The next few blogs will be devoted to answering questions that students ask in CranioSacral Therapy (CST) classes.
Question: What am I feeling for when I’m working at the cranium or face?
Answer: It depends on the intent of the technique that you are using at the time. For instance, when applying decompression of the sphenoid then the intent of the technique, in Upledger CST, is to feel the sphenoid move in the direction of decompression. The following checklist can be helpful in combination with any CST technique we may use for the skull or face.
1. Does each bone feel like it has elasticity within itself while responding to the craniosacral rhythm (CSR)? As an example, when the occiput widens and narrows in synchrony with the CSR does it feel like its bony matrix moves easily or does it feel inflexible? If it feels stiff then techniques such as direction of energy or cranial pumping can help the bone gain pliability within itself.
2. Does each bone feel as though it has enough mobility within its sutures to move through its normal range without strain? For instance, while a zygomatic bone is moving in synchrony with the CSR is it moving freely or is it jammed into the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, or perhaps into the frontal bone, or the maxilla thus restricting motion? If restrictions are found then the application of specific techniques, such as zygomatic decompression in this example, can help the bone gain greater freedom and motion.
3. Are fused bones free to move along with the CSR with the least amount of strain? Fusion can take place due to normal processes, abnormal processes, trauma or surgery, and if fusion has occurred between bones then one focus of CST is to optimize balanced mobility of the affected bones. As an example, if the sphenoid has fused with the base of the occiput then using Sutherland Sphenobasilar Lesion Patterns and Cranial pumping can be very helpful to optimize mobility.
4. Are the craniosacral system membranes moving freely in response to the CSR? As an example, when the falx cerebri and falx cerebelli move in synchrony with the CSR are they moving easily, freely, evenly, and equally, or do they feel pulled, twisted, stuck, or lacking symmetry of motion? If they are not moving in a free and balanced way then CST techniques such as frontal and parietal lift, temporal and sphenoid techniques, as well as cranial pumping can help the membranes gain greater ease as they move in synchrony with the CSR.
I find the following quote a helpful reminder when working with the cranium or face. “Do not look for movement as in other joints of the body. This is merely a resiliency-a combination of slight yielding or suppleness in the articulation plus the flexibility of live and pliant bone.”
If you have a CST question please feel free to send it to me.
Reference:
Magoun, Harold I., Osteopathy In The Cranial Field, Third Edition, The Journal Printing Company, Kirksville, Missouri, 1976
