BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is highly effective in treating headaches, migraines, TMJ issues, sinus congestion, nerve pain, and autonomic nervous system imbalances. This manual therapy focuses on balancing the craniosacral system to improve overall health and well-being.

The Osteopathic physician William Sutherland is usually credited with developing the concept and practice of craniosacral therapy. In a flash of insight, while observing an “exploded” cranium, where the cranial bones are displayed with a little distance between them, it appeared to him that the suture lines between two adjacent cranial bones formed a perfect jagged fit. This suggested to him that the bones were designed to move together and apart “like the gills of a fish…. for primary respiration”.

In other words, there is a kind of “breathing” that happens between the bones, a regular, rhythmical, “tidal” movement. This movement is brought about through the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, which “fills up” into the cranium, then recedes downward to “fill up” the sacrum, then back up, rhythmically pulsating between the upper and the lower pole in movements known as “flexion” and “extension”.

Osteopaths talk about a mysterious force named Potency as something that “drives” the fluids. In a craniosacral treatment, we can connect with this Potency, encourage, guide, and direct it, enlisting its healing potential to correct imbalances and torsions and to relieve compression and congestion in the cranial field. This therapy can be particularly beneficial for headache and migraine relief, and is highly effective for treating TMJ issues, sinus congestion and autonomic nervous system imbalances.

A CRANIOSACRAL SESSION

A craniosacral treatment entails listening to, and interacting with, the body's baseline system of health, the craniosacral system, with its cyclical, “tidal” movement of cerebrospinal fluid. By monitoring the movements of the cranial bones, perceiving and working with the forces known as Potency and the Breath of Life, we can help harmonize and strengthen the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. This nourishes and “irrigates” the brain and all the other structures of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy can help reduce fluid congestion and decompress the cranial bones and sutures. It can improve and balance nervous system function and the functioning of the special senses; vision, hearing, smell, touch, and proprioception.

Through supportive touch in and around the cranium, spinal column, and sacrum, we can enhance the movement of fluids and the "breathing" motion of the cranial bones. Held and supported, the body can express its subtle, mysterious rhythms and be guided to a deeper sense of balance. Balancing the nervous system, craniosacral therapy deeply promotes a sense of grounding, relaxation, and mental clarity. It is subtle and gentle and can be profoundly relaxing, allowing the body to reorganize, restore its energy reservoir, and source its own healing potential.