The nervous system prioritizes short-term survival over long-term biomechanical efficiency. The logic of the nervous system aims for survival, the logic of biomechanics for performance. The nervous system seeks to prevent injury. Biomechanics seeks energy-efficient power transmission. The nervous system responds with co-contraction. In the vertical, we need reactive stability—a constant micro-sway and rapid contraction and relaxation. When the nervous system prevents the release of power, it creates functional rigidity. This blockage prevents us from adapting to gravity. We then end up fighting against ourselves. The system perceives the blockage as a solution, while from a physical point of view it increases the risk of falling because we no longer react elastically to the ground.

Anthropocentric Arrogance

A key to success lies in recognizing archaic programs of our originally horizontal operating system as robust foundational resources that can be recontextualized through training.

Once horizontal safety (saturation) is anchored in the nervous system, the hand no longer functions as an isolated tool but as the endpoint of a kinetic whip. The hand as a vector — in the vertical stress logic, the hand grasps while the shoulder is fixed. This is locally constrained and weak. In my model, the impulse originates in the pelvis (the center of mass), undulates as a spinal wave, and is projected through the relaxed shoulder into the arm.

Many people train the app “grasping.” I train the hardware “catapult.” Grasping becomes stress when it has to fight against one’s own stiffness.

The central nervous system (CNS) follows the principle of phylogenetic layering. More highly developed cortical areas (the apps) govern complex, voluntary fine motor control and upright locomotion. However, these functions are energetically costly and prone to disruption. They rely on subcortical structures and the spinal cord (the kernel), where central pattern generators (CPGs) are located.

Under psychophysical stress, functional regression occurs. The system prioritizes evolutionarily older protective mechanisms. Reflex patterns take control. The result is increased co-contraction (simultaneous activation of agonists and antagonists), which stiffens the joints to enforce stability at the expense of mobility.

Spinal Wave is more than an archaic movement. It creates an oscillating transmission of force along the spine that leverages several biological advantages:

Activation of CPGs – Rhythmic, wave-like patterns engage deeply embedded neural circuits normally active during automated locomotion. This reduces the cognitive load of motor control.

Modulation of protective tension – Due to the predictability and fluid nature of the wave motion, the CNS receives positive sensory feedback. The amygdala and other threat-assessment systems register safety, reducing reflexive protective tension (hypertonus).

The wave motion utilizes the body’s tensegrity, distributing mechanical loads across myofascial chains.

The reduction of protective tension is the decisive step toward economical movement. When the nervous system learns that a complex, wave-like dynamic does not threaten structural integrity, a recalibration of tone occurs.

Spinal Wave integrates protective programs into a higher functional level. It uses the efficiency of the kernel (rhythm, reflex chains) to make the app (upright locomotion) smoother and more resilient. 

Biological Path Dependency

Then Audrey joined my group. She was a physicist and placed verticality on the same level as snake moves (the horizontal, lateral, and undulating base patterns). In short, she ignored biological path dependency. That’s like claiming the user interface of an iPhone is just as important as the electricity flowing through its circuits. Without electricity, there’s no app.

The Floor is the Foundation

From a biomechanical perspective, verticality (upright walking) is an “unstable equilibrium.” To manage this instability efficiently, the nervous system relies on oscillatory patterns we inherited from fish or reptiles. The rotation of the pelvis and thorax during walking is a direct derivative of lateral undulation (snake move). Anyone who dismisses the spinal wave or snake moves as secondary fails to understand that verticality has only changed the direction of force transmission—not the mechanics of its generation. The wave is the engine; verticality is merely the casing.