Academic Research Projects 2026/2027

1. EpiWay as a Typology of Human Information Flow: A Complexity Science Approach
Status: submitted

Enjoy This Animated Summary of the EpiWay

Abstract:

The EpiWay framework introduces a typology and assessment model for understanding how individuals access, organize, and optimize energy and information to influence human performance. Grounded in complexity science, neuroscience, psychometrics, and human energetics, it reframes performance as an emergent property of coherent energy–information flow rather than effort or knowledge alone. EpiWay identifies two primary modes—Internal and External—representing distinct temporospatial patterns of information flow that shape perception, cognition, behavior, and overall coherence. Developed through a multi-phase validation process (2016–2023), the EpiWay assessment integrates Bayesian modeling, Item Response Theory (IRT), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). With more than 2,000 participants across longitudinal cohorts, the 21-item tool demonstrates strong psychometric validity, high test–retest reliability (ICC > .87), and a clear factor structure. Internal mode reflects constructive, past-referenced engagement with proximate information fields, whereas External mode emphasizes future-oriented, nonlocal retrieval. Orientation probabilities are calculated using a Bayesian algorithm. At the systems level, EpiWay connects energy–information flow with empirical research on neural integration, adaptability, and coherence. Studies on spinal dynamics, Central Pattern Generators, and oscillatory activity show that synchronized information flow enhances perception and behavior. By integrating these mechanisms with advanced psychometrics, EpiWay provides a validated, systems-level model of performance energetics.

Keywords: Self-organizing systems; Bayesian modeling; Performance optimization; Spinal Neural Coherence; EpiEnergetics

2. Energy State (E-State)
Status: in process

In this project, the assessment of individuals' energetic propensities known as Energy States, or "E-States," was conducted through a rigorously tested questionnaire and physiological assessments. By leveraging responses to targeted inquiries, the project aimed to capture and quantify the dynamic nature of a participant’s energy level, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing energetic states.
A challenge in self-assessment studies is the reliance on a person’s access to the higher/executive function of the cerebral cortex. With lower E-States it appears that access to higher brain and organizing intelligences is limited, affecting the reliability of self-assessments and other outcomes. The E-State questionnaire has been incorporated in the EpiWay assessment and the wisdom achieved through this integration offers value for a wide range of assessment tools. The highly impactful and exciting next phase of this project involves translating our comprehensive findings into a scientific manuscript for publication. This phase marks the transition from data collection and analysis to the distillation of our insights and methodologies into a scholarly document. By preparing this manuscript, we aim to contribute novel perspectives to the scientific community. Advancing our understanding of the underpinnings and biomarkers of energy states has vital implications in many areas of study and performance. Imagine the impact on all domains of life: health/body sense, relationship/intimacy, business/finance and the influence on the field of humanity in recognizing the relationship of ones Energy State to their level of self-organization, breakdown, stasis and instant transformation. 
 

Discover more about E-States, inspired by Donny Epstein’s book
The Seeker’s Code: Your Access to the Unreasonable and Extraordinary

3. Spine as a Modulator of Consciousness
Status: in process

This scientific article explores the spine's role as a modulator of emotion, thought and overall consciousness. Investigating the intricate connections between spinal processes and states of consciousness as an emerging property of energy and information coherence, the neural network, and developmental levels of spinal and neural integrity. The paper aims to contribute groundbreaking insights to the scientific understanding of how the spine influences and modulates various aspects of cognitive awareness- and vice versa.
Observation of hundreds of thousands of individuals internationally, through over three decades of the evolving Network versions of chiropractic care has led to the need for this article. Revolutionary academic research on the relationship of novel spinal strategies, their relationship to neurologic and energy efficiency and coherence, client experiences, and expanded quality of life assessment can expand and evolve existing professional domains. The linkage between energy, information, entrained neural networks and consciousness in which consciousness, beingness and coherence are goals unto themselves are linked to an integrated human being. This can expand the way in which physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and living practitioners assess and care for individuals both within the traditional professions and also lead to new disciplines that may also be unique unto themselves.

Research projects currently under discussion in collaboration with chiropractic colleges

4. EpiWay and sEMG

As an extension of the EpiWay research project and academic paper, we delve into a comprehensive study combining EpiWay and surface electromyography (sEMG) to examine patterns of responses. The study involves a novel analysis to understand how EpiWay influences physiological responses, with a specific focus on exploring the intricate relationship between EpiWay and the medial (central vs more peripheral/lateral) routes through the body. It is suggested and supported by Network Spinal Analysis and further evolved in its precision with Doctor of Chiropractic using NetworkSpinal in practice and practitioners’ clinical assessments, as well as by postural assessments. Both Internal and External EpiWay represent different pathways of distribution of energy, more central or more expanded outward. Academic research on how emotional energy is distributed and its wide range of health and physiologic response is consistent with the findings in at least several hundred clinical presentations by the above-mentioned chiropractic practitioners. This study is the first to assess such a relationship to the neurological tracks being used to distribute emotional energy associated with one’s EpiWay. This has a significant impact for individuals, physical health care practitioners and practices, educators, therapists, and individuals as keys to optimizing one’s energy and information efficiency and plans of intervention.

5. The relationship of adult lumbar (low back) curves, male and female sex hormones, biologic and cultural attributes to masculine and feminine

It has been demonstrated that the lordotic curve (forward) in mammals is a biologic triggering mechanism for physical, and sexual attraction. Dr. Donny Epstein has discovered this link in both male and female adults is strongly linked to biological and cultural of expressions of masculine and feminine behaviors. A loss of the lumbar curve in women appears to be associated with a similar loss of what is known as feminine. In men, similarly, an increase in the lumbar curve is associated with a loss of masculine traits and an increase in feminine traits. This affects the sex hormones, intimate relationships and may also lead to challenges in their human dynamics and performance. This study will assess the relationship of the adult lumbar curve through postural assessment, Xray, palpation, potentially EMG, stress hormone and sex hormone assessment, heart rate variability, the individual’s field/EpiGrid energetics of male and female roles in relationship to the spinal curves and sex organs. This may impact all aspects of the human experience, health, sexual preferences and potentially the relationship between biologic and social conditioning- spawning diagnostic, therapeutic and practical solutions for the expression of the authentic, optimal and healthy integration of nature/nurture.

Further Research for 2027 and the Calling for MORE