Prof. G. Jankovskis – M.D., Dr. L Beldava – M.D., Dr. M. Vitola – M.D., Dr. A. Curiskis – M.D.
Latvia
While studying the relationship which exists between the nerves in the bones and the spinal cord, the brain, systems and organs. the researchers of the LU Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine have detected quite a new and completely unknown physiological structure – the bone sensory system (BSS). Researchers have ranked in the line with the other, already exhisting sensory systems, demonstrating the close relationship and interaction of BSS with other systems and organs, thus turning it into a theoretical foundation for a new method of reflexotherapy – osteoreflexotherapy (ORT) (G.Jankovskis, G.Praulite, P.Ozolins, A.Mertens, I.Beldava. M.Vitola, B.Livina, A.Lazda, V.Logins, K.Strelis, T.Kancans, L.Taivans, V.Orlovs, I.Blumberga: 1971-1987).
BSS – relationship of nerves in the bones to CNS, systems and organs – corresponds to the classical principle of sensory system or the principle of physiological structure of sense organs (Vision, hearing, taste, smell, etc.):
nerve endings inside the bones – receptors of bone irritators or osteoreceptors;
pathways carrying nerve impulses of bone excitation to CNS and into it;
presence of osteoreception in the cortex of large hemispheres of the human brain in the postcentral area with the bone sensibility characteristic to the sensory system;
The fact that osteoreceptive areas of the cerebral cortex of large hemispheres (CLH) are close by and are partially overlapped by the skin, muscles, internal organs, etc., sensory system areas – gives evidence to the close functional connectedness of the osseous system and its interaction with them and their functions (G..Jankovskis, G.Praulite, 1961-1967). It means that when the skeleton is under an overload (by standing, walking, running, or doing some other activity), the brain is receiving the flow of impulses from more than 200 skeletal bones. On the other hand, the brain transmits them back to the respiratory and circulatory systems, internal organs, internal secretory glands, skin, muscles, bones, eyes, etc. organs, influencing the regulatory action of these systems, as well as, causing neurochemical changes (serotonine, gamma aminobutyric acid, etc.) (G.Praulite, V.Klusa. I.Liepa. R.Muceniece, 1989).
Thus, BSS studies are the basis for ORT. The essence of the method is seen in its name – osteoreflexotherapy (from Greek – osteon – bone; Latin – reflexus- reflection, Greek therapeia- treatment): by irritating osteoreceptors – the nerve impulses are transmitted through CNS to different body systems and organs, where they cause the response or reflexes. This is why ORT is called me method of physiological treatment, i.e. the treatment by means of bone reflexes and not by medicines.
When ORT is performed, locus dolens is irritated by puncturing the skin, subcutaneous tissues. periosteum, endosteum and the compact layer. However, the chief irritation is done by introducing 0.5-2.0 ml of (0.9% NaCl solution just into the bone marrow for 5-15 sec. or by applying the impulse of electric current, a laser beam, or by vibration.
ORT has been used in daily practice by doctors in Latvia for more than 40 years. Many people who have had changes in the skeletal bones and muscles (due to the skeletal overload, body aging, lone confinement to bed, or some other reasons, were suffering from day and nocturnal pains, pains while moving, restricted movements in joints, depressions, senestopathies, etc. impairments. Now they were given a chance to return back to their former jobs or to their favourite sports.
ORT helps restore the range of movements in the painful joint – to prevent the pain in the elbow, shoulder, knee, hip, foot etc. joints as well as the spine. It lessens or reduces the addiction to alcohol, tobacco, drugs; toxic substances; It lessens or prevents headaches and dizziness, neuralgic pains of trigeminal nerve; helps in healing poor regeneration of fractured bones; improves pathological depressions; in children it helps diminish and control near – sight – edness, bronchial asthma, stuttering, incontinence, etc. diseases and syndromes (G..Jankovskis. I.Beldava, A Mertens, M.Vitola, B.Livina, V.Logins, M.Kratina, G.Praulite, A.Apine, I.Puksta, I.Blumberga, I.Kalnciema, A.Plume, A.Glazitis, M.Dirina, A.Kuzmins, T.Juzakova, 1977-1992).
Various factors take place in achieving the ORT therapeutic effect. Their combination in various diseases may differ. Bone irritation is caused by:
1) cell regeneration of body systems.
2) bone mass increase by stimulating the osteoblast and hindering the osteoclast function:
3) changes of intraosseous pressure;
4) changes of rational blood circulation in major blood vessels and at the microcirculatory level – changes of venous backflow and arterial afflux in the bone;
5)changes in bone sensitivity;
6) neurochemical changes in the brain and evidently in the bone marrow, too.
All the above-mentioned changes, together with other changes as well may cause a longstanding after – effect.
Paraphrasing the words said by an outstanding doctor, scientist and medical historian Pauls Stradins on medicine, the founder of ORT, professor Gerge Jankovskis, has compared ORT to a vocation. science and art, announcing it to become a physiological method for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases in 21st century.