Daily exercises for your recovery

With the Epiphora Method, you will learn a series of posture and movement exercises incorporating breathing techniques. This helps regulate blood flow to and from the brain, consequently restoring your body’s self-healing capabilities, reducing or eliminating symptoms.

You apply the method twice a day, 15 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes before bedtime. Throughout the day, you maintain good posture, and as needed, you can apply the method more frequently. The exercises are primarily done while lying down.

It’s not a quick fix but a method that requires daily practice, with my guidance throughout your process.

Getting practical

The coaching consists of three sessions with one or two weeks in between, with interim contact if necessary.

The first appointment involves an intake and an explanation of the method. You will perform and experience it. This session lasts about 1.5 hours.

In the second and third appointments, we delve deeper into the exercises and refine them as needed. These sessions last approximately an hour.

After the first appointment, you’ll receive clear written instructions so you can continue practicing at home.

Oxygen-rich blood to the entire brain

Our brain is supplied with blood by two carotid arteries and two vertebral arteries, located at the back of the neck. The Circle of Willis is the arterial connection between the front, middle, and back parts of our brain. Even if there is an obstruction through the neck, the Circle of Willis can still supply the entire brain with oxygen-rich blood.

Imbalance due to insufficient blood flow

However, it appears that the Circle of Willis shows abnormalities in more than two-thirds of people. This can lead to a lack of blood flow if there is reduced blood supply from the neck arteries (for example, after a whiplash or due to posture weakness). This triggers a reaction in the brain that puts the entire body into a stress state. If this disruption persists, many symptoms of imbalance can arise, and recovery remains elusive.

Epiphora Method by Hans Timmerman

The Epiphora Method was discovered and developed by physiotherapist/haptonomist Hans Timmerman. He has integrated elements from physiotherapy, manual therapy, haptonomy, breathwork, and transpersonal psychology into a simple and effective system.
See his explanation below. If you want to read more about it, visit www.epiphoramethode.nl.

No complaints, still Epiphora?

Actually, there are benefits for everyone practicing the method. Due to factors like poor posture (think frequent use of smartphones), blood flow to the brain can be restricted. Additionally, 65% of people have abnormalities in the Circle of Willis, affecting optimal blood circulation. Therefore, daily exercises improving circulation might lead to feeling better overall. This could include benefits such as deeper sleep, improved metabolism, increased concentration, more energy, and easier relaxation.

Epiphora in Long Covid

Long Covid is a phenomenon that occurs after a Covid infection. While most people recover over time, some experience persistent fatigue and muscle acidification. Many symptoms resembling Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also emerge.
In the Epiphora Method’s perspective, these symptoms often result from disrupted blood circulation in parts of the brain. Often, before a Covid infection, individuals may experience conditions like headaches, aura migraines, burnout periods, or have a family history of Fibromyalgia or CFS.
All these symptoms align with our hypothesis: insufficient blood supply from the neck arteries, combined with a moderately functioning Circle of Willis, can intensify symptoms. These factors may lead to feelings of helplessness, uncertainty, or even panic. The body seems unreliable in signaling, requiring specific attention in recovery.

What do we do as coaches?

We teach people with Long Covid to first normalize blood circulation in the brain. Only then can you start listening to your body again. We help you manage activity and rest. As long as the brain is not adequately perfused, its signals are unreliable, throwing the body off balance. Physical training is challenging without proper brain perfusion. When the hindbrain is well-perfused, artery constriction decreases, reducing muscle acidification. Additionally, the brain functions better, resolving brain fog and blurry vision. Restorative energy is activated, improving sleep. True recovery begins only when confidence in your body is restored!

Why three sessions?

For most people, three sessions are needed to proficiently and independently apply the method and integrate it into daily life. I encourage, guide, and correct you as needed to ensure the method has the desired effect. Additional sessions can be scheduled as needed (or in rare cases, fewer sessions).

I already have so little energy, how can I add this?

By gradually building up, you regain your energy step by step. Your focus shifts from the emphasis on your complaints to resolving them. Taking control and experiencing what you can do helps you regain control over your life. You transition from complaint to resilience!

Disclaimer

The Epiphora Method is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the method a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have a medical issue, I recommend consulting with your healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice. The exercises are practice-based, and the practitioner is responsible for their execution. Always practice safely: lying down, in a comfortable and secure environment, and never in water or while operating a moving vehicle.