Lesson: How Hitting Cutaneous Nerves Can Cause a KO

How Hitting Cutaneous Nerves Can Cause a Knockout

1. Cutaneous Nerves Are Direct Lines to the Brain

Cutaneous nerves are rich in sensory receptors that connect to:

• Spinal cord segments

• Cranial nerves (in the face & neck)

• Brainstem nuclei like the nucleus tractus solitarius, trigeminal sensory nucleus, & reticular formation

These systems are all tied into autonomic regulation, balance, & alertness.

When overstimulated (especially with shock, angle, & timing), cutaneous nerves can trigger:

• Involuntary withdrawal reflexes

• Cranial nerve inhibition

• Brainstem-level shutdowns

2. Neurological Overload = System Reset

In Kyusho, a knockout often happens not because of damage, but because of:

• Excessive sensory input

• Delivered in a way the brainstem interprets as dangerous or destabilizing

Think of it like a power surge:

If the incoming signals don’t match the expected pattern, the brainstem shuts down higher-level function temporarily to protect the system.

This can involve:

• Vasovagal response (drop in blood pressure, fainting)

• Reticular formation inhibition (loss of motor tone & consciousness)

• Trigeminal-cardiac reflex (seen with facial strikes)

• Vestibular disruption (loss of balance → brain interprets danger)

Prime Examples:

1. Side of the Neck (ST9, LI18, GB20):

• Rich in cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus, plus vagus & carotid baroreceptors

• Stimulates brainstem autonomic centers

• Can trigger syncope (fainting) or full knockout with minimal force

2. Face Strikes (SI18, ST5, GB1):

• Activate trigeminal nerve pathways

• Tied to reticular activating system

• Can cause instant drop from cranial nerve overload

3. Forearm (LI10, TW5):

• Less likely to cause unconsciousness alone

• But when combined with joint torque, it increases reflexive collapse & pain compliance

More information coming on this topic in tomorrow’s post!

Understand the Science. Master the Art! 🐼