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Rob (c137)'s avatar

Great analysis!

It helps a lot to do lymph drainage to help the neck work better.

Also this is my favorite qi gong exercise that opens up the chest and loosens the neck.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=F7YENXCwPIo

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Gary Sharpe's avatar

Cool, thanks!

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Megan Leigh Abernathy's avatar

That is fascinating! I’m so grateful for your work and the way you’re synthesizing these complex connections. As someone navigating complex PTSD, chronic stress, and the ripple effects on my neck and migraines, this research hits home.

The idea that the carotid bodies—so rich in dopamine—could be a key player in the cycle of chronic stress is such an important insight. The interplay between oxygen regulation, stress responses, and neurotransmitter depletion helps explain why it can feel impossible to break out of certain physiological states. That loop of stress activating the carotid bodies, which then drive further stress responses due to depleted dopamine, makes so much sense in the context of chronic stress disorders.

I also love the connection you’re making with fascia health—another underappreciated factor in chronic tension and nervous system dysregulation. The way the neck acts as a gateway for both mechanical and biochemical feedback loops makes me wonder how targeted interventions (like breathwork, vagus nerve stimulation, or even fascial release) could help break the cycle.

Thank you for diving all in on this! Your research is such a gift.

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Gary Sharpe's avatar

Thank you! So glad it is helpful and makes sense.

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Yolanda Pritam Hari's avatar

Awesome read, Gary. i never thought so much about the carotid bodies - i think more about lymph, cranial rhythms, and suboccipital compression/torsion and accessing the dural tube. this will be a fun new palpation focus when i'm working at the head/neck. Carotid bodies. i think i'm falling in love....

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Gas Axe's avatar

Thanks for the education Gary.

I'm going to fix the riser on my trials bike AKA gym and see if this helps. They are about 1" low making me crank my head back and it's doing damage.

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Yolanda Pritam Hari's avatar

before even reading this, i am SURE one of my clients will love this. She has just started reading my substack and has some keen intuitions and openness to learn!~

back later to read...

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