Cranial Technique aka. Cranial Chiropractic

There are 22 bones in the skull, with 8 cranial and 14 facial bones. These bones come together at 86 joints which are meant to subtly move with every single breath. When the cranial structures are restricted and misaligned, it may not be visible to the untrained eye, however it will directly add stress and tension to the brain, body, and inhibit cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow. 

Cranial adjusting techniques gently normalize circulation of blood and CSF by releasing dural stress and torsion through the dural meningeal system. This is not only in the head. The dural meningeal system is commonly referred to as the dural tube that runs from the cranium all the way down to the sacrum at the level of S2. At S2, the dural membranes continue down to form the filum terminale which anchors onto the coccyx. 

The dynamics of the dural tube is similar to a water balloon that is encased within the cranium and extends through the spinal canal. If you were to squeeze on one end, the other end would expand and vice versa. Ideally there is the perfect amount of tone. Not too much and not too little. 

1. Abnormal dural tension - This results in increased venous pressure which reduces normal fresh nutrient blood delivery to the brain. It increases CSF pressure thereby interfering with CSF movement and flow through the ventricular system of the brain. This ultimately impairs nerve impulse transmission. 

2. Facial Tension - A majority of facial patterns run vertically in the body. When there is facial tension then there is dural tension too. Tension in both facia and dura will impede venous and lymphatic drainage which can result in toxicity, slow mental processing, attention problems, mood and behavioral disorders, and so much more! 

3. Mechanical Stress - Mechanical stress in the central nervous system (CNS) can cause aberrations, catabolic build up, decreased CSF absorption and secretion, and actual mechanical irritation. 

The most common cranial dysfunction symptoms are migraines, jaw pain, jaw tension, misshapen skull, torticollis, developmental delays, facial symmetries, depression, anxiety, and body pain.

1. Restores the transport of oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients to the CNS.

2. Detoxifies the CNS of metabolic waste, chemicals, and toxic metals. 

3. Aids in cranial and facial growth and development for the brain, brain stem and airways. 

4. Aids in spinal growth and development. Secondary curves such as the cervical and lumbar curves are more possible when the dural tone is just right and so is spinal alignment. 

Cranial Adjusting gently releases and balances tension and stress patterns with the reciprocal membranes of the cranium. The reciprocal membranes of the cranium are the falx cerebri, falx cerebelli, tentorium cerebelli, and diaphragma celli. Cranial adjusting normalizes CSF pressure and cranial rhythmatic impulse (CRI). 

History of Cranial Technique

Cranial technique procedures are based on the studies and works of Major Bertrand DeJarnette, DC. He was both a Chiropractor and Osteopath. He took the principles from both disciplines to develop Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) and Cranial Techniques which are main techniques offered at Cypress Chiropractic & Wellness. 

Chiropractic care and adjusting is not approached as a “one-size-fits-all” at Cypress Chiropractic, however SOT is regularly part of a session with Dr. Sarah K. Wharton.