CranioSacral Therapy and Brain Health

CranioSacral Therapy and Brain Health

By Tanya Kriesel, LMT

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

In our bodies we have a type of river known as our cerebrospinal fluid. It flows from and around the brain and spinal cord providing protection, shock absorption, nourishment and essential nutrients to our body especially to our brain and central nervous system.

Much like a log or boulder in the river, when we experience physical, emotional and spiritual stress such as injury, illness or a loss of a loved one our river gets blocked and the cerebrospinal fluid cannot flow freely. This can cause our body to experience “dis-ease”, to feel pain and can lessen our body’s ability to function properly. In a CranioSacral Therapy session the client remains fully dressed lying on a massage table. By using a soft gentle touch, a practitioner tunes into the flow of the body’s “river” or cerebrospinal fluid and help release blockages or restrictions in the craniosacral system and surrounding connective tissue.  It is common that people experience a sense of deep relaxation and may drift off to sleep. Clients may feel an unwinding or softening as their bodies relax and release. When our river flows freely our bodily systems can function better and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal.

How does CranioSacral Therapy support healthy brain function?

When blood and cerebrospinal fluids throughout the brain are properly flowing; vital and essential nutrients can be transported to the brain cells. Also, harmful waste products can be flushed out.  The Glymphatic System is a newly found system that helps in cleansing the brain.  This brain cleansing system may prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s and maintain a healthy brain.

As we age, our cerebrospinal fluid production decreases and harmful substances may build up in the brain. This build up in the brain may influence diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.  CranioSacral Therapy promotes brain health by supporting and enhancing this cleansing process.

Below is a video explaining the Glymphatic System and its influence on the brain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci5NMscKJws&feature=youtu.be
How does CranioSacral Therapy benefit brain injury and traumas?

Physical trauma such as birth process, head injury, whiplash and concussion can cause jarring or restriction at the base of the skull, spinal cord and other parts of the cranial bones.  This creates a log jam in our flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid affecting the optimal function of the brain.  Abnormal flow can lead to inflammation, toxicity, cell congestion, and diminished blood flow to the brain causing dysfunction and disease.
 

During a session the practitioner concentrates a majority of time on observing and influencing the craniosacral fluid flow at the opening of the base of the skull, along the entire spine and cranial bones. By removing the log jam and cumulated debris; CranioSacral Therapy can improve physiological function and promote the body’s natural healing processes.

Below is a video of the Ricky Williams Foundation concussion pilot program of former NFL players conducted by CranioSacral Therapist at the Upledger Institute

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N05_BZAdZnk

Below is a list of other conditions CranioSacral Therapy may address:

• Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
• Migraines and Headaches
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Autism
• Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
• Motor-Coordination Impairments
• Infant and Childhood Disorders
• Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Chronic Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• TMJ Syndrome
• Scoliosis
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• ADD/ADHD
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Orthopedic Problems
• And Many Other Conditions

CranioSacral Therapy is such a gentle touch therapy that any age can benefit.  By improving the river that flows within us; CranioSacral gives the body the opportunity to nourish, repair and heal itself.
For more information on CranioSacral Therapy please visit CCM Wellness Center website www.ccmwellnesscenter.com or call 920-429- 2888.

Tanya is a Licensed Massage Therapist integrating craniosacral therapy, reflexology, massage techniques, gentle visceral manipulations and Reiki to help release the emotional and physical conditions, traumas and stress within the body. She is a practitioner at CCM Wellness Center.