The Cerebrospinal System
Cross Section of the Brain and Cerebrospinal circulation system
The craniosacral system is a fascinating mechanical system that moves cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and down the spine. It is responsible for delivering nutrients to the brain cells and removing waste from the brain cells
The cerebrospinal fluid is a filtrate of the blood, and it is produced by the choroid plexuses in the center of the brain. This fluid circulates around the brain and spinal chord, then is reabsorbed by tiny structures called the arachnoid granulations, all along the top of the head at the sagital suture lines of the parietal bones.
A wholehearted thank you to Dr. Ben Brahinm Mohammed for sharing his clear and remarkable video explanation of the CST system with us.
The cerebrospinal fluid is produced and absorbed in a pulsing rhythm of 6-12 cycles per minute. CranioSacral therapists tune into that rhythm, and sense where the body has restrictions that interrupt the flow and movement of the pulse throughout the head and body.
Watch this fabulous video to get a good sense of how this works.
The Fascial System
When you were forming in the womb, the fascia started out as one layer of cells that folded upon itself thousands of times and this formed a network of membranes that wrap around all the muscles, organs, and bones. It is this fascial network that craniosacral therapists work with to help release imbalances and restrictions that impede ease of movement and cause pain. Our intention is to help restore fluidity and stretchiness of these membranes, and create ease of movement in the body.
The Skull and the Movement of the Bones of the Head
The head is such a cool system. There are 22 bones in the head that move with the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. See all the different bones move apart and separate in the video below.
All these bones move slightly with the pumping of the brain fluid. (See video below). When you hit your head, the bones can get stuck against each other, and the movement is impeded. This can give you suboptimal circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. Craniosacral Therapy works to restore the free movement of the bones of the head, and this helps restore the ideal circulation of the brain fluid, and helps everything work like it is supposed to.