The Science Behind NB/HK
Exploring the growing body of research on biofields, fascia, bioelectricity, collagen networks and human communication systems.
The Scientific Framework
Our work with the body is informed by the growing understanding that the human body functions as a dynamic system of signals—electrical, electromagnetic, biochemical, mechanical and others.
The concept of the biofield offers a framework for exploring how information moves within the body and outside of it, and how different systems—muscles, fascia, nerves, organs and the whole body— help coordinate their activity. While some aspects of the biofield are well established in science and medicine, others are still being explored.
NB/HK is one application informed by this area of inquiry. Alongside modalities such as acupuncture and therapeutic touch, NB/HK draws on research exploring how the body’s biofield and information systems relate to find body balance, resilience, and recovery.
We are presenting below some scientific foundations that inform our approach.
What is the Biofield?
Modern medicine already relies on some of these fields. For example, electrocardiograms (ECG) measure the electrical activity of the heart, and electroencephalograms (EEG) measure brain activity.
A good example of fields produced outside the body is the “SQUID”. The SQUID machine reads the magnetic field around our bodies. A SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) electromagnetic machine in medicine is an ultra-sensitive magnetometer used to detect and measure the incredibly weak magnetic fields produced by biological processes in the human body.
The SQUID machine doesn’t touch the body. It measures the electromagnetic field that is outside the body.
Together, these signals from inside and outside the body reflect the body’s ability to communicate inside and outside the body to maintain coordinated function.
In biofield science, the biofield is described as a complex field of energy, frequencies, and information within and around living systems. It helps coordinate physiological regulation and support balance (homeostasis) by integrating biochemical activity with electrical and electromagnetic processes. This is done by:
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Electrical signals produced by the heart and brain
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Magnetic fields associated with these electrical activities
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Thermal (heat) emissions from the body
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Mechanical vibrations and sound
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Many others signal more subtle and more difficult to detect.
The Body as a System of Information
The human body is not only biochemical—it is also informational.
Every moment, cells exchange signals that regulate:
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Movement
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Healing and tissue repair
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Immune responses
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Adaptation to stress
Health can be understood, in part, as the ability of the body to maintain coherent communication between these cells, tissues, organs and the whole body.
Collagen between cells, in fascia and meridians allow for communication in the body.
When communication becomes disorganized, coordination is reduced. Supporting the body’s natural coherence—rather than forcing change—is a central principle of our work.
Fascia: Fast Communication Network
Fascia is a continuous network of connective tissue that surrounds and connects every major structure in the body, including muscles and organs.
It plays key roles in:
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Structural support and organization
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Transmission of mechanical forces
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Reduction of friction between tissues
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Distribution of tension throughout the body
Importantly, fascia also serves as a pathway for communication.
Because it is continuous throughout the body, it allows local changes—such as movement or pressure— and signals to influence distant areas.
Within this network, fluid-filled spaces and connective tissue layers contribute to the transmission of signals.
This makes fascia a critical bridge between movement, sensation, and internal coordination.
Collagen and Bioelectricity
A key component of fascia and many other tissues is collagen.
Collagen has unique properties that are highly relevant to how the body functions:
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It provides strength and structural integrity
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Its crystallin structure can, like a wire, be a communication tool
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It can stretch and adapt under load
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It has piezoelectric properties, meaning it generates small electrical signals when mechanically stressed
In practical terms, this means that:
Movement creates electrical activity in the body.
This electrical activity plays a role in guiding processes such as tissue repair and bone remodeling. For example, when bones are subjected to stress, this signaling contributes to maintaining their strength and structure.
This helps explain why movement is essential—not only mechanically, but also as a form of biological communication.
Meridians and Connective Tissue Pathways
Traditional systems of medicine describe networks of pathways, often referred to as meridians, that connect different parts of the body.
Modern research suggests that these pathways correspond to:
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Fascial planes
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Collagen-rich connective tissue
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Areas of lower electrical resistance on the skin
Studies have shown that certain points on the body conduct electrical signals more readily and are often located along connective tissue structures.
While the terminology differs between traditions and modern science, both perspectives point toward the existence of integrated communication pathways within the body.
Light, Signals and Emerging Research
In addition to electrical and mechanical signals, the body also emits extremely low levels of light, known as biophotons.
These emissions are linked to natural biochemical processes within cells.
Advances in technology have made it possible to measure them, though their full role in human physiology is still being studied.
These emissions are:
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Byproducts of normal cellular activity (they are related to Reactive Oxygen Species production)
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And likely part of a more complex system of communication
At this stage, this area of research remains exploratory, and conclusions are still evolving.
Applications & Outcomes
Evidence-Informed Approaches
Research exploring coherence, regulation and recovery.
Research exploring touch, movement, breath and attention suggests these inputs may influence the body's regulatory systems and support resilience and recovery.
Regulation & Resilience
Coherence & Communication
These approaches focus on improving coherence—how effectively different systems communicate and work together throughout the body.
Clinical Outcomes
Reported outcomes include pain reduction, improved psychological and physical symptoms, and enhanced cognitive and physical performance.
Biofield-related research continues to evolve as new methodologies and scientific studies emerge.
Key Takeaways
Some aspects of the biofield are established, while others remain under investigation
Biofield science applications improve at least the body’s ability to function better in coherence, increase resilience, and adjust immune and inflammatory responses
Biofield science applications, like NB/HK, work on changing energy patterns to enhance body function, the relationship between the parts of our body, showing clear potential health benefits without adverse effects.
Clinical benefits include pain reduction, improved psychological and physical symptoms, and better cognitive and physical performance
The body generates bioelectrical, electromagnetic, thermal, and other signals that can be measured
Fascia forms a continuous communication network throughout the body
Movement produces biological signals that guide adaptation and repair
Collagen plays a role in whole-body coordination
Meridians are integrated communication pathways within the body