Creating Artistry within the CVAC Process
Like other forms of exercise, the CVAC process has been developed with the potential to offer each user a wide variety of dynamic experiences; each tailored to that specific user’s needs.
Much like music, each element combines with other elements to allow for greater expression and improved outcomes.
Understanding how to create artistry with the CVAC process is best accomplished by taking into account, the following important considerations:
- There is a degree of finesse in each CVAC profile. Finesse: refinement or delicacy of structure, or texture. You will find the most finesse in Tier 2 sessions. As you increase in Tier levels, the degree of finesse decreases.
- There is a degree of “amplitude” in each CVAC profile. Amplitude: The measure of something’s size, especially in terms of width or breadth; largeness, magnitude. You will find the greatest amount of amplitude in Tier 6 sessions. As you decrease in Tier levels, the degree of amplitude decreases.
- Within any rotation schedule, any session given in order may be done at any tier level and the subsequent session (within that particular rotation schedule) will fit and harmonize irrespective of the tier level in which it was delivered. It is vital that the rotation schedule be followed without exception and that there must not be any deviation(s).
- The elements of tension and resolution pervade all of the aspects of the CVAC process. This is consistent with the “wave” phenomenon that occurs during each CVAC profile.
- When a user of the CVAC process confines themselves to just one tier level, never moving to any other tier levels, the conditioning they derive from the CVAC process becomes brittle. In a worse-case scenario, they might even move into what may be called a “band of antagonism” wherein they will reverse conditioning and you will likely lose that client. I have composed the five stage rotations as a means to obviate this possibility but I can’t guarantee that this will work in all cases to prevent it, especially if the conditioning is allowed to become brittle.
- CVAC works best within the comfort zone of each user. Just as in massage, the client should be relaxed and at ease.
Here are some general considerations and recommendations for achieving the best outcome with your delivery of the CVAC process and providing your clients the best experience they can get from you:
- Always take into consideration the physical state of the client prior to sessions. Do they appear congested? Are they in pain? Are there any physical findings (for instance, a runny nose) that would prevent the delivery of a CVAC session within the client’s comfort zone? If you are not sure that you can safely deliver a session in the client’s comfort zone, please do not deliver that session.
- What is the purpose of the visit? Is it for routine conditioning? Are they preparing for activity? Are they recovering from activity? Are they seeking relief?
- What is the range or scale of deliverable tiers available to the user?
- When was the last time they had a CVAC session?
- How many consecutive sessions (in a single tier level) have the client taken prior to this visit?
Note: The above must be answered before proceeding.
- Before an activity, such as a workout or athletic event or if they are physically marginal and desire improvement; you start with profile(s) that provide the greatest finesse (Tier 2/3) then scale to the profile(s) that provide the greatest amplitude (Tier 4/5/6). Never go out of their comfort zone. For greatest effect (this is not always desirable), start with Tier 2 profile(s) and then do profile(s) in the highest Tier level (4/5/6) that they can tolerate in comfort. It is assumed here that the client has met the requisites to do full-scale Tier levels. Without exception, any client must meet the requisites (15 sessions in that tier level without pain or discomfort) before proceeding to the next higher tier level.
- In the case of general conditioning, recovery or if they are seeking relief, you may begin with profile(s) at the highest amplitude they can tolerate in comfort (Tier 4/5/6). Then you may bring them to profile(s) that provide them with greater finesse (Tier 2/3). For greatest effect (not always desirable) you may start with the highest Tier level they can tolerate in comfort and then move to Tier 2 profile(s).
- It is okay, however, to stay at a single tier level (for instance, tier 6) for a number of sessions. I recommend, however that you not exceed 10 straight sessions at a single tier level. You may find that confining the client to a single tier level during one visit then, on the next visit, changing the tier level. This is effective if the client is coming in often.
- I have learned over the many years I have delivered CVAC profiles that there is wisdom in the conservative approach. Being too aggressive can bring a client out of comfort and break their confidence in you. It’s best to be gentle and patient. Of course, that doesn’t mean to forgo giving high amplitude sessions. It just means to be alert, attentive and caring to the client.
- The proportions of profile delivery (for example; one tier2 then one tier4 then one tier6) are variable. Being attentive and aware of the client’s changing state is important. It also bonds you closer to the client and a healthy and productive relationship may likely ensue.
- An important aspect of the CVAC process is in the use of tension and resolution. How much tension to employ and how much resolution to give is one of the major considerations the practitioner must have to get the best outcomes with CVAC. Just as in enjoyable music, there are times when it is intense and there are times when it is not.
Carl’s Further Ruminations:
As I’ve said above, it really isn’t that complicated. The potential for harm is nil, I believe. In fact, even just randomly mixing up the tier levels won’t hurt anyone and will be effective in preventing brittleness of conditioning. What I’ve attempted to show you here is the artistry that is possible in delivering the CVAC process.