Atlas Therapy is a unique manipulation technique focused on restoring the neural and mechanical balance at the highest level of the body. Before starting therapy, it’s crucial to determine whether there are any angle deviations or blockages in the Atlas. The main goal of this process is to gather accurate data about the patient’s physical structure and develop a personalized approach.
In the first step, the patient lies on their back on a manual therapy table. If they have any accessories like jewelry or clips, they are asked to remove them. This is important to prevent any discomfort during treatment and to facilitate smoother application of the techniques. However, this stage is not just preparation; it also marks the beginning of the tests I perform.
First, I perform palpation tests through my fingers to determine if there are any blockages in the patient’s neck area. Deviations, stiffness, or tensions around the Atlas bone clarify the condition of the neck and jaw region. Specifically, the tension in the masseter muscle and any increases in kyphotic or lordotic posture in the neck are critical clues for me. These findings help me determine the direction of the therapy and provide important data about the patient’s body balance.
Similarly, I assess the patient’s leg length and leg orientation. If the legs are oriented towards external rotation, I observe which side the tension is reflected in. For example, if the right leg is turned outward, it indicates tension on the right side. Additionally, any difference in leg length is an important indicator of which area the tension has spread to. Tensions in the jaw area and their relationships with the neck structure are also considered. These stages constitute the preliminary examination I perform to understand the blockages around the Atlas, as well as the overall body posture and neural tensions. I also conduct vertebral artery tests to determine if there are any issues in the cervical region. If these tests reveal vertebral artery or basilar artery insufficiency, manipulation techniques cannot be applied. Instead, more appropriate treatment options are evaluated.
Another important test is the podal test. This test is conducted by internally rotating the lower legs and is used to determine if there is a blockage in the body. In this test, various findings are obtained, such as whether the blockage resolves when the person closes their eyes or how the leg muscles respond when they clench their teeth. For example, if tension in the legs increases when the teeth are clenched, it may indicate a problem related to the teeth. The podal test helps us gain a clearer understanding of body balance and the source of blockages.
The foundation of Atlas Therapy is to identify and resolve these subtle blockages and imbalances in the body. By meticulously evaluating each stage, I determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
The atlas vertebra is the highest vertebra in our body and serves as the starting point of the spinal system that supports our head. Studies show that many people are born with malpositioned atlas vertebra. The misalignment or blockage of the atlas can put pressure on the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve, responsible for many systemic functions in the body. When this nerve is under pressure, it can lead to issues in the digestive and excretory systems, such as constipation. Additionally, it innervates the levator veli palatini muscle, which controls the functions of the Eustachian tube, and pressure on the vagus nerve can impair this muscle’s functionality. Poor functioning of the Eustachian tube can result in hearing loss in the middle ear.
Other factors that can lead to misalignment of the atlas vertebra include jaw alignment issues, dental problems, and traumatic events. Particularly, falls and impacts to the head or neck can affect the position of the atlas vertebra. Psychological stress and trauma can also trigger spinal problems, so both physical and psychological factors should be taken into account.
Another significant effect of atlas vertebra blockage is its potential to cause spinal disorders such as scoliosis. Children are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss and scoliosis because their bone and muscle development is still ongoing. In adults, treatment may be more challenging due to age-related tissue hardening. Notably, some medications used during adolescence have been shown to cause hearing loss and can damage the inner structures of the ear.
The primary goal of atlas therapy is to reduce tensions in the spine, allowing the system to return to normal. When the atlas vertebra is corrected, the pressure on the vagus nerve is relieved, leading to the improvement of systemic issues. Positive results are also observed in cases of hearing loss. However, the recovery of structural deformities in the ear may take longer, or in some cases, may not be possible. Since each case is unique, treatment should be individually tailored. The success rate of atlas therapy is approximately 70% in children and around 60% in adults.
The EMB method, developed by Eren Mehmet Bozoğlu, achieves effective results in treating issues such as spinal problems and hearing loss by utilizing atlas therapy. Scientific studies and results supporting this method will be announced more broadly in the future.





