Pain is one of the body’s most intricate communication systems. It alerts us when something is out of balance, misaligned, or overworked. Yet pain is rarely the true source of a problem—more often, it is the loudest voice in a much larger conversation happening between muscles, meridians, fascia, reflexes, and the nervous system. In our first episode of the Understanding Body Pain trilogy, we explored this complexity through the lens of the hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders—areas that often carry tension from not only physical strain but also emotional load and energetic imbalance.

At the heart of this conversation lies the science behind pain and the remarkable system of Touch for Health, created by Dr. John Thie and rooted in the groundbreaking work of Dr. George Goodheart. These tools offer a way to understand pain not as an isolated event, but as a reflection of the body’s deeper patterns of communication.

Pain Is Not the Problem — It’s the Messenger

Modern medicine often teaches us to chase the symptom:
a wrist brace for wrist pain, a shoulder stretch for shoulder tension, or a topical cream for elbow discomfort.

But pain is rarely localized. A weak anterior deltoid can cause wrist strain. Tight forearm flexors can come from misalignment in the upper thoracic spine. Shoulder pain can originate from stress patterns in the jaw. Even finger stiffness can link back to the small intestine meridian.

Touch for Health works because it respects the body’s interconnected nature. It recognizes that:

• Muscles communicate through meridians
• Meridians communicate through organ systems
• Organ systems influence posture, mood, and function
• Structural misalignment affects emotional and energetic flow

This is why in Episode 1 we shared examples of how upper body pain often points to deeper imbalances in the body’s bioenergetic network. Once you understand these relationships, you can finally stop fighting pain—and start listening to what it’s trying to tell you.

The Science Behind Touch for Health

While many people assume that energy-based systems are “woo-woo,” the science behind Touch for Health is grounded in:

1. Applied Kinesiology & Neurophysiology

Dr. George Goodheart discovered predictable relationships between muscles and organ systems. For example:

• The deltoid corresponds with the lung meridian
• The supraspinatus aligns with the central meridian

These links reflect neurophysiological pathways—reflex arcs—that influence strength, tone, and function.

2. Proprioception & Biofeedback

Muscle monitoring allows us to access the body’s feedback loop. When a muscle responds weakly, it indicates an imbalance in the energetic or neurological pattern behind it—not simply a lack of strength. This makes muscle monitoring a precise tool for identifying the priority behind pain patterns.

3. Fascia & Biotensegrity

Pain often travels along fascial lines. The upper body, for example, contains spiraling patterns that cross from shoulder to hip, wrist to neck, and elbow to ribcage. Touch for Health techniques—like neurolymphatic reflexes and neurovascular points—help restore hydration, flow, and mobility through these fascial chains.

4. Chinese Medicine & the Five Elements

Touch for Health bridges Western anatomy with Eastern philosophy. Pain is understood not only as mechanical strain but as energetic stagnation. For example:

• Wrist and elbow pain often relate to Metal (lungs, large intestine)
• Shoulder tension may reflect Wood (liver, gallbladder)
• Grip strength relates to Water (kidneys, bladder)

This gives practitioners and individuals a holistic map of pain—physical, emotional, and energetic.

Tools That Transform Pain

In our first episode on hands and arms, we demonstrated several Touch for Health concepts that anyone can explore:

1. Muscle Monitoring

Helps identify the priority imbalance rather than guessing at symptoms.

2. Emotional Stress Release Points

Releases mental tension that contributes to chronic pain patterns.

3. Neurolymphatic Reflex Points

Helps reduce inflammation and restore flow through muscle and organ systems.

4. Meridian Tracing

Clears stagnant energy and supports the body’s natural healing pathways.

5. Posture Awareness

Simple alignment shifts in the shoulders, wrists, and neck can dramatically change pain levels.

Each technique empowers the individual, restoring the understanding that healing doesn’t come from fighting the body—but partnering with it.

A New Way to Experience Pain & Healing

The goal of Touch for Health and bioenergetic wellness is not just relief—it is awareness.
When you know how to interpret the body’s signals, pain becomes a guide rather than a barrier.

Our trilogy will continue to explore:

• Episode 2: Feet, Ankles, Knees & Hips
• Episode 3: Back & Neck

Each episode builds on the science and self-care practices introduced in Episode 1, offering practical tools and a deeper understanding of how pain reveals our path to healing.

You can reach out to Denise Cambiotti at www.muscletuners.ca to learn more about her special programs and the power of her techniques.

You can find Kate Montgomery at katemontgomery@me.com and you can find her two exceptional books on amazon: Sports Touch and End your Carpal Tunnel Pain without Surgery.

Are you looking for a Touch for Health class? Michelle will be offering a Level 1 starting in January. You can email your intent to info@greenwellcenter.com. You can find more information in the shop as well as the description about Touch for Health.

Michelle also offers in person and online movement classes that are embedded with Touch for Health information, this is a great way to understand the power of the information in real time. You can find these courses here.

Looking for a deeper dive? Michelle will be offering a Tai Chi Retreat in West Kelowna, BC in March with Wine Country Tai Chi Society. You can learn more in a few weeks when the full details are released. This is a chance to work in person and gain a deeper understanding of how the concepts reveal themselves through movement patterns.

New knowledge and experience is just one class away. Enjoy the podcast!

The post The Science of Pain & the Transformative Tools of Touch for Health first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition characterized by a group of symptoms that originate from a specific area in the body. In this case, the Carpal Tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist through which the Median Nerve passes into the hand—plays a crucial role. This space, bordered by the Carpal Bones on the back of the hand and the Transverse Carpal Ligament on the palm side, is critical for the movement and function of the hand muscles and fingers.

However, when inflammation or compression occurs within this tunnel, it can lead to pain, aches, tingling, and stiffness, radiating down the arm and into the hand. Traditional approaches often focus on addressing the symptoms at the wrist, but what if the root cause lies elsewhere in the body? Dr. Michelle Greenwell, a renowned expert in holistic health, offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating CTS by exploring the interconnectedness of the entire body.

Beyond the Wrist: A Holistic Approach to CTS

Dr. Greenwell emphasizes that the source of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome might not always be localized to the wrist. By examining how the hand muscles function with different orientations—palm up and palm down—she identifies whether the issue might originate from the wrist, elbow, or even the sacrum. If symptoms are present in one hand and not the other, CTS might be the cause. However, if both hands are affected, the problem could stem from the sacrum.

But how is the sacrum connected to the wrist? Dr. Greenwell explains that the body’s structure and movement are interlinked. For the wrist to function properly, the sacrum must be flexible and supportive. Assessing a person’s posture and alignment, particularly the neck and spine, is crucial. Muscles such as the Levator Scapula, Upper Trapezius, and Anterior and Posterior Neck Muscles can contribute to CTS if they are misaligned or strained.

The Role of Posture, Breath, and Emotional Health

Posture and breath significantly influence overall health and can exacerbate symptoms of CTS. Misalignment in the neck affects breathing patterns, often leading to shallow breathing, which in turn stresses the muscles, organs, and brain. Dr. Greenwell encourages incorporating deep breathing practices throughout the day, not just during dedicated moments of mindfulness or meditation, to alleviate stress and improve muscle function.

Moreover, emotional health plays a pivotal role. Stress and tension can manifest physically, leading to muscle clenching and reduced organ function. Individuals suffering from CTS often struggle with breaking tasks into manageable pieces and making decisions, adding to their physical strain.

Nutritional Considerations and Bioenergetic Wellness

Dr. Greenwell also highlights the importance of nutrition in managing CTS. Repetitive consumption of certain foods can lead to sensitivities or allergies, further aggravating the condition. Foods like wheat, green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy, as well as deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and B6, can impact muscle function and inflammation. A BioEnergetic Wellness Facilitator can help identify energy-enhancing foods and those that deplete energy, guiding individuals towards better dietary choices.

Empowering Individuals Through Biofeedback and Muscle Monitoring

Dr. Michelle Greenwell, with her extensive training in BioEnergetic Wellness programs such as Touch for Health®, Therapeutic Touch®, and NeuroReflex Integration, uses biofeedback and muscle monitoring to prioritize areas for balance and flow. Her expertise in assessing the body’s electrical system allows her to identify underlying issues and facilitate significant improvements in her clients’ health and well-being.

Support for Artists, Musicians, and Performers

With a passion for the arts, Dr. Greenwell understands the unique challenges faced by musicians, dancers, and artists. Repetitive movements, poor posture, and prolonged periods of standing or sitting can all contribute to CTS. Dr. Greenwell works closely with performers to develop new habits and patterns that reduce stress and inflammation, ultimately enhancing their performance and well-being.

Embrace Holistic Health with Dr. Michelle Greenwell

At the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health, Dr. Michelle Greenwell offers private and group sessions, both online and in person, to help individuals achieve harmony within their bodies. By addressing the root causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and promoting overall wellness, Dr. Greenwell empowers her clients to lead healthier, more balanced lives. Discover more about her transformative approach with a private session, check out the details here. And, be sure to check out the group classes online and in-person to find the perfect fit for your continued success with your wellness plan.

Resources:

Recommendations found in this article are found in “The Complete Edition: Touch for Health – A Practical Guide to Natural Health with Acupressure Touch,” by Dr. John and Matthew Thie, 2005, DeVorss & Co., as well as “The Encyclopedia of Mind and Body Volume 1: Allergies! How to find and Conquer,” by John Barton, 1980, and distributed by Topping International Institute.  Further, nutritional, acupressure, and muscle monitoring information is found in Applied Kinesiology Short Cuts Part 3 with Dr. Sheldon Deal, DC, NMD, DIBAK, from the Kinesiology Institute.

By emphasizing Dr. Michelle Greenwell’s unique holistic approach and expertise, this blog post aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and its interconnectedness with overall health.

The post Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Holistic Perspective first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.