Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is a component of Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT). CST involves assessing the rhythmical pressure fluctuation or cranial flow of the cranial bones and sacrum (tail end of the spinal cord). Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is produced in the brain and then reabsorbed to prevent pressure building within the craniosacral system. If for some reason the body is unable to keep this rhythmic flow of production and reabsorption (often from accident, trauma from any point in life) the Central Nervous System is affected, due to its boundaries enclosed within the craniosacral system. 

Up until 1924, it was taught that the bones of the head fused together and were immovable. Dr. Sutherland, Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), proved this theory to be wrong by testing it on himself. He explored what would happen when different bones of the head were induced into compression and the effects that caused. He kept a journal of his findings, as did his wife, recording his mood, if he kept consciousness and even changes in appetite that would shift based on different areas of the head that were being compressed. Through self-experimentation Dr. Sutherland was able to conclude that every part of the body is there for a reason and is there with motion and fluid for function.    

The craniosacral rhythm can be felt on any part of the body such as the feet, pelvis, arms, sacrum and head.  For example, to assess the craniosacral rhythm on your legs, rest your hands palms down on your thighs. Noticing what you feel under your hands. There will be a very slight movement where the leg is turning out, and then gently turning in. 

When I am assessing the sacrum some considerations I like to keep in mind are how does the sacrum move with each breath, is there a gentle rocking motion available, what is the wavelength of the flow (this can vary from being a strong vibration, to a slow wave or even very faint, we may describe it as stuck in the mud).  

The cranial bones all move in a direction of flexion (the head filling with CSF) and extension (emptying of CSF) and this continues in an endless loop of a pressure system feedback (think thermostat on your wall, turns on when it’s cold, turns off when it reaches the set temperature, until it cools off to turn on again). The bones of the face also follow the CSR. 

In a Manual Osteopathic Assessment, the motion capacity and rhythm are felt to understand what part of the cranium may need treatment and how that relates to other patterns seen in the body that day. 

Benefits:

Craniosacral Osteopathy is a very relaxing and gentle form of treatment that does especially well in helping to treat the nervous system by balancing out the autonomic branches of sympathetic and parasympathetic. A heightened nervous system creates extra cortisol (stress hormone) which becomes an inflammatory marker in the body. (Note: Cortisol is a very helpful hormone to us when it’s in balance with the rest of our body, it’s only when it becomes in excess from stress does it induce inflammatory reactions). 

Try it yourself: Video to Release the Jaw and improve cranial flow and drainage of the cranium. 

In the video I demonstrate how to release your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), part of the cranial bones. We will be taking the joint into ease, taking all pressure off the muscles and capsule, and holding here with the breathe.  Then gentle bringing the joint in a downwards motion to release the mandible from the joint and then slightly forwards towards the chin (or front) to realign the joint with the capsule.  

This video also includes an exercise called cranial pumping that you can do at home when you need more blood to the head, increase clarity and to help improve your overall system flow.  Place one hand on the occipital bone at the back of the head (above the neck), and one hand on your forehead. The fingertips of your hands will face each other, gently bring the finger tips together as the head moves into flexion and then away for extension.  Don’t worry you can’t do it wrong, just start pumping the hands slowly and comfortably with zero grams of force in your fingers (think touching a newborn baby – GENTLE HANDS). Close your eyes and breath. Stay here for 1 – 2 minutes and see how you feel!

On episode 71 of Osteocast Amanda and I share our experience at the Upledger Craniosacral Course. You can listen to the podcast on apple, spotify and anchor: https://linktr.ee/OsteoCast 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, info@smtosteopath.com.

9-minute Mobilization Routine with Sara

Go ahead and grab your yoga mat, or a carpeted floor.

From a standing position we will target the shoulder complex, neck, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and hang in a forward fold to decompress the spine with the help of gravity.  Next we lay down on our mat, hands free, to engage and connect to the core with a dead bug, then flip to your belly for a mackenzie press-up to extend the spine vertebrae by vertebrae, and we finish with slow breaths in child’s pose.

Want a personalized wellness and movement routine? Let’s talk! 

The Hounding Health Show is the health and wellness journey of George Chountalos, health and wellness coach.  I had the pleasure of providing George with a Manual Osteopathic treatment. Afterwards we sat down to discuss his treatment on his podcast; Hounding Health, his health journey. George’s focus is to get himself back to optimal health after neglecting his body for 365 days.  He has seeked the help of many different practitioners for treatment and health advice.  On the Hounding Health Show, we also discuss the origins of Osteopathy, who can benefit from hands-on Osteopathic treatment, the importance of balancing your nervous system, manifestation of one’s genes and what health means to me.  Please visit houndinghealth.com for a full breakdown of the show notes and to listen to the full podcast.   

Here’s a snippet of the interview from Hounding Health’s Youtube Channel: 

https://youtu.be/qaovh7rufB4