Cranial Manipulation

Many patients do not realize the importance of cranial function for their health. There are twenty six bones in the cranial (head) and they all move. The joints in the head are called sutures and this allows the bones to move. Basically, this movement is an expansion and contraction of the skull. One of the reasons for this movement is to pump cerebrospinal fluid throughout the spine. This nourishes all the nerves, spinal cord and nervous system in general. Just like the heart pumps blood, the skull pumps cerebrospinal fluid. Without good flow our nerves will not function properly or even degenerate. The skull pumping motion also helps the lymphatic system which is paramount for immune system function.

When bones in the skull misalign, don't move properly, or are asymmetrical from the right side to left side many health problems arise. Most people don't have even eye sockets and ears for example. This can be easily noticed by looking at someone while lying upside down. This imbalance causes visual problems, balance problems, poor equilibrium, sinus congestion, abnormal dental bites, TMJ problems, dizziness, jaw pain, headaches, anxiety, neck pain and neurological problems.

Considering that 80% of the nervous system is above the atlas (the top bone in the neck), the cranium has a tremendous affect on the nervous system. Usually adjustments to the spine such as chiropractic, physical therapy, or osteopathic will not hold without proper cranial manipulation. Anyone with chronic neck pain should also consider the cranium for adjusting as well.

Manipulation to the skull feels very good and helps the patient experience a sense of well being. This is because the autonomic nerve system which regulates your whole body is balanced by this procedure. Most people have excessive sympathetic stimulation and deficient parasympathetic. This means the body is chronically in flight or fight, anxiety, stress, fear, moodiness, fatigue, and pain. Bringing up parasympathetic function will bring the patient back to well being and health. Cranial adjusting also helps the pituitary, hypothalamus, and pineal glands secrete the proper hormones. These glands are essential for proper hormonal control of your body functions.

When you receive any form of spinal correction always correct the cranium for complete and lasting recovery. Cranial corrections are essential for those with anxiety, neck pain, autism, ADHD, mood disorders, TMJ, headaches, asymmetrical skull development, hormonal imbalances, dizziness, eye problems lymphatic drainage problems, autonomic nerve imbalance, Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, sinus problems, nasal congestion, and equilibrium dysfunction. Find a good holistic doctor with skill in the art of cranial manipulation.