# Osteopathic Approach in the Stimulation of the Endocannabinoid System: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report explores how an osteopathic technique improved a patient's health by influencing the endocannabinoid and autonomic nervous systems.

## Contribution

The study presents a novel application of osteopathic manipulative techniques to modulate the endocannabinoid and autonomic nervous systems.

## Key findings

- The patient reduced THC consumption and reported improved sleep quality.
- Health and quality of life improved as measured by the SF-36 and Pittsburgh Questionnaire.
- The cranial technique CV4 was used to influence autonomic and endocannabinoid system functioning.

## Abstract

The endocannabinoid system is an important neuromodulatory system responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the biological system. Similarly, the autonomic nervous system is important to control involuntary bodily functions such as thermoregulation, regulation of heart rate and sleep latency. The endocannabinoid system and the autonomic nervous system can be modified by osteopathic manipulative techniques. In this report, we present a case of a 53-year-old patient with comorbidities, habitual cannabis use, and disorders associated with the endocannabinoid system and autonomic nervous system, on whom the cranial technique of the fourth ventricle (CV4) was performed. The results obtained from the Pittsburgh Questionnaire and the Health Survey 36 (SF-36) Questionnaire were encouraging. The patient decreased tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumption. Her sleep quality and health improved, thus improving her quality of life. CV4 aimed to influence the functioning of the patient's autonomic nervous system and consequently the endocannabinoid system. Further research using randomized controlled trials will be important to have measurable and objective data on this topic.