well as Dr. Da Cruz that the SOMA should be sent to the dentist so that the appliance can be activated and adjusted perfectly. In difficult cases, the dentist might take some time adjusting the appliance. After activation, the patient should visit the Applied Kinesiologist for further evaluation and how it is affecting the whole body.

Dr. Diamond has a checklist to use when evaluating the SOMA and its effectiveness (Please contact Dr. Diamond's office for further information). In several cases, the author has seen dramatic facial change as well as other structural changes immediately. The patient should see either the dentist (if he knows how to muscle test) or the Applied Kinesiologist. However, in most cases, both doctors are needed. As the SOMA moves and corrects the cranial bones and balances the patient's entire neurological system the teeth might move or shift accordingly. In some cases, because of the movement of the bones, the appliance starts to get tight or impinge one or both sides of the dentition. Thus, monitoring and adjusting the appliance is needed by both doctors.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the SOMA has proven to be invaluable to both the patient and the treating physicians. Dr. Da Cruz has many extensive case studies, some that were presented at the ICAK – USA annual in Marina Del Rey, CA 2002. Dr. Da Cruz has been working with Dr. Diamond for years and both found extraordinary clinical success. The author has also found surprisingly quick and instantaneous positive changes. More research needs to be done, however the author is continuing research, observations and measures the clinical changes.

In closing, Dr. Diamond believes that in order to discover the key to a problem, whether the illness is, structural, biochemical or mental, one only needs to look inside the patient's mouth. He adds, “The patient is telling you what is wrong with them, just take some time and look into their mouth, and ask yourself how can this poor soul live in harmony with dentition like that?”

Resources

Blaich, Robert, D.C., D.I.B.A.K., 100 Hour Course, Los Angeles, CA, 2001 and 2002.

Blaich, Robert, D.C., D.I.B.A.K., ICAK-USA Annual, Chicago, IL., 2006.

Da Cruz, Joseph, M.D.S., B.D.S, C.O.P.Q., Balancing TMJ Dysfunction: A New Multidisciplinary Approach for Diagnosis, Treatment & Support, ICAK – USA Annual Meeting, Marina del Rey, CA, 2005.

Da Cruz, Joseph, M.D.S., B.D.S, C.O.P.Q., The Splint Orthodontic Myofunctional Appliance (SOMA) A Protocol Manual for Dentists , Version 4, Australia, 2007.

Diamond, John, M.D., Balancing TMJ Dysfunction: A New Multidisciplinary Approach for Diagnosis, Treatment & Support, ICAK – USA Annual Meeting, Marina del Rey, CA, 2005.

Diamond, John, M.D., The Collected Papers of John Diamond, M.D., Volume II , Archaeus Press, Valley Cottage, New York 10989, 1980.

Diamond, John, M.D., Cranial and Neck Distortions as a Result of Uncorrected Birthing Trauma – Leading to Brain Misprocessing and Reversal , 2006.

Francis, Timothy, D.D.C., D.I.B.A.K., F.I.A.C.A, D.H., The Fitness of Human Nature , Las Vegas, NV, 2004-2005.

Francis, Timothy D.D.C., D.I.B.A.K., F.I.A.C.A., D.H., The Extraordinary Meridians (Presentation), I.C.A.K. – USA Annual Meeting, Marina del Rey, CA, 2005.

Goodheart, George J., D.C., D.I.B.A.K., Collected Published Articles and Reprints , Revised Edition, 1992.

Leaf, David, D.C., D.I.B.A.K., Applied Kinesiology Flowchart Manual , Third Edition, Plymouth, MA 02360, 1995.