Craniosacral Therapy And Healing The Human Body

All healing that occurs within the human body is brought about the body's regenerative potential. In other words, the human body is self-healing. The key to restoring optimal health and wellbeing is through unlocking the regenerative potential of the human body.

The term 'craniosacral' refers to the cranium and the sacrum (the bone at base of the spine). The cranium and the sacrum are connected by the vertebral column and together these skeletal structures house the brain and the spinal cord. Simply put, craniosacral treatment involves gentle manipulation of the cranial bones, vertebral column, sacrum and pelvis. The primary aim is to alleviate the neural blockages effecting nerve transmission throughout the body as well as restoring the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Ultimately, the treatment seeks to boost the regenerative potential of the body by changing the tension around the brain and the spinal cord. After each treatment session, the body's capacity for self-repair will be enhanced and the body will endeavour to 'overhaul' the deficits in question. Much of this repair and reorganisation will occur during sleep in the days after treatment.

The Nervous System

We are 'bioelectrical' beings. All of our thoughts and actions are powered by electricity. Every cell in our body has a specific frequency range in which it operates. The heart and the brain are prime examples of electrical subsystems operating within the bioelectrical body. When considering the electrical nature of the human body, the nervous system is probably the most obvious and frequently referred to example. Ions are electrically charged molecules; the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane of a neuron generates the electrical charge necessary for nerve impulses to occur. The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) consists of the nerves and nerve cells that lie outside of the CNS.

The CNS can be thought of as the command center for the human body. It receives, integrates and relays information to the PNS. The CNS is held within three membranous layers called the meninges. The innermost layer is the Pia Mater, the mid layer is the Arachnoid, and the outermost layer is the Dura Mater. The Dura Mater is fused to the inside of the skull, the upper cervical vertebrae and the sacrum. You could compare these layers to a Russian Doll; at the center we have the brain and the spinal cord, encased within the meninges, which are encased within the skeletal housing of the skull, spinal column and sacrum. The meninges envelop and compartmentalise the separate lobes of the brain. They act as a boundary for the flow of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and provide vital protection to the brain and the spinal cord. The defensive nature of the meninges is essential to our survival. If the body is subject to physical trauma; the meninges will contract to minimise the impact on the CNS. Dura Mater is Latin for 'Tough Mother' which accurately speaks to the degree of protection it provides for the CNS.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is produced within the ventricles of the brain and circulates around the CNS; acting as a medium for the delivery of nutrients and the removal of waste products. CSF also provides suspension for the brain and spinal cord, which are essentially floating in CSF within the meninges. The blood supply to the brain must make it's way through this membranous network. The CNS is protected from impurities circulating in the bloodstream by the blood brain barrier. The movement of CSF is excited through respiration; during inhalation the diaphragm contracts which through its skeletal attachments causes the occiput and the sacrum to move downwards forcing the CSF upwards. During exhalation the diaphragm expands which forces the CSF downwards.

Nerves can be divided into two classes; motor nerves and sensory nerves. Sensory nerve pathways provide the CNS with information from the PNS (input) and motor nerve pathways provide the PNS with information from the CNS (output). As mentioned previously, the CNS is the command center of the body, meaning that it coordinates the responses to stress signals coming in from the PNS. So when an organ, gland or tissue is in distress; the CNS is responsible for the resulting responses. This will often bring about an anterior (frontward) pull at the associated level in the spinal cord. This is most likely due to the body reducing interference in the associated sensory nerve pathways, which emanate from the front of the spinal c BBord (anterior nerve roots). The more compensation that occurs in the CNS, the more distortion will occur in the surrounding membranes which in turn will congest the flow of CSF. As the meninges are an interrelated network, tension changes in one area will have a direct impact on the tension of seemingly unrelated areas. These 'trade-offs' that occur in the CNS are responsible for the nerve impingements that result in pain and discomfort. Sensory nerve impingement can cause numbness, tingling and burning sensations while motor nerve impingement can cause dull pain and muscle weakness.

As the meninges around the CNS are pulled into distortion, the flow of information in certain nerve pathways will be reduced as a result. This must be taken into consideration when addressing pain and muscle weakness, especially when dealing with the extremities (arms and legs). In order to re-establish proper articulation in the joints of the lower and upper limbs, one must address the muscle imbalances involved which ultimately stem from a reduction in nerve supply to the musculature in question. Simply put, the bones are held in place by muscles, the muscles are tonified based on their input from the CNS. This also has a huge impact on posture, which is a reflection of the balance between the anterior and posterior muscles of the body. An anterior head thrust is a good example of this; as the brain stem is pulled forward, the posterior muscles become hypertonic (stronger) and the anterior muscles become hypotonic (weaker) effecting posture as a result. It should also be noted that the membranous distortions that occur around the CNS will have a huge bearing on fascial tension throughout the body. The fascial system is comprised of the fascia (connective tissue) that encases our body parts; a web like structure that envelops every organ, muscle and bone in the body. Simply put; the outer layers of the body distort around the inner layers. It is also apparent that the distortions in the meninges around the brain and brain stem are a major predisposing factor in strokes and aneurisms as the blood supply to the CNS must weave its way through this network of membranes.

The Gut, Chronic Inflammation & Immunity

As mentioned previously; stress in bodily organs or glands will directly effect the tension around the CNS. Feedback from the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is often a major contributing factor here. The ENS forms part of the PNS and consists of the nerve cells that control the function of the gastrointestinal tract.  It is evident that the CNS plays a vital role in regulating activity in the ENS when one examines the vastness and intricacy of the nerve supply to the small intestines and large colon. The gut (lower oesophagus, stomach, small intestines and large colon) contains trillions of microorganisms that must exist in harmony for the gut to function properly. It is the job of the immune system in the gut to regulate these microorganisms. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is a prime example where the immune system is failing to regulate the microorganisms in the small intestines. Microorganisms also exist on the skin and throughout the entire body; the term 'microbiome' refers to all of the microorganisms that exist in and on the body (not just in the gut). Candidiasis is a common condition where there is an overgrowth of yeast in the body (usually relating specifically to candida albicans). This is a prime example where the immune system is failing to properly regulate the microbiome. There has been much misconception in understanding the function of yeast and bacteria in the body, fuelled by overuse of the term, 'bad bacteria'. It isn't that certain bacteria are inherently 'bad', it is the proportion in which they exist that will determine whether or not they have an adverse effect on our health.

Chronic inflammation of the gut is a clear indicator that the immune system is being overwhelmed by the regulation of these microorganisms. It should be noted that chronic inflammation in the ENS will predispose chronic inflammation in the CNS; Dr Richard Blaylock refers to this phenomenon as immuno-excito-toxicity and makes a very compelling case for CNS inflammation being the primary cause of developmental delay in children. Chronic inflammation of the ENS will have a significant impact on digestion and energy levels; the body's ability to properly break down and absorb the nutrients from food will be diminished when the immune system in the gut is struggling. This imbalance in the gut can result in looser and more frequent stools. Inflammation causes tissue damage which, when severe enough can result in blood being passed with stools. Much of our finite energy reserves are directed to the imbalances in the gut, robbing us of the energy required to have a fulfilled and active lifestyle and predisposing a state of mental and physical fatigue. This is why diet is so vitally important and why food allergies and intolerances are becoming more and more common. Refined sugar, refined grains and alcohol are prime examples of food and drink that feed overgrown colonies of bacteria and keep the immune system in a state of stress.

For a proper understanding, I believe the immune system should be separated into two divisions; the central immune system consisting of the immune cells in the gut and the peripheral immune system consisting of the manufacture of immune cells in the bone marrow and the circulation of immune cells in the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Stress in the central immune system will hamper the performance of the peripheral immune system. To be more specific; immune stress in certain areas of the gut will hamper the performance of immune cells in certain lymphatic channels, which in turn will cause the immune system to adversely react to otherwise harmless stimuli. This is referred to as an autoimmune response, which is defined as an immune response in an organism against it's own healthy cells or tissues. Chronic inflammation is considered an autoimmune response. Hay-fever or allergic rhinitis is an autoimmune condition whereby the presence of pollen triggers various 'defensive' reactions in the body. These can include inflammation of the eyes, the overproduction of mucus and swelling of the glands in the throat and sinuses. Why does this occur? Because the immune system is overwhelmed! The solution lies in addressing the associated imbalances in the gut. As the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates stated, 'All disease begins in the gut'.

Our immunity is a good indicator of our overall health; some people rarely get colds, others experience them frequently or at certain times of the year. What is happening when we become ill and what factors predispose it? Germ theory informs us that our body is in the process of developing antibodies to an imbibed unrecognised virus and after this process we will have gained immunity to the viral strain in question. Vaccination is supposed to replicate this process; again to provide us with immunity against specific viral strains. The problem with germ theory is that the understanding has been developed through laboratory experimentation on tissue samples which bear little to no relevance on the functioning of living intact biological systems. I strongly encourage the reader to seek out the research of Dr. Harold Hillman and Dr. Stephen Lanka and their critiques of germ theory. I believe that the common cold or typical immune stress that includes a fever, swollen glands, increased mucus production and general fatigue is best characterised as a 'flush'. I believe that virus's are cellular and/or bacterial debris; resulting from the immune system breaking down defective cells and/ or overgrown bacteria. This debris is flushed from the body into the external environment. In other words; the typical immune stress experienced by everyone speaks to a process of excretion. I believe the gut is often the origin of this process; white bloods cells (phagocytes) in the gut ingest and break down bacteria, the resulting debris is ferried to the liver and dumped into the bloodstream where it is further broken down by lymphocytes and finally ferried to the lymphatic glands in the throat and sinuses and flushed from the body. I began to develop this understanding after making the gut the primary focus of many of my treatments; I heard consistently from patients that they had 'caught a virus' shortly after treatment. In reality, the body in question was now simply able to detoxify. 

Acidity, Oxidative Stress & The Gallbladder

A further consequence of chronic inflammation is acidity. Acidosis is a condition where bodily fluids are more acidic than they should be, which results in hypoxia (an oxygen deficit in the body). As molecular oxygen cannot remain free in an acid medium, a pH that is too acidic will massively impact the degree to which oxygen can be utilised in the human body. Acid-Hypoxia is central to many chronic health problems as oxygen is required for energy production. Most bodily fluids should be slightly alkaline, for example arterial blood should have a pH of about 7.4. This is regulated by buffers such as bicarbonate (reduces acidity) and carbonic acid (increases acidity). For the human body to function optimally, a state of alkaline-hyperoxia (low acidity and high oxygen) is required.

The gallbladder secretes bile into the small intestines, which helps to reduce acidity. It follows logically that many gallbladder problems are directly related to an inflamed gut and the resulting over production and secretion of bile. Gallstones result from a build-up of stagnant bile due to a reduced rate of contraction which is most likely caused by reduced nerve supply to the gallbladder. When addressing gallbladder function; one must address the nerve supply to the gallbladder and the associated inflammation in the gut.

Chronic inflammation is also associated with uncontrolled free radical production. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules. They are unstable in the sense that they are missing an electron. Free radicals roam the body stealing electrons from other intact molecules, resulting in a chain reaction of ongoing electron theft! The reduction of stable oxygen molecules leads to the damage of cell membranes, proteins and DNA. This is referred to as oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E are molecules that donate electrons to free radicals, helping to reduce the level of oxidative stress.

Part of the solution to the problem of chronic inflammation, uncontrolled free radical production and the resulting oxygen deficit is much simpler than you might think. The earth's surface has an abundance of electrons which give it a negative electrical charge. When our body's come into contact with the earth, we tap into this reservoir of free electrons. The electrons flow through our body's eliminating free radicals and increasing the availability of molecular oxygen. Take a minute to consider how modern life insulates us from the healing properties of the earth; we walk the earth in rubber soled shoes and sleep in elevated beds made from insulating materials. How often does your body come into contact with the earth? We are bioelectrical beings living on a terrain brimming with electrical energy. Take advantage of it!

Healing With Magnets

Therapeutic magnets are commonly used for rheumatism. Magnetic bracelets are worn on the wrists to reduce the crippling effects of arthritis in the hands. There is a rich history of healing through magnetism which has been overshadowed since the development of biochemical medication. Therapeutic magnets were used in ancient China, Egypt and Greece. Franz Anton Mesmer, an 18th century mathematician and physician wrote his doctoral thesis on the effects of magnetic fields on human health. Daniel Palmer founded Palmer's School of Magnetic Cure in Davenport, Iowa. He taught spinal manipulation and magnetic therapy, which later evolved into modern chiropractic.

Exposure to a negative magnetic field can greatly boost the healing potential of the human body. This is consistent with the fact that exposure to the earth's surface (which carries a negative electrical charge) has tremendous benefits for our health. A negative magnetic field helps to normalise the body's pH, thus increasing the availability of oxygen. The magnetic field from a small neodymium magnet with the strength of 1,250 gauss can penetrate up to 3 inches into the body. Consider the healing potential of exposing an inflamed gut to a negative magnetic field; the alkalising effect of the magnet allows for a higher level of oxygenation which will greatly boost cellular repair and immune function in the gut. Through clinical practice, I have palpated the small intestines of many people! I have noticed that the fascia around the most effected parts of the gut are often very tight and feel swollen and tender for the patient. In some cases, part of the gut is vigorously pulsating. This is because the body is ferrying as much available oxygen as possible to the gut due to it's acidic state brought about by chronic inflammation. This is will often accompany symptoms relating to low blood pressure, such as light headedness. So what is the solution here? We need sufficient levels of oxygen for the body to function normally. For sufficient oxygen levels, we need to maintain a healthy pH. In order to maintain a healthy pH the presence of chronic inflammation must be alleviated. To alleviate chronic inflammation, the body's microbiome must be in balance. The solution lies in the gut!

Stress & The Endocrine System

If nerve impulses can be considered as electrical messages, then hormones can be considered as chemical messages. The endocrine system consists of the glands that secrete hormones into the circulatory system; which control and regulate many aspects of physiology. The hypothalamus (part of the brain) regulates endocrine activity via the pituitary gland (often referred to as the master endocrine gland). Hormones are a key component in 'fight or flight' responses which are vital for our survival. The HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis) consists of the adrenal glands, the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. When a threat is perceived, the hypothalamus sends chemical messages to the pituitary gland which sends chemical messages to the adrenal glands bringing about the release of cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. This will increase heart rate, pump blood into the extremities and drain blood from the gut, all of which greatly increasing the potential to engage with the threat (fight) or flee from the threat (flight). The intensity of the threat should dictate the intensity of the response, but this isn't always the case! Panic attacks are a prime example of stress hormones being released unnecessarily. The stress we experience in life will have a huge bearing on how the HPA axis is primed; particularly in our formative years as children. The more trauma and ongoing stress we are subject to, the more likely it is for the HPA axis to remain overstimulated; continually pumping out stress hormones. As you would expect, this will greatly reduce the body's ability to enter into a state of rest and repair. Overstimulation of the HPA axis is often a key factor in poor sleep quality.

Trapped Emotions & The Fight or Flight Response

In Chinese medicine, every emotion has a specific holding place in the body. For example, anger and depression are associated with the liver. Anxiety is associated with the spleen and so on. This 'metaphysical baggage' can be passed down through our ancestry or developed through our own experiences. I believe that negative energy held in an organ or gland will negatively affect the functionality of the organ or gland in question. So if events occur that lead us strongly into a certain emotion, then the performance of the corresponding organ or gland will be negatively affected as a result. This can occur in the short term or the long term depending on the person, their history and the level of ongoing stress. It is well known that excessive alcohol consumption puts tremendous stress on the liver. As mentioned previously, the liver is associated with anger and depression. Have you experienced these emotions or witnessed them in someone else after a session of heavy drinking or with chronic alcohol abuse?

Trapped emotions can continually trigger fight or flight responses in the body. When events unfold that tap into our trapped emotions, the vibrational energy held in the organ or gland in question will become more dominant. This can even occur through thinking certain thoughts or remembering stressful or traumatic events from the past. The hippocampus (part of the brain) is associated with long term memory. So, in regards to post traumatic stress; the memory is held in the hippocampus, the associated emotions are held in specific organs or glands and the HPA axis is primed in relation to these emotional strongholds locked into the body.

Testosterone is also a vital component in fight or flight responses. Testosterone is produced by the sex glands (testes /ovaries) and by the adrenal glands. The Amygdala (structure in the brain) is often referred to as the 'fear centre' of the brain as it plays a major role in determining survival responses (fight or flight) to stressful situations. It is interesting to consider that the amygdala is essentially deactivated by high levels of testosterone. This means that low testosterone levels can result in a heightened sense of fear and an unwillingness to engage with potentially stressful or dangerous situations. Conversely, very high levels of testosterone may result in a heightened sense of security in the face of danger, and a willingness to engage with stressful or difficult situations.

The Pituitary Gland, Sugar & Hormonal Imbalances

The pituitary gland is the master endocrine gland, meaning that it seeks to regulate the activity of all endocrine glands in the body. The pancreas is classed as an endocrine gland as it secretes insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream in order to regulate blood sugar levels. It is well known that excessive consumption of refined sugar and carbohydrates is a predisposing factor in diabetes. If refined sugar and carbohydrates are consumed frequently in high amounts then the resulting spikes in insulin will keep the pancreas in a state of performative stress. As the pancreas is subject to the pituitary gland, the more overwhelmed the pituitary gland becomes in regulating the pancreas, the less effective it will become in regulating the other endocrine glands of the body. I believe this 'overwhelming' of the pituitary gland to be the key to understanding hormone imbalances in the body. It should also be understood that refined sugar and carbohydrates feed overgrown colonies of bacteria and yeast in the gut keeping the immune system suppressed. So consider the harm that excess consumption of refined sugar and carbohydrates cause to both the endocrine system and the immune system. The importance of eliminating refined sugar from your diet cannot be overstated!

Endocrine Stress & Skin Toxicity

Overstimulation of the adrenal glands will result in an excess of hormones in circulation. These hormones are broken down by the spleen. This can be a significant factor in skin toxicity as the resulting waste products from this process are excreted through the skin. Bad skin is very common during puberty for that very reason; as the hormone transmission from certain glands start to speed up in relation to development, the overspill handled by the spleen will be excreted through the skin. Eczema would be a perfect example of this. The nerve supply to the spleen and the load placed upon the spleen via the lymphatic system are also likely to be key factors here.

Menstruation & The Menopause

An overwhelmed pituitary gland is especially prevalent in symptoms relating to menstruation and the menopause. The menstrual cycle is controlled by the pituitary gland and the ovaries. A healthy menstrual cycle is dependent upon clear lines of communication between the pituitary gland and the ovaries. However, as the pituitary gland becomes overwhelmed (with overstimulation of the pancreas and the HPA axis for example) the less effective it becomes in regulating the function of the ovaries. This is why women can lose their period in times of extreme stress or trauma; reproduction is not essential for immediate survival, so the body can compromise it as a defence mechanism. A healthy menstrual cycle is also dependent upon an intact nerve supply to the womb. We discussed 'trade-offs' that occur in the CNS earlier in this overview; the logic here is no different; the nerve supply to the womb can be compromised as a result of other stresses effecting the CNS. Inflammation of the ilium (part of the small intestines) is associated with poor nerve supply to the womb. The solution here would be to address the imbalance in the gut and the womb will receive better nerve supply as a result. By addressing the imbalances effecting the pituitary gland and the nerve supply to the womb; fertility and menstruation can be massively improved.

A smooth transition into the menopause is very much dependent upon clear lines of communication between the pituitary gland and the ovaries. The menopause can be a very difficult time for women for a multitude of reasons. It is often associated with uncontrollable negative emotion. As the pituitary gland starts to undertake it's role in bringing about the menopause, optimal regulation of the HPA axis can be compromised as a result. This can cause huge spikes in stress hormones greatly effecting emotional stability. Again, the solution here is to address the imbalances overwhelming the pituitary gland. Hot flushes are an indicator of pituitary stress; changes to the membranous tension around the pituitary gland will impact the membranous tension around the hypothalamus (part of the brain that regulates body temperature). It follows logically, that poor body temperature regulation in general can be related to an overwhelmed pituitary gland.

An under active thyroid gland is commonly diagnosed in women. We should apply the same logic here as well; an overwhelmed pituitary gland that cannot properly regulate the function of the thyroid gland. It seems to be the case that hormone transmission in relation to our survival (fight or flight) greatly diminishes the body's ability to regulate hormonal systems that relate to rest and repair; the thyroid gland being a prime example.

Final Thoughts

Craniosacral treatment seeks to unlock the regenerative potential of the human body by changing the tension throughout the human body. The term ‘Distortion Analysis’ refers to the diagnostic processes involved in getting to the root of the problems effecting our health. In my experience, I have found that deficits in the immune system and the endocrine system are at the root of many health complaints. The way the body has reacted to physical and emotional traumas are also key considerations. With the right programme of treatment, proper diet and lifestyle, the potential for healing in the human body can be truly miraculous.