The Craniosacral system includes the brain, spinal cord, surrounding tissues (the meninges) and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced in the brain and circulating through the system. This system is a semi-hydraulic pump, from the brain to and from the end of the spine. Variable rhythms of the CSF can be monitored and regulated, encouraging the body to heal, resulting in better overall wellness. Biodynamic techniques accommodate the internal movement of the body’s fluids related to the organizing and ordering movements within the embryonic development. In Biomechanical Craniosacral Therapy, the clinician uses techniques to follow movement of the bones and tissues. Both techniques are very gentle and calming to the nervous system. A Safe Space for Healing: Under stress, the capacity to connect the right and left hemispheres of the brain is diminished. The emotional right hemisphere cannot communicate with the more logical left hemisphere. Pre-verbal experiences can be difficult to integrate between the hemispheres. A trained therapist acts as the left hemisphere through verbal dialogue, sequencing and maintaining present time in the session. This way, the session is contained by the observation and tracking skills of the therapist. Tanya describes this phenomenon to her clients as %26apos;Just dipping your toes into the edge of the pond, and not just plunging in.%26apos; Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: In the last six years of his life (1942-1948) Osteopathic Physician William Sutherland discovered principles that changed the way he treated his patients. Sutherland used the term Primary Respiration to portray the fluid movement of the cranial bones. Through what he called the dynamic stillness (found at the core of each person) he identified a self-generating source of healing called the Breath of Life. He determined that a state of health is located within each of us and that we contain the innate knowledge and resources to help heal ourselves. During therapy sessions, we are looking for the movement in the fluid body that has order and organization. There is an intrinsic order (and self-organization intelligence in the system) that can bring order to tissues and compressed fluids. Re-molding biodynamically is done by supporting change from the inside-out. Dr. Sutherland spoke about the Breath of Life as a divine communicating force that can help the therapist access the patient’s inner health. He perceived the Breath of Life as the palpable tidal movement of the fluids of the body. Its origin is in the book of Genesis in the Creation story and is also in the folklore of many cultures. Sutherland realized the importance of this work and his work shifted completely. He began to recognize the reverence and awe in the stillness and he devoted his study and research to this in his final years. In Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, extensive study of neuroanatomy and embryology help to focus both the therapist and the patient on their midline, which is the originating source of development. Biomechanical Craniosacral Therapy: In 1970, John Upledger, D.O. observed an unexplained rhythm during a spinal surgery. When he attended a course in cranial osteopathy developed by William Sutherland, D.O. a few years later, he learned that the cranial bones continue to move throughout a person%26apos;s life, and do not fuse, as was previously taught. He combined these two pieces of information to prove the concept of the semi-hydraulic Craniosacral system. Over the next decade, he researched and developed a system of light touch to evaluate and treat dysfunction in the brain and spinal cord, and developed The Upledger Institute in Florida in 1985. Dr. Upledger and his staff travel around the world to teach healthcare practitioners how to use these gentle techniques to enhance body functioning and help alleviate pain and discomfort. Tanya blends biodynamic and biomechanical Craniosacral Therapy techniques in her practice, along with other gentle manual therapy techniques, creating an individual treatment plan for each patient%26apos;s needs. CranioSacral Therapy is a form of body work. The following is a description of craniosacral therapy adapted from information provided by the Upledger Institute. CranioSacral Therapy is performed on a person fully clothed. Using a light touch - generally no more than the weight of a nickel- the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. The therapist then uses delicate manual techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord. A CranioSacral Therapy session can last from about 15 minutes to more than an hour, and the initial evaluation alone is often enough to correct a problem. The result? A central nervous system free of restrictions. And a body that%26apos;s able to return to its greatest levels of performance. CranioSacral Therapy strengthens your body%26apos;s ability to take better care of you. It helps alleviate a range of illness, pain and dysfunction, including: Migraines and Headaches Chronic Neck and Back Pain Motor-Coordination Impairments Stress and Tension-Related Problems Infantile Disorders Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries Chronic Fatigue Scoliosis Central Nervous System Disorders Emotional Difficulties Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) Learning Disabilities Post - Traumatic Stress Disorder Orthopedic Problems And Many Other Conditions While the validity of the cardiovascular and respiratory rhythms is undisputed today, for eons the very existence of these systems sparked debates in medical communities around the globe. Now for nearly 25 years, osteopathic physician and researcher John E. Upledger, D.O, O.M.M., has been a proponent of using the rhythm of another body system -craniosacral system - to enhance body functioning, and help alleviate pain and discomfort. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the rain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area. Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems could include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities and their health challenges. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing these mechanisms to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. You also benefit from better overall health and resistance to disease. Life really is better when you feel better! Call Tanya Stout CST today at 406.544.6679.
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