What is Spinal Flow?
A gentle, science-based approach to healing that works with your spine and nervous system.
The Science of Spinal Healing
Spinal Flow Technique is a healing modality developed by Dr. Carli Axford. It's based on a simple but powerful principle: your spine houses the spinal cord, which carries every signal in your body. When stress, trauma, or injury creates blockages along the spine, those signals get disrupted — leading to pain, illness, and dysfunction.
Using light touch on 33 specific access points across the 7 Gateways of the spine, Spinal Flow helps release those blockages and restore the flow of communication through your nervous system. No cracking. No manipulation. Just your body doing what it was designed to do.
The 7 Gateways of the Spine
Each gateway corresponds to a region of the spine and influences different aspects of your health.
Base Gateway
Coccyx — our sense of safety and the body's fight-or-flight stress response.
Foundation Gateway
Sacrum — the foundation from which we move forward; the pelvis, hips, and lower limbs.
Power Gateway
Lumbar spine (L1–L5) — personal power and drive; the low back and the digestive and reproductive organs.
Centre Gateway
Thoracic spine (T1–T12) — where the heart lives; love and connection, and the organs of the chest and mid-back.
Passion Gateway
Lower cervical spine (C3–C7) — purpose and expression; the neck, shoulders, throat, and thyroid.
Pause Gateway
Upper cervical spine (C1–C2) — self-talk and thoughts; the head, eyes, ears, nose, and sinuses.
Awaken Gateway
Cranium — our connection to life-force energy; the head, brain, and cranial nerves.
What to Expect in a Session
A Spinal Flow session is a calm, relaxing experience. You'll lie face down on a comfortable treatment table, fully clothed. Using very light touch on specific points along your spine, Kelly works with your nervous system to identify and release areas of stored tension.
Your first session runs about 60 minutes and includes a full assessment; follow-up sessions are typically about 45 minutes. During the session, many people experience what's known as a "spinal wave" — a gentle, involuntary wave of movement through the body. This is your nervous system releasing and recalibrating. It's completely natural and often feels deeply relieving.
After a session, people commonly report feeling lighter, calmer, and more at ease. Some notice improved sleep, reduced pain, or a greater sense of emotional clarity in the days that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spinal Flow Technique is a complementary healing modality and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Results vary by individual.