NeuroEmotional Technique (NET), developed by Dr. Scott Walker, DC, in the mid-1980s and co-developed with Dr. Deborah Walker, DC, is a mind-body approach designed to identify and help resolve the lingering physiological effects of unresolved emotional stress. It is based on the premise that emotionally significant experiences can become associated with conditioned physiological responses that persist long after the original event has passed. According to the NET model, these unresolved stress patterns—called Neuro Emotional Complexes (NECs)—may contribute to physical symptoms, emotional distress, or recurring behavioral patterns when they are repeatedly triggered. NET integrates concepts from chiropractic, manual muscle testing, cognitive and behavioral psychology, neuroscience, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including the use of acupuncture meridians.

Dr. Daniel Monti, a neuroscientist, has explored the efficacy of different interventions and therapies for over two decades. In this video, he highlights Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), as the approach he is most excited about, with a live demonstration and compelling data on how NET can change the brain.

A typical NET session begins with the practitioner identifying the patient's primary concern, whether it is a physical symptom, emotional issue, or recurring pattern. Through a structured protocol, the practitioner uses manual muscle testing while the patient focuses on a symptom, memory, feeling, or statement. If a change in muscle response occurs, the practitioner follows a series of clinical steps intended to identify the underlying emotional association. Once an unresolved stress pattern is identified, the patient briefly recalls the associated event or emotion while the practitioner stimulates specific spinal and acupuncture-related points. The goal is to help the nervous system complete what NET describes as an unresolved stress response so that the body no longer reacts automatically when similar triggers arise. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, NET generally does not require lengthy discussion of past experiences, and many practitioners emphasize that patients may disclose as much or as little about the underlying event as they wish.

I have found that NET is helpful for a wide variety of stress-related conditions. These include chronic pain, headaches, muscle tension, anxiety, phobias, unresolved grief, trauma-related symptoms, performance anxiety, relationship difficulties, digestive complaints, sleep disturbances, and chronic health conditions in which emotional stress appears to be a significant contributing factor.  I also incorporate NET into care for patients with autoimmune conditions, allergies, hormonal disorders, or persistent musculoskeletal complaints when emotional stress seems to worsen symptoms. The intended benefit is not simply emotional relief, but improved resilience, greater adaptability to stress, and enhanced overall physiological regulation.

One of the strengths of NET is its recognition of the close relationship between emotional experiences and physical health. Modern medicine acknowledges that chronic stress can influence immune function, inflammation, pain perception, gastrointestinal function, cardiovascular health, and endocrine regulation. NET builds upon this well-established mind-body connection, although it uses its own theoretical framework involving muscle testing, meridians, and Neuro Emotional Complexes to guide treatment.

For more information go to:  https://www.netmindbody.com/