Cranialsacral Therapy
Written by Dr Cynthia Horner
It is becoming more obvious that the cause of many health problems, is subtle tension in the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Cranialsacral therapy addresses these membranes in infants, children and adults.
Patients have reported headaches, low back pain, digestive issues, sinus and ear infections resolved through cranialsacral therapy.
What is cranialsacral therapy?
To explain a little about cranialsacral therapy, let’s start with a look at the membrane that lines the skull. This membrane acts as the home in which the human brain develops and lives. It is the quality of this environment (the brain’s habitat) that determines the quality of brain development. This membrane surrounds the brain by lining the skull and extending downward to form the tube around the spinal cord (the dural tube). It also forms an envelope around each and every muscle. It has been found that the birth process as well as minor and major traumas throughout life can cause this membrane to become stressed, twisted or damaged.
How does the membrane get stressed?
A healthy birth has a positive effect on this membrane. An important component of the birth process is something called “blow-out” of the cranial or skull bones. A baby’s skull bones overlap while traveling through the birth canal, then when the baby’s head moves outside the birth canal the skull bones “blow-out” and release. This sudden release of the compressed cranial bones, along with the compression of the mother’s pelvic floor muscles along a baby’s body initiates a pumping of cerebral spinal fluid from the tailbone (sacrum) to the skull.
A Cesarean section or any difficulty in birth can disrupt the start of movements necessary to maintain a strong steady flow of cerebral spinal fluid. I often use cranialsacral therapy with infants and children when I detect soft tissue or membrane dysfunction interfering with movement or the flow of cerebral spinal fluid.
Throughout life the brain and spinal cord are bathed in cerebral spinal fluid, through a strong healthy pumping action created by the continuous opening and closing of the skull bones coupled with the rocking action of the sacrum or tail bone. The movement of fluid due to the change in pressure in the skull also assist in blood flow to and from the brain.
Cranialsacral therapy helps release the membrane
Cranialsacral therapy uses very light touch to the face, skull bones, and sacrum as levers to cause subtle changes in the membrane attached. These changes can be described as releases of constriction and scarring in the membrane. The result is an improved cranialsacral pump and a relief of the tension in the membrane system, accompanied by improved blood flow to the brain.
What does cranialsacral therapy feel like?
Cranialsacral therapy is a wonderful therapeutic tool for optimizing health. The experience is relaxing and rejuvenating. To enjoy and benefit from this therapy you simply lie face up on a massage or therapy table, lights are dimmed, I place my hands very lightly on different areas of your body. Often you will feel a release as your body gently lets go. A session typically lasts 60 to 75 minutes.
