Cranial Manipulation deals with the micro motion of the cranial vault (skull), its distortions and ultimately the effect it has on normal cerebro-spinal fluid flow and the nervous system. This science has been developed through study, research and clinical application over the last eighty years. Cranial Manipulation is a gentle, noninvasive form of alternative medicine that deals with the movement of the fluid surrounding the skull and spine. Cranial sacral therapists ease the restrictions of nerve passages by focusing on the membranes that encase the central nervous system. Cranial sacral therapy seeks to restore misaligned bones to their proper position and is thought to eliminate the negative effects of stress as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (the inflammation of the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull) and more.
The Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system of the body co-ordinating all tissues organs and systems within the body.
Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF)
A sac like membrane called the dural membrane covers the brain and spinal cord and contains CSF in which the brain and spinal cord are immersed. The CSF acts as a cushion, protecting this delicate mechanism, transports nutrition, removes waste products and provides an ideal medium for essential nerve energy conduction.
The Cranial Vault
The brain represents 80% of the central nervous system and is contained and protected by the skull (Cranium). The cranial vault is made up of eight cranial bones joined together at sutures (tongue and groove joints) which allows for cranial micro motion.
Dural Membrane
Within the cranial vault are anchor points for the dural membrane which separates the brain into quadrants and support the entire mechanism. These tension membranes act rather like guy ropes on a tent and prevent the brain from twisting or being compressed when the position of the head changes.
CSF Flow
A very special function takes place in the human body that is absolutely essential to good health. It is the circulation throughout the nervous system of CSF. CSFis created in four compartments (ventricles) in the brain and is supplied to the nervous system through the gentle pulsing action created by breathing and cardio vascular function.
Cranial Distortions
Cranial distortions occur when the body is subjected to stresses to which it cannot adapt. Stresses in the form of:
1. Physical birth trauma, sports injuries, motor accidents
2. Chemical food additives, drugs, amalgams. food intolerances
3. Environmental pollution
4. Emotional stresses
These can cause pelvic and spinal distortions and these imbalances create a tightening of the muscles on the outer surface of the cranium and tension on the membranes inside the cranial vault. The cranium distorts accordingly and the cranial bones move out of alignment pulling on the brain, twisting the spine and imbalancing the sacro-occipital pump mechanism. This interferes with free C.S.F. flow, creates toxicity, affects nutrition and impedes essential nerve energy conduction to all parts of the body.
Correction Of Cranial Distortions
Practitioners who specialize in Sacro Occipital Manipulation pay particular attention to creating optimum function between the pelvis, spine and cranium. The precise analysis and gentle corrections used by Davis Advanced Health System Practitioners can remove many of the effects of cranial stress and distortions and help restore the brain and the nervous system to its normal function.