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What is Craniosacral Therapy?
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Introduction to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
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by Michael Kern,
DO., R.C.S.T., M.I.Cr.A., N.D.
Life and motion
Life expresses itself as motion. At a deep level of our physiological
functioning all healthy, living tissues subtly "breathe" with the motion
of life - a phenomenon that produces rhythmic impulses which can be
palpated by sensitive hands. The presence of these subtle rhythms in the
body was discovered by osteopath Dr William Sutherland over 100 years
ago. Contrary to popular belief Dr Sutherland realized that cranial
sutures were, in fact, designed to express small degrees of motion. He
undertook many years of research during which he demonstrated the
existence of this motion and eventually concluded it is essentially
produced by the body's inherent life force, which he referred to as the
"Breath of Life." Furthermore,
 Dr Sutherland discovered that the motion
of cranial bones he first discovered is closely connected to subtle
movements that involve a network of interrelated tissues and fluids at
the core of the body; including cerebrospinal fluid (the 'sap in the
tree'), the central nervous system, the membranes that surround the
central nervous system and the sacrum.
The "Breath of Life"
The Breath of Life produces a series of subtle rhythms that may be
palpated in the body and which make up an integrated physiological
system. At least three subtle rhythms have been identified in this
"primary respiratory system", each having a different rate and producing
rhythms within rhythms. These three "tides" are referred to as: * the
cranial rhythmic impulse; a more superficial rhythm expressed at an
average rate of 8-12 cycles per minute, * the mid-tide; a tidal rhythm
that carries ordering forces into the body expressed at a slower rate of
approximately 2.5 cycles per minute and * the long tide; a deep and slow
rhythmic impulse expressed about once every 100 seconds. The long tide
is considered to be the first stirring of life and motion as the Breath
of Life emerges from a deeper ground of stillness at the center of our
being.
Essential ordering principle
In the biodynamic approach of craniosacral work the subtle rhythms
produced by the Breath of Life are regarded as expressions of health
that carry an essential ordering principle for both body and mind. Dr
Sutherland realized the important role played by the fluids in the body
(particularly cerebrospinal fluid) in helping to disseminate these
ordering forces throughout the body. The essential ordering principle
carried in the rhythms of the Breath of Life acts as a blueprint for
health which is present from the time of our early embryological
development and is the fundamental factor that maintains balance in our
form and function. Thus, the ability of cells and tissues to express
their primary respiratory motion is a critical factor in determining our
state of health - when these rhythms are expressed in fullness and
balance, health and well-being naturally follow.
Inertial patterning
During the course of our lives our bodies become patterned, shaped and
conditioned according to how we're able to deal with any stresses or
traumas. If stresses or traumas are overwhelming, they become locked in
the body as sites of inertia - until such a time as we are able to
access resources that allow them to be processed and released. These
sites of inertia effect the natural rhythmical movements of the Breath
of Life and so hinder the ability of our essential blueprint for health
to manifest at a cellular level. Common causes of inertia are physical
injuries, emotional and psychological stresses, birth trauma and
toxicity. Due to an accumulation of these stresses, tissues can become
imprinted with the memory of unresolved experiences and so act like
video tape which may keep replaying whenever stimulated.
A gentle facilitation
The emphasis in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is to help resolve the
trapped forces that underlie and govern patterns of disease and
fragmentation in both body and mind. This involves the practitioner
"listening through the hands" to the body's subtle rhythms and any
patterns of inertia or congestion. Through the development of subtle
palpatory skills the practitioner can read the story of the body,
identify places where issues are held and then follow the natural
priorities for healing as directed by the patient's own physiology. The
intention of treatment is to facilitate the expression of the Breath of
Life and so enhance the body's own self-healing and self-regulating
capabilities. This is done in a non-invasive way as the practitioner
subtly and gently encourages the conditions that allow for the
reemergence of primary respiratory motion. Furthermore, the
practitioner's deep and clear quality of presence can become a
reflective mirror for the patient and an invaluable cue for their
potential for change.
A holistic approach
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy takes a whole-person approach to healing
and the inter-connections of mind, body and spirit are deeply
acknowledged. It is an effective form of treatment for a wide range of
illnesses helping to create the optimal conditions for health,
encouraging vitality and facilitating a sense of well-being. It is
suitable for people of all ages including babies, children and the
elderly, and can be effective in acute or chronic cases.
by Michael Kern, DO., R.C.S.T., M.I.Cr.A., N.D.
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