Craniosacral therapy is a non-invasive gentle hands-on technique that uses light passive touch focusing on the cranial bones, spinal column and sacrum. It works on the central and autonomic nervous systems and connective tissue. The light touch is used to help stimulate the body’s own healing along with decreasing restrictions in the nervous system. The aim is to increase the activity in the parasympathetic or “rest and digest” part of the nervous system and decrease activity in the sympathetic or “fight or flight” part. It is through this process that the body can allow healing to occur, relieve internal stressors and help calm and rebalance these systems.
Craniosacral therapy works by promoting the craniosacral rhythm which should be a slow, wave like pulsation through the tissues of the body, beginning in the brain and flowing outwards through the spinal column towards the sacrum and tail bones which can be located on any area of the body. This rhythm is part of what moves the cerebrospinal fluid through the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid contained in the central nervous system (inside the skull and spinal column) and its function is to provide the brain and spinal cord with nutrients as well as a cushion against physical trauma to the skull.
By applying appropriate holds and changing the degree of stimulus placed on either side of a critical threshold craniosacral therapy works by balancing the fluctuations of cerebrospinal fluid making it possible for the horse to release tensions which have formed in tissues allowing the body to rebalance and restore normal function to the nervous system and improves the equilibration of muscular tension.
Craniosacral therapy can have great benefits for healthy, working horses to keep them feeling their best by reducing pain and discomfort, increasing range of movement, decreasing re-injury, boosting health and immunity and promoting a feeling of wellbeing (which has an impact on a horse’s willingness to co-operate with people). It can also benefit horses who may have emotional, psychological stress or trauma (decreasing stress, anxiety, confusion and other negative emotions that may be associated with trauma), performance issues, behaviour problems, chronic pain, chronic medical conditions and many other conditions. It has shown to have been of benefit in cases of wind-sucking, bucking, problems with transitions in riding, breathing dysfunctions and teeth issues, it can help with psoas release, hip and spinal rotations, misalignments in back and pelvic region, aid in hyoid, jaw and bitting problems, release TMJ tension and dysfunction.
Many of the signs a release has occurred and the craniosacral rhythm is rebalanced are similar to those in massage; yawning, licking and chewing or sleepy eyes as soft tissues relax and an area becomes more balanced, decreasing pain and tightness, allowing proper vascular, nerve and energy flow to take place but emotions can also be released as the tissues are released which lead to short episodes of anger, agitation or nervousness as the horse processes that release.
Craniosacral therapy can be a great addition to any horse’s healthcare routine and works well alongside other therapies like massage.
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