Facilitated Segments are spinal cord neurons (nervous system cells) that become:

• hypersensitive,
• hyperactive (responding to stimuli that they would not normally respond to),
• dysautonomic (disrupting autonomic nervous system balance), and
• dystrophic (de-vitalizing body tissue).

Facilitated segments can cause alterations in normal neurological signaling, which can lead to visceral and body tissue dysfunction, as well as homeostatic imbalance and harmful stress levels.

When an area of the spinal cord becomes facilitated it may affect other neurons as irritation travels from side to side and/or up and down the spinal cord and the sympathetic chain. The sympathetic chain is a portion of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system that modulates and directs neurological signals.

Neurons of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system originate in spinal cord levels T1 through L2 and are referred to as “pre-ganglionic” neurons. They synapse (communicate) with “post-ganglionic” neurons in ganglia (clusters of neurons and synapses) before proceeding to their target tissue. (Except the adrenal glands, which are innervated by both pre and post-ganglionic neurons.)

Notes Regarding The Illustration Titled, “Facilitated Segments”

Illustrated by Tad Wanveer, LMBT, CST-D

Figure #1 shows an example of how irritation from a facilitated segment at the level of T8 may not only affect the liver but also cause other neurons to become facilitated as the irritation travels to neurons, ganglia, and associated tissue of the sympathetic division.

Figure #2 shows the control of blood vessels, sweat glands and hair follicles throughout the entire body.

Figure #3 shows the central nervous system and the sympathetic chain of the autonomic nervous system within the body.

Figure #4 shows an enlarged view of the craniosacral system as it surrounds, protects, nourishes and cleanses the central nervous system; the sympathetic chain of the autonomic nervous system; pre and post-ganglionic neurons; the central nervous system; and ganglia.

Figure #5 and Figure #6 show the viscera that are controlled by the nerves.