The abdominal brain and enteric nervous system

Conventional medical treatment for neurologic disorders such as epilepsy, m igraine, and autism focuses on the brain. Although standard medical treatme nt is often helpful, the underlying causes of these disorders are not well understood. Furthermore, some individuals respond poorly or not at all to r egular medicine. Evidence is accumulating in the medical literature that th e enteric nervous system (ENS)-that part of the nervous system associated w ith the alimentary canal-also plays a role in these disorders. Historically , the concept of an autonomous abdominal nervous system was advocated by By ron Robinson, Johannis Langley, and Edgar Cayce. The work of these three pr ominent historical figures is considered along with modern viewpoints on th e abdominal nervous system. Complementary therapies that address the nervou s system of the abdomen have potential as useful adjuncts to conventional t reatment for certain neurologic disorders.