Wisdom in the Body

by Michael Kern

  Nerve facilitation

  One important source of disturbance for the C.N.S. is nerve facilitation. As this is such a common occurrence, it warrants being looked at in a little more detail. In this context the word “facilitation” should not be confused with a state of ease or comfort. In fact, it refers to the ease with which a problem can start. Nerve facilitation refers to the excessive firing of impulses along a nerve pathway. This can lead to the irritation of whole regions of the nervous system.

  Nerve cells communicate with each other by means of electrical impulses. These impulses are produced in response to some kind of stimulation such as from pressure, heat or chemicals. A stimulus has to be sufficiently strong for an impulse to be conducted along the whole length of a nerve cell, or nothing happens at all. In other words, a certain threshold of stimulation needs to be reached for a nerve to conduct its impulse. Nerve cells do not conduct impulses along only part of their length. This is called the all-or-none principle.

  Figure 5.3: The nervous system (cartoon by Gerry Mooney) (illustration credit 5.3)

  Facilitated segment

  If a nerve is already stimulated (for example, due to its compression) the threshold required for it to conduct an impulse can become lowered. Spinal nerves are often affected in this way, caused by the pressure that can result from restrictions involving vertebral movement (see Figure 5.4). Let’s say that as a result of a back injury, nerve impulses become stimulated along the sensory nerves running from the vertebrae to the spinal cord. If the effects of this injury are unresolved the nerves may remain in a state of constant irritation. As the threshold required for them to conduct impulses is lowered, they become prone to over-activity. This may cause a bombardment of irritable impulses sent to the spinal cord. As a result, the threshold required for that section of the spinal cord to conduct nerve impulses may also be lowered.

  A facilitated segment is a highly excitable segment of the spinal cord that fires an abnormal degree of impulses. Due to the presence of a facilitated segment, irritable impulses are sent to the muscles, joints and organs that receive their motor nerve supply from that region of the spinal cord. This often causes the vertebrae and their surrounding muscles to contract and become further restricted in their motion. Further irritable impulses from these bones and muscles are then sent back to the spinal cord through the sensory nerves. In this way, a vicious cycle of irritation and over-excitability is created.

  Figure 5.4: Facilitated segment (illustration credit 5.4)

  Effect on organs

  The effects of a facilitated segment on the internal organs of the body can be significant. For instance, the stomach receives its sympathetic nerve supply from the mid-thoracic region of the spinal cord. If this region becomes facilitated, irritable nerve impulses may then be sent to the stomach. This is called a viscero-somatic reflex. It can result in digestive sensitivities such as indigestion, inflammation, bloating or even ulcers. Facilitation of other regions of the spinal cord can cause breathing difficulties, heart problems, urinary and reproductive disorders, and a wide range of other symptoms (see Figure 5.5).

  Viscero-somatic reflex

  The origin of a facilitated segment may also be found in a troubled or diseased organ. For example, problems with the stomach, liver, lungs or heart may develop due to the formation of an inertial fulcrum and the consequent loss of primary respiration. This may cause irritable nerve impulses to be relayed from the involved organ back to the spinal cord, causing its facilitation. This is called a viscero-somatic reflex.

  Therefore, a somato-visceral reflex is where a disturbance in the bones and tissues around the spine causes the irritation of an organ. A viscero-somatic reflex is where the irritation originates in an organ, causing a disturbance at the spine. Facilitated segments explain why many problems affecting the internal organs improve once inertia at the spine has been resolved. When the source of spinal nerve irritation has been removed, the vicious cycle of facilitation is broken.

  Spread of facilitation

  Facilitation of the spinal cord can also spread up or down, creating an irritation of whole regions of the C.N.S. This irritation may extend all the way up to the brain stem, producing a condition where the whole nervous system becomes held in a state of hypersensitivity and alert. In these instances, almost any kind of stimulus is experienced as pain or produces an exacerbation of other symptoms.

  Facilitated segments are an important type of inertial fulcrum that has vast repercussions on total body physiology and health. They provide a link between the functioning of the musculo-skeletal system and the internal organs. They also point to the importance of a freely-movable spine for the maintenance of health.

  (C1, 2, 3) Nerve irritation in this area can cause headaches, sinus problems, migraine, dizziness, pain in the eyes, ears and face, hay fever, allergies, etc.

  (C4, 5) Neck pain and tension, nervousness, insomnia, throat and thyroid problems, etc., can be caused by spinal nerve pressure in this area.

  (C6, 7) Shoulder and arm pain and numbness, bursitis, frozen shoulder, poor circulation and swelling of the hands, etc., may be produced if there is nerve irritation occurring here.

  (T1, 2, 3) Asthma, breathing difficulties, heart problems, high and low blood pressure, lung problems, etc., can result from inertia in this area of the spine.

  (T4, 5) If there is inertia and irritation in this region it may cause pain between the shoulder blades, chest and rib pains, liver and gall bladder problems, shingles, etc.

  (T6, 7, 8, 9) Inertia of one or more spinal vertebrae here can lead to stomach, intestine and pancreas problems, low blood sugar, indigestion, heartburn, bloating, etc.

  (T10, 11, 12, L1) Colon problems, constipation, diarrhoea, kidney trouble, adrenal stress, etc., can result from spinal nerve irritation in this area. Backache, menstrual cramps, reproductive system disorders,

  (L2, 3) impotency, sterility, bladder problems, bed-wetting, etc., may be caused by facilitation of this area of the spinal cord.

  (L4, 5) Spinal nerve pressure in this region of the spine may result in low back pain, sciatica, pain and poor circulation in the legs and feet, etc.

  (Sacrum) Hip, leg, knee and foot pain, muscle cramps in the legs, etc., may be caused by facilitation of nerves at the sacrum.

  Figure 5.5: The effects of spinal nerve facilitation (illustration credit 5.5)

  It should be remembered that all these types of inertial fulcra are held in place by underlying trapped potencies. If these trapped forces are resolved, the manifestation of inertia in the body will also be resolved and natural functioning restored.

  Nerve disturbance

  Epilepsy is a condition that is marked by an abnormality in the electrical discharge of the brain, frequently affecting the temporal lobe. It is often related to a disturbance in the natural motility of nerves in the temporal lobe and their consequent disorganization. Other conditions such as dyslexia, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder (A.D.D.), mental illness and hyperactivity may also have their origin in inertial patterns that restrict the functioning of the central nervous system. For example, many practitioners have noted a correspondence between learning difficulties and compression of the occiput,26 and with dyslexia and inertia involving the right temporal bone.

  In all of these cases, treatment essentially involves working with the inertial fulcra at the heart of the disturbance, thereby helping take the pressure off nerves that are irritated. The key to resolving these issues is to restore the expression of the Breath of Life’s ordering principle in the central nervous system. The patient can then access the resources necessary to revitalize the nervous system and dissipate any trauma.

  Cranial nerves

  Twelve pairs of cranial nerves emerge from the underside of the brain. These nerves have important functions relating to the senses—hearing, taste, sight and smell. They also control many muscles and glands of the face, head and neck. Furthermore, the widely influential vagus nerves (vagus me
ans wandering) pass down through the body to regulate the function of the throat, heart, lungs and almost the entire digestive system.

  Inertial fulcra located in the bones, tissues and membranes of the head can produce facilitation of the cranial nerves. For example, tinnitus and hearing difficulties may result from the irritation of nerves that supply the ear. When inertial forces are resolved and pressure is taken off these nerves, these symptoms can greatly improve. Similarly, visual disturbances may result from inertial fulcra causing irritation of nerves that supply the eye. I’ve treated a number of cases of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) in which craniosacral treatment of the ethmoid bone and the olfactory nerves that pass through it has produced beneficial results.

  The jugular foramina located on either side at the base of the head provide small openings for the passage of three pairs of cranial nerves to exit the skull. These openings are contained in the sutures between the occiput and temporal bones. The nerves passing through the jugular foramina include the vagus nerves. If either vagus nerve becomes facilitated, the symptoms can be far-reaching. Nausea often together with migraine headaches, abnormalities in heart beat, respiratory or digestive problems commonly result. Frequently, irritation of the vagus nerve is involved in cases of colic affecting young babies (see also Chapter 10).

  Other nerves that pass through each jugular foramen supply some muscles of the throat, the largest salivary gland, and muscles of the neck and shoulders. When there is a resolution of inertial forces that hold compression in the suture between the occiput and temporal bones, the suture can disengage and pressure can be removed from these nerves. It is often a simple procedure that can bring fast relief for a wide range of symptoms.

  Listening to your body

  Take a few minutes to listen to the story of your own body. One way to help you to do this is to watch your breathing.

  Sit quietly with your back comfortably supported and start to bring your attention to the sensations in your body. Following your breath can help get you started. Simply notice how you are breathing, but don’t try to change anything. As you breathe in and out, become aware of how this is for you. Notice any sensations and feeling tones that are being generated, just acknowledging what is there. See if you can stay with this listening for at least a few minutes. Then widen your field of attention to take in the whole sense of yourself. Notice the different areas of your body from top to bottom and from side to side. Perhaps there are some areas where you feel comfort and others where you feel discomfort. Maybe there is some heaviness or lightness, openness or contraction, fullness or congestion. You may notice pulsations, or places that feel either connected or disconnected. Do you have a sense of how your body has taken shape? What do these sensations tell you about yourself?

  6

  THE ART OF DIAGNOSIS

  There is no need to run outside

  For better seeing,

  Nor to peer from a window. Rather abide

  At the centre of your being …

  Search your heart and see …

  The way to do is to be.1

  LAO TZU

  ASPECTS OF DIAGNOSIS

  The core of this work is perceptual; the concept grew out of repeated observation until the laws of nature became more clear. We learn to sense the Whole. When one meets a patient one sees the Whole—a very rare event in our modern world.2

  DR. JAMES JEALOUS D.O.

  Case history-taking and especially the skills of palpation and perception are the main diagnostic approaches used by craniosacral practitioners. These focus on how health is being expressed within the patient and the location of any patterns of inertia. In this assessment, an emphasis is placed on the motion, balance and qualities being expressed by the primary respiratory system.

  Case history-taking

  A case history is taken at the start of any treatment program. This provides the practitioner with relevant details of the patient’s current symptoms and medical history. Any history of trauma such as traffic accidents, surgery, difficult birth or dental work may be noted, as these can give vital clues to the source of a problem.

  Details about family and social history, diet and psychological issues are also useful, and may help to identify the patient’s resources which can support the healing process. Medical tests such as X-rays, blood tests or scans may be recommended if further diagnostic clarification is needed.

  Observation

  The source of any problem may initially be indicated by the use of a keen sense of observation. Have you noticed that when you see someone walking down the street, your first impression is often the most revealing? This is a skill that can be developed to help understand a patient’s condition. For example, the way that someone walks into a room, sits down or holds themselves may reveal the nature of what’s going on. Their poise and balance may indicate how their tissues have become affected by stress or trauma. Do they move with ease, or have awkward and fragmented patterns of motion? How do they look? How do they speak? What is written in their facial expression? What clues does this give about their condition?

  Observing any asymmetries in the shape of the cranium or other parts of the body may indicate the presence of inertial patterns that have caused tissues to adopt structural changes. A postural evaluation in either a standing, sitting or lying position can help to identify any problem areas. Particular attention can be given to the shape and balance of the spine which acts as the central column of support for the body and has important consequences for our health (see the “Facilitated segments” section, Chapter 5). Furthermore, the skin often reflects the balance of the body’s internal processes, and so the identification of any marks or changes in skin texture can also help locate sites of inertia.

  Palpation and perception

  Over and above all such procedures, the cardinal diagnostic approach in craniosacral work is to assess the rhythmic motions of the Breath of Life. This is achieved through the faculties of palpation and perception. Palpation refers to the practitioner’s ability to sense the patient’s physiological patterns by impressions received through the fingers. This ability is dependent on the development of a finely tuned tactile sense. Both craniosacral diagnosis and treatment are accomplished through this faculty of touch, which needs to be both gentle and noninvasive in its application. Perception refers to the practitioner’s ability to register phenomena received through any of the senses, including the so-called sixth sense of instinctual and intuitive impressions.

  We will now consider some of the main elements that enable the practitioner to palpate and perceive the subtle realms of primary respiration with a sense of greater clarity.

  PREPARING THE GROUND

  This we have now is not imagination.

  This is not grief or joy.

  Not a judging state, or an elation, or sadness.

  Those things come and go.

  This is the presence that doesn’t.3

  JELALUDIN RUMI

  Being present

  The quality of the practitioner’s presence is the starting point of any diagnostic enquiry and will also go a long way in determining what results from treatment. Being present involves being open to all our aspects—physical, energetic and psychological—without any interest other than to sense the body’s organizing forces and to facilitate its inherent health. Essentially, this practice includes an ability to “be with” things. For example, we may need to be with another’s pain, joy, grief, pleasure, anger or love. If we are able to do this without seeking to hide or fix anything, this can be a powerful therapeutic support.4 Furthermore, unless we are present for the health in another person, it is not actually possible to perceive and facilitate it.5 In craniosacral diagnosis and treatment, the practitioner needs to be sufficiently in touch and sensitive to the unique way that the Breath of Life organizes itself in each patient.

  Turning up

  The kind of presence that can provide therapeutic benefit is based in a deep listening. It involves the practi
tioner being prepared to engage in a clear and simple relationship with another, and requires the development of “a keen and precise quality of attention.”6 It means actually turning up! Like a finely tuned instrument, the practitioner has to be neither too loose nor too tight in this process. He needs to be able to sense subtle changes that are taking place in the patient’s physiology and to respond with lightness and fluidity. This is a dance between patient and practitioner in which the Breath of Life within the patient is calling the tune.

  Presence is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects in the practice of any of the healing arts, as most of us are so unused to paying attention with this degree of simplicity. Yet in many ways presence is the most natural thing in the world. When we are present we are able to meet someone with our “is-ness” rather than our “business.” Even though presence is at the foundation of good clinical practice, all too often doctors and therapists hide behind a plethora of techniques, protocols, projections and opinions, protected by a large desk to sit behind, instead of simply being open and available. Franklyn Sills observes that, “Presence manifests as we allow our mind to still and rest wholly in the present. In stillness, it is possible to sense the presence of the deeper Intelligence at work within the human system.”7