We all have self -fixing mechanisms within us. One way to fix ourselves is with a coordinated way of breathing and walking- the Diamond Gait. The gait can easily be made a part of our everyday lives and can be adapted to jogging, swimming, tennis, golf and other forms of exercise. By fixing ourselves with the gait, our body energy system can be kept in balance, we have higher energy levels, the weakening effects of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hypoadrenia (poor adrenal function) are reduced, the thymus gland is kept strong and we are "centered" and "unswitched".

It was found in the early stages of treatment using kinesiology, and even with chiropractic adjustments, that when patients were treated lying down and then stood up and gravity factors were introduced, the corrections did not hold. If the patients were treated when standing and started to walk or run, the corrections again would not hold. What was wrong?

The problem was that the breathing was not coordinated with the gait. It was as if we lost the rhythm of breathing correctly. If the proper breathing and gait were introduced into the treatment, then the corrections held.

The major muscles of our body are connected to the organs by a giant reflexology system. The connecting link between the muscles and organs is accupuncture energy, "Chi". By coordinated muscular activity especially through locomotion, the inaccessible organs of the body can be treated. The gait therefore not only holds muscular corrections that are made by a therapist, it also serves as a continuing source of treatment to fix ourselves and maximize our energy.

Dr. George Goodheart states that the diaphragm is like a commutator responsible for the flow of accupuncture energy throughout the body. If there is a reactive impairment of this diaphragmatic action, then there is an insufficient flow of the energy. Diaphramatic breathing is stressed when doing the gait. Most people breathe more with their rib muscles (intercostals) instead of with their diaphragm, as they should.

In addition to breathing with the diaphragm, the mouth is used in a beneficial way when doing the gait. It has been found that the mandible (lower jaw) acts as a pump for cerebral-spinal fluid in the body. By opening the mouth wide you activate the pterygoid muscles; and by their action on the sphenoid and occipital bones, the cerebro-spinal fluid is pumped around. This fluid then conveys energy throughout the body. Part of the gait technique involves breathing with the mouth open.

Correct tongue position is also important when doing the gait. The spine acts as an antennae for the body energy system. The spine must be straight when sitting and walking – not tense and rigid, but straight. The shoulders should be kept back and not slumped. When our spine is curved it causes a phenomenon called "switching". When we are switched there is a breakdown of the alpha wave synchronicity between the two hemispheres of the brain. It is a perceptual and learning disability causes us to become confused and tired. Nearly all car and airline seats cause switching. Some believe that "jet lag" is due to being switched from the seats that force the spine t curve. Likewise if someone sits back on a soft chair, he will switch; and if there is metal across the midline of the body, especially in the head region, we will switch (Glasses with metal frames will cause switching.).

A short walk with the gait unswitches us. Also by sitting on a hard surface such as a clipboard or a plastic cutting board, we are more alert when working and will arrive fresh after traveling. This technique gives the sit bones (ischial tuberosities) more support and keeps the spine straight. Good support for the feet is also recommended. By wearing the proper shoes the spine is forced to be straight and will help to maximize our energy.

HOW TO DO THE DIAMOND GAIT

Walk vigorously and proudly, swinging opposite arms and legs.

Count each step in a "1, 2, 3, 4; 1, 2, 3, 4 ......." manner

Let this rhythm become an easy, natural part of your thoughts.

On every "1" count place the tongue on the rugae behind the upper front teeth and inhale through the nose.

On each "2, 3, 4," count, exhale through the mouth with the tongue on the floor of the mouth, saying "HA-ha-ha" with an accent on the first HA.

Let this become your natural way of walking.

Refrain from carrying things in your hands, as this prevents your arms from swinging freely.