Wisdom in the Body

by Michael Kern

  The temporary settling of systemic rhythmic motion occurs quite naturally from time to time, especially if someone is in a state of good health. It is a rest period during which the body physiology is able to recharge and resource. In fact, a proper balance between stillness and activity is a prerequisite for the manifestation of good health. According to Dr. Becker,

  The stillness is that which centers every molecule of being of that living body. The body physiology is the outward expression of that stillness. They are in total unity, in balanced interchange … Health is related to a return to the freedom of interchange between body physiology and stillness.58

  However, if stressed or overwhelmed, the body’s ability to settle and find stillness may be lost and recharging cannot take place. This frequently happens with people who suffer from prolonged stress, or who keep pushing themselves and consequently find it hard to slow down. Eventually a diminishing of potency reserves can result, creating a state of exhaustion. Encouraging stillpoints can help reverse this tendency, enabling the patient to let go and find balance.

  During a stillpoint, the body has the opportunity to take up more potency of the Breath of Life and recharge. This is like getting plugged back into the mains and charging up the battery fluid (cerebrospinal fluid). It is in this stillness that the source of potency or power can be found.59 When fluid takes up more potency, the expression of the ordering principle of the Breath of Life is facilitated. Our intrinsic biodynamic forces may then have an opportunity to re-organize inertial patterns and encourage an integration of function.

  Finding stillness is like letting a glass of muddy water settle. It may seem that the mud and water are inseparable, in the same way that stress or trauma may seem like inseparable parts of our experience. However, if you let the water settle, all the mud goes to the bottom. If you want to drink the water, or even just look through the glass, it is better not to shake the glass. Furthermore, when the dirt in a muddy pond is given a chance to settle to the bottom, you may even find that lotus flowers grow out of it. Similarly, in order to find a clarity in mind and body, there is no need to dig up the dirt but to just let things settle. As Lao Tzu writes,

  Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear?

  Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?60

  Stillpoints can be facilitated by the practitioner providing a subtle intention of settling with his hands to the motion of the C.R.I. or mid-tide. Rhythmic motion is followed to the end of either its inhalation or exhalation phase and then gently invited to stay there by the suggestion of a little back pressure brought into the tissues or fluids. This is commonly done with hand contacts at the occiput, sacrum or feet, but may be facilitated from anywhere in the body. If the patient’s physiology is not ready to take up these gentle suggestions, its intelligence is always respected. Nevertheless, as the primary respiratory system usually knows a good thing when it sees it, there is a tendency for these invitations to be accepted.

  Compression of the fourth ventricle

  One of the most frequently used ways to encourage a stillpoint is from the occiput, by encouraging a resting period in the exhalation phase of rhythmic motion. This is called a CV4. CV4 refers to the compression or narrowing of the fourth ventricle—one of the fluid-filled spaces in the brain, located in front of the occiput (see Figure 3.2). Many of the vital nerve centers of the body are found in the walls of the fourth ventricle, and their proper functioning is dependent upon the supply of potentized cerebrospinal fluid.

  To facilitate a CV4, the practitioner can follow the side-to-side narrowing of the occipital bone in its exhalation/extension phase of primary respiration, and then gently encourages a stilling of the tissues at the end of this phase (see Figure 7.6). The narrowing of the occiput happens in synchrony with the exhalation phase of the fourth ventricle, which also narrows as cerebrospinal fluid recedes towards the lower part of the body. Therefore, encouraging exhalation/extension of the occiput also encourages exhalation of the fourth ventricle. When a stillpoint is reached, the tissues and fluids relax in their exhalation/extension phase. This not only brings deep physiological rest but also encourages potency and its ordering forces to build at the core of the body.

  The early cranial osteopaths referred to CV4 as a “shotgun technique”—just as a shotgun creates a spray of bullets, CV4 produces widespread effects. CV4s can be employed whenever potency reserves in the body are low. They also are useful in the treatment of acute fevers, helping fluid drainage in the body, facilitating the removal of wastes, for congestive headaches, sinusitis, digestive disturbances, reproductive disorders and a wide range of other problems. Furthermore, they can help to clarify the priorities of treatment by clearing secondary or peripheral disturbances.61 They are particularly useful in helping to develop physiological resources in states of activation or distress.

  Figure 7.6: Hand position for CV4 (illustration credit 7.6)

  EV4

  Stillpoints can also be facilitated in the inhalation/flexion phase of primary respiration. A stillpoint in the inhalation phase is called an EV4. This refers to the expansion of the fourth ventricle. During an EV4, there is a widening and filling of the ventricles, as fluid and potency move towards the upper part and periphery of the body. As well as providing deep physiological rest, EV4s help to distribute stored-up reserves of potency held in the core and lower parts of the body, facilitating this potency’s movement both upwards and outwards. This can be particularly helpful for accessing resources in states of dissociation (see also Chapter 9, “Building resources”).

  Deep relaxation

  As a stillpoint approaches, irregularities such as tremors, fluttering or pulsations can manifest in the patterns of primary respiration. Sometimes the exacerbation of an existing pain or the recurrence of an old familiar pain may surface. It is also at this point that held-in emotions are sometimes experienced. As a stillpoint is reached, lung breathing tends to slow down and everything relaxes. Any pain seems to dissipate and muscle tension subsides. The patient may take a deep sighing breath, as they let go of the last of any stored-up tension associated with that particular pattern.62

  A stillpoint is usually accompanied by shifts in mental and emotional processes. Patients often report that their thinking slows down or even stops altogether. Some experience a state of no thought or doing, just a sense of being. This mental state seems very much like the state of transcendence described in many meditation practices. One patient described it as, “a kind of roaring silence.”

  When a stillpoint is over, rhythmic motion naturally resumes, usually with more fluid drive and a better symmetry. The fluids of the body have been re-potentized and other physiological functions proceed with greater balance.

  Return to the source

  Stillness is the doorway to our deeper levels of functioning. After the cranial rhythmic impulse has settled into stillness, the mid-tide may settle and even deeper levels of stillness can be accessed. In this way we may step into more profound states of balance and a more direct relationship with our own nature. This is usually experienced as a dropping down, in stages, into deeper states of relaxation, awareness and integration. Seven levels of stillness have been identified.63 Each one brings a settling of some further aspect of our life process:

  Physical

  The cranial rhythmic impulse and craniosacral motion become still. The nervous system may discharge the effects of trauma.

  Physical/emotional

  The limbic system of the brain (the emotional brain) becomes involved; trapped emotions may be discharged.

  Psychological

  Life issues become clear as something deeper begins to let go. The mid-tide becomes still.

  Heart

  Any conditioned urges and deeper tendencies of the personality begin to settle. Deeper “karmic” tendencies are released.

  Mind

  Archetypal energies, talents, ancestral tendencies and deep rooted crea
tive energies are accessed.

  Spirit

  A deep experience of interconnectedness and unity ensues. The patient has a sense of being part of the whole.

  Source

  An indescribable, wordless state beyond duality.

  Our source is stillness. Therefore, encouraging stillpoints is the ultimate re-source because it puts us back in touch with the place from which the Breath of Life emerges. Within this process of resourcing, an opportunity is provided to create a deeper connection to the wellspring of our inherent health and creativity.64

  TREATMENT PRACTICALITIES

  All technique is correct if it does not interfere with the change emerging, if it allows the patient to become aware of that change and if it promotes continued movement along that path of correction.65

  R. SMOLEY

  The healing crisis

  Old symptoms or an intensification of existing ones can sometimes arise during craniosacral treatment, signifying that the body is in a process of re-organization. These acute responses, referred to as a healing crisis, may occur as part of the body’s attempt to dissipate injury or trauma, and often emerge just prior to the re-establishment of primary respiratory motion at a place of inertia. They can be a sign that the resolution of an inertial pattern is close to completion. The “therapeutic pain” sometimes associated with a healing crisis is even often experienced as a good pain because it is produced when a clarification and clearing of the pattern is taking place.

  Sometimes old toxins are eliminated from the body as a result of a re-organization taking place. Occasionally this can manifest as temporary symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, a cold, acute fever, or skin problems such as rashes or spots. These are part of nature’s rebalancing and healing effort. Occasionally, marks appear on the body at the site of an injury being treated. Red marks are typically found in the same place that a bruise or other type of wound was originally experienced. These phenomena arise from a re-creation of the elements present in the original traumatic event.66 A number of patients have had these red marks appear at the sides of the head, where a forceps injury was sustained during their birth process. These marks soon begin to fade and generally disappear within a few days. If, however, any of these responses become too strong, the practitioner can slow down the pace of treatment.

  Finding integration

  Once an inertial fulcrum has resolved, it can take up to a few days for this change to become integrated throughout the primary respiratory system. This is particularly the case if some age-old or deep-seated pattern has shifted. In the interim, it may feel like being on shifting sands, or as if the carpet has been taken from under your feet. Because of this, it is not a good idea for the patient to rush around or engage in any strenuous physical activity directly after a treatment. This allows for any changes that have taken place to more easily integrate. Furthermore, firmly established inertial patterns may require a number of sessions before they are fully resolved. This can involve experiencing some sensitivity or discomfort before the process of re-organization is complete.

  There are a number of therapeutic approaches that can help patients find balance within any remaining imbalance—the facilitation of stillpoints being one of the most commonly used and effective. Furthermore, the balancing of different tissues that function in harmonic relationship with each other can also help with this process of integration. For example, the sacrum and occiput tend to reflect each other’s patterns of primary respiration. If inertia is held in one of these bones, it often affects the other. Therefore, if one bone has been worked with, it is also useful for the functioning of the other to be checked. This can help to integrate the primary respiration of the lower and upper parts of the body. Many bones of the cranium function in a harmonic relationship with bones in the pelvis (see Figure 7.767). When these harmonically related structures find balance, it leads to a greater integration of function through the body as a whole.

  Figure 7.7: Harmonic relationship between the cranium and pelvis (illustration credit 7.7)

  Contraindications and warnings

  As with many skills in life such as driving a car or even crossing the road, craniosacral work is safe as long as it is practiced correctly. One of the golden rules of treatment is, at least, do no harm. Any attempt to correct the primary respiratory system by force is not only confrontational, but also potentially harmful. Negative reactions to treatment may occur if techniques are applied without proper consideration of the body’s intrinsic ordering principle. The expression of primary respiration is both prudent and sensitive, and may react to even subtle projections of force or the intention of force. Even the gentle contacts used in craniosacral work can create problems if misapplied, especially if the patient’s available resources of potency are low.

  Following the inherent treatment plan of the patient always involves a movement towards greater health and will never lead to adverse reactions created by inappropriate treatment. It’s true to say, therefore, that there are no universal contraindications to craniosacral work. However, there are contraindications to the application of certain procedures in certain situations. For example, even subtle pressures should not be used on the cranium in conditions such as very high blood pressure, after a recent stroke, intracranial haemorrhage or aneurysm, or in conditions where there is raised fluid pressure in the head. Similarly, caution should be taken after any recent fracture or acute injury. There may also be a risk in working in the region of a malignant tumor, due to the possibility of it spreading. Some practitioners are also wary about using certain procedures such as CV4 with a patient in the first three months of pregnancy. This is because of the higher risk of miscarriage during this period. However, when a certain approach is contraindicated it is likely that there are others that can be applied safely.

  Choosing a therapist

  Any therapy with such vast potential for doing good may also do harm if it is practiced in the wrong hands. Consequently, patients should be prepared to take personal responsibility, and be discerning about the competence and skill of their practitioner. Craniosacral therapy is unregulated in most countries, and it is an unfortunate fact that there are some people practicing this work with only a minimal amount of training. When first making an appointment it is a good idea to inquire about a practitioner’s training background. The Resource Guide at the end of this book may help with finding a therapist.

  Finding the right practitioner is a highly individual matter. No two practitioners are the same. Some may be eminently skilled and qualified but do not have the right chemistry or karma to help you. As Carl Jung is quoted, “When the ‘right man’ makes use of the ‘wrong method,’ he finds a way to make it work, and work well; when the ‘wrong man’ makes use of the ‘right method,’ nothing good comes of it at all.”68 Craniosacral work is a subjective science, based on what happens within the particular relationship between practitioner and patient. Each therapeutic relationship is very personal, and to a greater or lesser degree may create the safety to explore patterns of distress. In this respect, a therapist’s care and consideration is at least as important as his qualifications. In fact, the “chemistry of compassion” can be the most powerful and significant factor in healing.69

  Referrals

  The facilities of conventional medical testing are a valuable resource if a diagnosis needs clarification. Furthermore, in many severe cases conventional (allopathic) medicine or surgery may be the most favorable option of treatment. While craniosacral therapy can help a wide variety of patients, different people may need different approaches. For example, the services of a psychotherapist or counselor may be beneficial for patients with severe emotional and psychological problems. Many cases of severe spinal disc degeneration benefit from the advances of modern surgical intervention. Other alternative therapies such as homeopathy, herbal medicine and acupuncture are also valuable resources. My address book for referrals is perhaps one of the most useful items in my practice.

  Craniosacral therapy
can often be effectively combined with other treatment approaches. As Dr. Becker commented,

  I do not consider myself to be the patient’s primary physician … I still say the patient is the primary physician. Whatever I do is supplementary to whatever other care the patients are getting … I’m assisting their body to utilize the resources available for their particular health pattern.70

  Treatment position

  Most craniosacral treatments are initially carried out with the patient lying supine (face-up) on a treatment table. However, side-lying, seated, or prone (face-down) positions are also used. All of these positions are adaptable, according to comfort. Where there is pain, or if the patient is in the latter stages of pregnancy, alternatives can always be used. Disabled patients can be treated while remaining seated in a wheelchair.

  Most treatments involve a light contact on the surface of the body, but some procedures involve working from inside the mouth. These intra-oral approaches are commonly used for working with the bones of the face, jaw and palate. In the interests of hygiene a finger cot or latex glove is worn in these cases.