Stress, Anxiety and Depression with Nathalie Camirand DO

Stress, Anxiety and Depression: An Integrative Osteopathic Approach to the Encephalon with in the Brain–Gut–Pelvis Axis

• Theoretical component: 9 hours (pre-recorded video, available 6 weeks in advance)

• Practical component: 21 hours – March 2-3-4, 2028

Participants should be comfortable with cranial osteopathic practice before attending the seminar

In recent years, stress-related disorders have become a central focus in clinical practice. Yet, their osteopathic management often remains incomplete when the role of the encephalon is not fully integrated into the therapeutic approach.

Based on the clinical and scientific framework developed in her Elsevier publication Brain–Gut–Pelvis Axis in Osteopathy (also translated into German), Nathalie Camirand presents an advanced seminar dedicated to the role of the encephalon in the regulation of stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders.

While the brain–gut–pelvis axis provides the overarching integrative framework, this course places a strong emphasis on the neuro-encephalic structures involved in emotional regulation and neurovegetative balance.

Combining precise anatomical knowledge, functional neurophysiology, and targeted manual techniques, this seminar offers a highly practical and clinically relevant approach. Participants will explore techniques involving cranial and sacral dural membranes, decompression of the sphenobasilar synchondrosis (SBS), and specific work on key encephalic structures such as the posterior fossa, the limbic system, the corpus callosum, and the neocortex.

The course also integrates specific arterial approaches, as well as neurovegetative techniques focusing on the sympathetic system and the vagus nerve. The phrenic nerve is included from a clinical perspective due to its important role in stress-related conditions.

A particular focus is placed on the identification of dysfunctional encephalic areas in relation to clinical presentations, along with the application of precise, reproducible osteopathic interventions that can be directly integrated into daily practice.

Drawing on extensive clinical experience and supported by current scientific literature, this seminar provides practitioners with a structured and integrative neuro-osteopathic framework to better address stress-related disorders.

A course not to be missed.

Course Objectives

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the mechanisms of stress, anxiety, and depression from an integrative perspective
• Identify the encephalic structures involved in mood disorders
• Perform an osteopathic assessment of the different components of the encephalon
• Apply specific techniques adapted to nervous, vascular, and meningeal structures
• Integrate the brain–gut–pelvis axis into clinical reasoning and practice
• Adapt treatment approaches based on observed clinical manifestations

Specific Objectives – Theoretical Component

At the end of the theoretical component, participants will be able to:

• Understand the concepts of stress, anxiety, and depression and their manifestations
• Integrate associated theoretical models (stages of adaptation, Beck’s cognitive triad)
• Understand the role of neurotransmitters and various brain structures
• Identify the regulatory axes involved (sympathetic, parasympathetic, brain–gut–pelvis axis)
• Structure a clinical history adapted to mood disorders

Specific Objectives – Practical Component

At the end of the practical component, participants will be able to:

• Assess encephalic structures and their functional relationships
• Apply techniques to meningeal structures and the cerebrospinal pathway
• Work on the various brain regions involved (different parts of the limbic system, brainstem, neocortex)
• Integrate cerebral vascular approaches
• Apply specific techniques to the vagus and phrenic nerves
• Adapt techniques according to patient responses

Course Outline

Theoretical Component
• Concepts of stress, anxiety, and depression
• Stages of adaptation and prevention
• Beck’s cognitive triad
• Sympathetic–parasympathetic balance
• Neurotransmitters and mental health
• Brain structures involved
• Clinical history methodology

In-Person Training Plan

Day 1
AM
• Introduction and clinical approach
• Review of theoretical concepts
• Postural tests and sphere testing
• Approach to the sacral dura mater and filum terminale

PM
• Approach to the primitive brain and limbic system
• SBS decompression
• Cranial dura mater techniques
• Cervical and posterior fossa approach

Day 2
AM
• Neocortex approach
• Assessment of brain structures
• Brainstem and thalamus

PM
• Work on limbic system structures (amygdala, hippocampus)
• Approach to different cortical areas
• Functional and neurovegetative integration

Day 3
AM
• Cerebral arterial approach
• Techniques on vertebral and carotid arteries
• Work on cerebral arteries

PM
• Vagus nerve and phrenic nerve approach
• Work on spinal meningeal structures
• Integration of the brain–gut–pelvis axis

Teaching Methods

• Theoretical lectures
• Demonstrations
• Supervised practice
• Case studies
• Clinical discussions