CV4 or CV4 Bulb decompression is a technique used by osteopathic physicians to reduce anxiety and other complaints.[1] Research has suggested that this technique reduces pain,[2] decreases sleep latency,[3] and decreases sympathetic activity.[3] Physiologically CV4 is believed to facilitate extension phase of the Primary Respiratory Movement (PRM), resist the flexion phase of PRM and inhibit the occipital flexion phase.
Other research has not always shown this technique to offer any advantages over "touch."[4]
Procedure[edit]
The CV-4 technique is done with the patient lying supine with the physician's thenar eminences cradling the occiput with the fingers left free. The physician encourages extension (towards the physician) while discouraging flexion. These movements are continued until a "still point" is reached, where softening and warmth of the surrounding occur.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ O Otman. Does the CV4 osteopathic technique decrease blood pressure and heart rate on anxious subjects? An experimental study. 2011, January, 07.
- ^ Hanten WP, Olson SL, Hodson JL, et al. The effectiveness of CV-4 and resting position techniques on subjects with tensiontype headaches. J Man Manipulative Ther. 1999; 7(2):64-70.
- ^ a b Cutler MJ, Holland BS, Stupski BA, et al. Cranial manipulation can alter sleep latency and sympathetic nerve activity in humans: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Feb; 11(1):103-8.
- ^ Milnes, Kate; Moran, Robert W., Physiological effects of a CV4 cranial osteopathic technique on autonomic nervous system function: A preliminary investigation. March 2007.
- ^ Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine by American Osteopathic Association, Robert C. Ward DO FAAO, Raymond J. Hruby and John A. Jerome (Oct 7, 2002) pg. 999
External links[edit]
- "CV4 - Compression of the 4th ventricle" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-04. Retrieved 2013-05-19.