CranioSacral Therapy was first developed by John Upledger, OD, in the mid-1970s. The importance of the craniosacral system had previously been overlooked by doctors and therapists. Conventional anatomical wisdom taught that cranial bones were movable only in young infants, and were solidly fused in adulthood. By studying fresh cranial bone specimens, Dr. Upledger confirmed that the cranial sutures (seams, or joints, between the cranial bones) were, in fact, flexible and functional.
Underlying the cranial bones is the dural membrane, a strong, flexible, 3-layered membrane that encases your brain and spinal column. The dural membrane is tightly adhered to the inner surface of the cranial bones, and as the dural membrane moves, so move the bones of your skull.
The dural membrane encloses not only your brain and spinal column, but also the fluid that insulates and protects that sensitive, all-important brain and spinal column, your central nervous system (CNS). The cerebrospinal fluid washes the CNS, helping distribute nutrients and immune cells, and carring away waste. It gently flows into all of the nooks and crannies, keeping your CNS healthy and clean.
The current of the cerebrospinal fluid ebbs and flows, with fresh fluid entering the system, and spent fluid leaking away to rejoin the blood stream, carrying the wastes to your kidneys, liver, and lungs to be eliminated. This ebb and flow of the cerebrospinal fluid creates a pulsating rhythm, the craniosacral rhythm.
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As fluid enters, the dural membrane expands to accommodate the larger volume, and as fluid exits, the dural membrane contracts in response to the smaller volume. And as the dural membrane expands and contracts, your cranial bones also expand away from each other and then contract toward each other, moving very subtly, allowing the flow of your cerebrospinal fluid, and the rinsing of your brain and spinal column.
The craniosacral rhythm is very subtle. But with training, patience, and inner stillness, therapists have learned to detect the subtle rhythm, and listen to what it says about the body's overall health. And the craniosacral rhythm doesn't end with the cranial bones . . .
The dural tube is that part of the dural membrane that encompasses the spinal column. The dural tube connects directly to your fascial system. The fascia is a thin membrane that encloses every structure in your body. The craniosacral rhythm is transmitted throughout your entire body, via the fascia.
If you've ever prepared chicken for cooking, you've probably noticed that thin, white membrane that covers the meat, just under the skin. That's fascia. Your fascia creates an intricate, three-dimensional network throughout your body. It keeps your muscles where they're supposed to be, providing the integral support network that allows them to do their job. It holds your organs in place. It encloses every nerve. It coats every bone.
The fascia network is a living record of your body's physical history. The fascia remolds itself with misuse, overuse, disuse, and disease. The good news is that we can use the craniosacral system to bring healthy organization back to your fascial system.
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