126 Pearl St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, US
Appointments: (970) 229-1617
CRANIAL THERAPY
Janet has training in the following three cranial techniques and is able to ascertain which technique might be most useful to the patient.
CRANIAL THERAPY
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST)
Cranial Therapy or Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, yet profound, non-invasive, hands-on palpation and treatment method of the craniosacral system--the environment in which the brain and spinal cord function. CST has its roots in modern osteopathic medicine, originally developed by William Sutherland, DO, in the early to mid 1900s. Dr Sutherland was the first to describe this subtle, palpable movement occurring within the bones of the cranium. Later he discovered that this rhythmic, fluid motion was translated throughout all the tissues of the body. Research has confirmed the existence of this motion. The craniosacral movement is of very small amplitude, and therefore it takes a finely developed sense of touch to feel it.
The craniosacral mechanism consists of and extends from the 22 bones of the skull, the sacrum, intracranial and spinal membranes, and the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Subtle tidal expansion and contraction phases of this rhythm are expressed in three main rhythms of different rates enfolded within each other. Sutherland called this system of tissue and fluid motion the primary respiratory mechanism (inhalation/exhalation). With the inhalation phase, the tidal motion rises upward and simultaneously expands from side to side. During exhalation, the tidal motion recedes downward and narrows from side to side. The entire body manifests this expression along its midline.
The outermost rhythm/rate, the craniosacral rhythmic impulse (CSRI), cycles 8-12 times per minute. The two deeper and slower rhythms are called the mid-tide (2.5 cycles per minute) and the long-tide (1cycle/100seconds). If we make the analogy to the ocean currents, the CSRI is like the surface of the water where the bones, tissues, organs, fluids and membranes rock like boats on the ocean’s surface. The slow, yet powerful, long-tide is the subtlest manifestation and would be compared to the quality of being submerged at the ocean floor. The mid-tide would be the mid-range fluid like tide. It is the mid-tide that is thought to carry the potency of the system.
There are several forms of cranial release techniques that have been described. Three types may be used during your treatment:
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST):
BCST is a whole body form of CST that works primarily with the mid and long tides. Advanced perceptual skills perceive the subtle movements of deeper tidal expressions of the craniosacral system. These rhythms have potency and an essential blueprint with properties for promoting and maintaining health. Thus, the presence of full and balanced flexion and extension phases in the craniosacral system signifies a healthy system and this balanced motion acts as a basic ordering principle for health at a cellular level. BCST practitioners believe in the innate health and intelligence of the body and encourage the body’s own self healing and self-regulating capacities through this “ordering principle” that permeates the body. Biodynamic CST often is experienced as feelings of deep relaxation and groundedness.
Cranial Suture (joint) Release Techniques:
The 22 bones of the cranium come together and form over 100 joints. That is twice as many as the spine. If motion is restricted in these joints symptoms can occur, ranging from headaches, hormonal effects, foggy-headedness, to fatigue and more. Gentle, precise, sutural release techniques are effective in restoring the motion to these important joints.
Intracranial Membranous (soft tissue) Release Techniques:
A system of connective tissues called meninges surrounds the brain and spinal cord and attach to: the inner aspect of the skull, the foramen magnum (hole in the bottom of the skull), and the first three cervical vertebrae before extending like a long membranous tube around the spinal cord and eventually anchoring to the tailbone. There are three layers of the meninges (pia, arachnoid, and dura mater). The cerebrospinal fluid circulates around the brain and spinal cord in the space between the pia and arachnoid mater. Folds of tissue form partitions dividing the sides of the brain (vertical partition) and the upper and lower brain (horizontal partition). The meninges are an integral part of the craniosacral system. Release techniques for these connective tissues may also be used in treatment. Janet has training in all three cranial techniques and is able to ascertain which technique might be most useful to the client.