MOD115 – Neuro Emotional Therapy (NET)

Definition

Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is a mind-body therapy that addresses the connection between emotional experiences, neurological function, and physical health. It aims to identify and resolve unresolved emotional patterns that may contribute to physical and psychological distress.

Explanation

NET practitioners utilise a blend of traditional Chinese medicine principles, chiropractic adjustments, and applied kinesiology to identify and release emotional stressors stored in the body. The technique employs muscle testing as a biofeedback mechanism to access subconscious information about emotional imbalances.

During an NET session, the practitioner guides the client through a process of recalling specific emotional events whilst simultaneously applying gentle manual adjustments. This approach is believed to help ‘unstick’ negative emotional patterns that may be linked to physical symptoms or behavioural issues.

The therapy is based on the concept that unresolved emotional trauma can create ‘neurological imbalances’ in the body, which may manifest as physical ailments or persistent negative thought patterns. By addressing these imbalances, NET aims to promote overall well-being, reduce stress, and enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities.

NET is often used as a complementary therapy alongside other healthcare approaches and is particularly popular in addressing stress-related conditions, phobias, and chronic pain. The technique emphasises the interconnectedness of mind and body, seeking to create harmony between emotional experiences and physical health.

Evidence to Efficacy

Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) has shown promising results in several studies, demonstrating its efficacy in addressing various health concerns and improving overall well-being.

A study conducted at The Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University found that NET effectively and rapidly reduced symptoms of traumatic stress in patients who had experienced life-threatening medical issues. The research showed significant improvements in patients’ emotional states and normalised brain reactions to stress cues after just four to five brief NET sessions.

Another study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship revealed that NET treatment led to reduced stimulation in brain structures associated with the perception of emotional traumas. This research focused on cancer patients experiencing traumatic stress symptoms and demonstrated notable improvements in their condition.

A randomised clinical trial investigating NET’s effects on chronic low back pain showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in 21 pain, disability, blood inflammatory protein, and quality-of-life outcome measures compared to a simulated procedure. The study also found that the benefits of NET treatment were maintained for up to six months without additional interventions, highlighting the technique’s efficiency and long-lasting effects.

Research has also shown NET’s potential in improving general flexibility. A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine demonstrated that NET treatment led to statistically significant improvements in flexibility compared to both active and passive control groups.

Furthermore, ongoing research is exploring NET’s potential in addressing type 2 diabetes and stress. A case report published in Frontiers in Endocrinology showed improvements in blood chemistry and self-reported measures of depression, anxiety, stress, distress, and pain in a patient with type 2 diabetes after NET treatment.

These studies collectively demonstrate NET’s potential as an effective mind-body approach for addressing various health concerns and improving overall well-being.

Neuroscience and Physiology

The neuroscience and physiology behind Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) integrate principles of mind-body connection, neuroplasticity, and quantum physics. This modality focuses on resolving emotional stress stored in the body, known as a Neuro-Emotional Complex (NEC), which can influence physical health and well-being.

Neuroscience of NET

NET operates on the understanding that unresolved emotional stressors create imprints in the brain and nervous system. These imprints are encoded through neural pathways and can trigger physiological responses when activated by similar stimuli. The process involves key brain structures:

1. The Triune Brain Model: NET engages the triune brain—comprising the reptilian brain (instinctual responses), the limbic system (emotions), and the neocortex (rational thought). Emotional stress is primarily stored in the limbic system, particularly in structures like the amygdala, which governs fear and memory processing.
2. Neuroplasticity: NET facilitates changes in neural pathways by helping individuals recall unresolved emotional events while applying gentle physiological corrections. This process encourages the brain to “rewire” itself, reducing the emotional charge associated with past trauma and promoting healthier responses.
3. Muscle Testing: NET uses muscle testing as a biofeedback tool to access subconscious information about unresolved emotional stress. This technique taps into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to detect physiological changes linked to specific emotions.
4. Conditioned Emotional Responses: NET addresses conditioned emotional responses stored in neural circuits. By recalling triggering events while stimulating specific meridian points (based on Traditional Chinese Medicine), the therapy helps extinguish these responses and restore homeostasis.

Physiology of NET

NET acknowledges that emotions are not just psychological but also physiological, involving neuropeptides – chemical messengers that carry emotional information throughout the body:

1. Neuropeptides and Receptors: Emotions are encoded through neuropeptides, which bind to receptors located throughout the body, including muscles, organs, and tissues. This biochemical network explains how unresolved emotions can manifest as physical symptoms or tension.
2. Meridian Systems: Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine, NET identifies emotional stressors connected to specific meridian points in the body. Stimulating these points during a session helps release trapped energy and restore balance.
3. Autonomic Nervous System Regulation: NET promotes a shift from sympathetic dominance (fight-or-flight response) to parasympathetic activation (rest-and-digest state), supporting relaxation and healing.

Quantum Physics Perspective

Quantum physics provides an intriguing lens through which to understand NET’s mechanisms:

1. Wave Frequencies of Emotions: Emotions are considered vibrational frequencies that influence the body’s energy field. Quantum mechanics suggests that these frequencies can be altered or “cancelled out” by introducing opposing wave patterns, effectively neutralising negative emotional imprints.
2. Quantum Tunnelling in Neuronal Communication: At the subatomic level, neuronal communication involves quantum processes such as tunnelling, where ions pass through channels smaller than nanometres. These processes suggest that consciousness and emotional states may interact with quantum phenomena.
3. Observer Effect: The act of consciously recalling an unresolved event during NET sessions aligns with the quantum principle of observation collapsing potential states into a resolved outcome. This reflects how awareness can influence both mental and physiological states.

Chemistry of Emotional Release

When unresolved emotions are addressed through NET:

• Stress hormones like cortisol decrease.
• Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine increase, promoting feelings of well-being.
• Oxytocin levels rise during emotional release, fostering relaxation and connection.

Holistic Integration

NET bridges neuroscience, physiology, and quantum principles to address both physical symptoms and their underlying emotional causes. By resolving NECs, clients experience improved emotional resilience, reduced physical pain, and enhanced overall health—demonstrating how deeply interconnected mind and body truly are.

Governing Body

The Neuro Emotional Technique Association (NETA) is the primary organisation responsible for overseeing training, certification, and standards for practitioners of Neuro Emotional Technique (NET). Here are the key aspects of NETA:

Training Programs: NETA offers comprehensive training courses for individuals seeking to become certified NET practitioners. These programs cover the foundational principles of NET, muscle testing techniques, and methods for identifying and releasing emotional stressors.

Certification Process: To achieve certification, practitioners must complete specific training requirements and demonstrate proficiency in NET techniques. This ensures that certified practitioners adhere to a consistent standard of practice.

Continuing Education: NETA provides ongoing education opportunities for certified practitioners to enhance their skills and stay updated on the latest developments in NET. This commitment to professional development helps maintain high standards within the field.

Global Reach: While NETA is based in the United States, it offers training and certification programs internationally, allowing practitioners from various countries to become certified in NET.

Resources and Support: NETA provides a range of resources, including manuals, webinars, and community support for practitioners, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and best practices.

By overseeing training and certification, the Neuro Emotional Technique Association ensures that practitioners are well-equipped to facilitate effective healing through NET while maintaining integrity and professionalism in their practice.

What Good Looks Like

An exceptional session of Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) should always include and ideally have:

• The practitioner will use muscle testing to accurately identify unresolved emotional stressors stored in your body.
• They will guide you to recall any specific emotional events, helping uncover subconscious patterns that resonate with your experiences.
• Following this, they will integrate some gentle techniques, such as stimulating specific meridian points, while you focus on associated emotions.
• It is very common to experience a noticeable emotional release – such as a sense of lightness or spontaneous tears – as the emotional charge around certain memories diminishes.
• It is also common to experience physical changes – reduced muscle tension or a deep sense of relaxation and calmness.
• It is possible to make clear connections made between current symptoms and past unresolved events, offering meaningful insights as well as physical and mental relief.
• NET Is a non-invasive and respectful approach, with the practitioner relying on your body’s responses to drive the speed and extent of the session.
• A sense of resolution or progress regarding the issues addressed by the end of the session. It is possible to have a profound moments of insight or awareness that feel deeply personal and transformative. It is also possible that several sessions may be needed if a issue is very deeply rooted or held.

Exceptional sessions leave you feeling not only relieved but also empowered, fostering a lasting sense of harmony between your mind and body that enhances your overall well-being.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Here are key questions to ask when choosing the right and an exceptional Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) practitioner, along with what to look for in their answers:

How do you ensure that the emotional stressors identified during a session are accurately addressed?

Desired answer: A clear explanation of how they use muscle testing as a biofeedback tool to detect autonomic responses. They should mention terms like “Neuro-Emotional Complex (NEC)” and describe how they guide you to recall specific emotional events while testing for physiological responses.

What is your process for connecting physical symptoms to unresolved emotional stress?

Desired answer: An emphasis on the mind-body connection, with references to identifying subconscious patterns linked to physical symptoms. They might say, “I use muscle testing to uncover how unresolved emotions are stored in the body and connect them to physical manifestations.”

How do you tailor the session to my unique needs?

Desired answer: A focus on personalisation, with the practitioner explaining that every session is guided by your body’s responses. They might state, “I follow your body’s feedback through muscle testing and adapt the process based on what surfaces during the session.”

What techniques do you use during the correction phase of NET?

Desired answer: A detailed explanation of their methods, including stimulating specific meridian points, holding pulse points, and guiding you through focused breathing while recalling distressing events. They should mention terms like “Emotional Points” or “pulse point corrections.”

How do you ensure that the changes achieved during a session are lasting?

Desired answer: An understanding of how NET resolves the root cause of stress rather than just treating symptoms. They might explain, “By releasing unresolved stressors at their core, we allow the body to naturally restore balance and prevent recurring patterns.”

What kind of emotional or physical changes should I expect after a session?

Desired answer: A practitioner who describes both subtle and profound shifts, such as reduced tension, improved relaxation, emotional clarity, or even spontaneous insights. They might say, “Many clients feel lighter or experience a sense of resolution after addressing deep-seated stressors.”

How do you create a safe and supportive environment during sessions?

Desired answer: A commitment to professionalism and respect for boundaries. They should explain how they ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process, stating something like, “I maintain a non-invasive approach and let your body guide the session without imposing my own interpretations.”

How do you integrate NET principles into the broader context of health and well-being?

Desired answer: An understanding of NET as part of a holistic approach. They might say, “NET works alongside other therapies or practices by addressing emotional stressors that can impact physical health and overall well-being.”

An exceptional practitioner will provide clear, confident answers using precise terminology like “Neuro-Emotional Complex,” “muscle testing,” “meridian points,” or “autonomic nervous system.” Their responses should reflect an in-depth understanding of NET while emphasising personalisation, professionalism, and a commitment to your well-being.

Self-Study Resources

Here are some resources to help you learn more about Neuro Emotional Technique (NET):

Books

The Neuro Emotional Technique Handbook – A comprehensive guide to understanding and practising NET. (Available through NET practitioners or specialised bookstores.)

Online Resources

Neuro Emotional Technique Playlist – A curated playlist of videos explaining NET and its applications.

Neuro-Emotional Technique Therapy by Dr. Melina Roberts – An introduction to NET and its benefits for clearing emotional stressors.

How to Relieve Stress at Home with NET – A practical video on using NET techniques for stress relief.

Overcoming Trauma with Neuro Emotional Technique – A discussion on how NET helps address trauma and emotional blocks.

The Luminous Body Podcast – Neuro Emotional Technique Episode – Features stories of transformation through NET and its impact on emotional health.

NET Official Website – The primary source for information about NET, including practitioner directories and training opportunities.

Advanced Naturopathic Medical Centre – NET Therapy – Additional insights into how NET is used in clinical settings.

These resources provide a mix of theoretical knowledge, practical demonstrations, and personal stories, offering a well-rounded understanding of Neuro Emotional Technique.

Related Therapies

Here are ten related or complementary therapies to Neuro Emotional Technique (NET):

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) (MOD050): Involves tapping on acupuncture points while focusing on specific issues to reduce emotional distress.

Somatic Experiencing (MOD152): Focuses on releasing physical tension and trauma-related symptoms by regulating the nervous system’s response to stress and trauma.

Kinesiology (MOD156): A therapy that uses muscle testing to identify imbalances in the body’s energy systems.

Psych-K (MOD134): A set of principles and processes designed to change subconscious beliefs that limit the expression of a person’s full potential.

BodyTalk System (MOD022): A holistic therapy that combines Western medicine’s scientific principles with Eastern wisdom to promote body-mind balance.

Hypnotherapy (MOD073): Uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness (hypnosis) that is believed to be conducive to making changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Biofeedback (MOD136): Biofeedback is a technique that uses electronic monitoring of bodily processes to train individuals to gain voluntary control over physical and mental functions typically considered involuntary.

Craniosacral Therapy (MOD090): A gentle hands-on technique that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction.

These therapies share a focus on the mind-body connection and the resolution of emotional or energetic imbalances to support overall well-being.