Cranial Therapy: How it releases Dural Tension

In my last article, I covered the anatomy of meninges or brain covering. You learned that the outermost layer of the meninges, called the dura mater, is actually been found to be connected to the muscles and a major ligament of the upper neck. 

This means that muscle tension in these muscles can be transferred to the dura, and this tension on the dura is called dural tension. 

Furthermore, we know that the cranial dura is connected to the upper 2 vertebrae. 

Dural tension can have many effects on the brain, cranium and the entire spine.  In fact, the entire central nervous system (CNS) is encased in dura.  If the cranial dura is in tension then this stress can create a pattern that can travel down the body.  

Cranial adjusting is a quick way to release this dural tension and begin to unwind any of these CNS stress patterns while opening the sinuses and assisting the brain in drainage.

Brain Drainage

It is most likely that cranial misalignments can disrupt normal biomechanics and hamper brain circulation. They can have a huge effect on the flow and movement of CSF, including the drainage of lymphatic waste and venous discharge from the brain. Which BTW, the CSF, lymphatics. and venous system of the brain are all just separate parts along a continuum, ie. all parts of the same system. 

If your brain is tight, under dural tension, this is bound to affect on these structures. Stagnant in drainage may affect normal brain neural transmission and may cause brain inflammation, aka neuroinflammation, to build. 

Some of these findings can be verified in MRI and lab among other studies. Some of this will be verified in future research no doubt. The symptoms that you feel on a daily basis, are subjective in nature, which is your moment by moment measurement of how your health is doing. 

Self Examination:

Run your hands slowly over both sides of your head. You will feel tender or tightest. Those are the areas where the pressure is the greatest. 

Cranial Adjusting

Cranial adjustment is a powerful tool to reduce cranial pressure, stimulate proper blood circulation patterns. CSF, the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid is enhanced in return. Obstructions to CSF are easily visualized in MRI studies, and progress can be monitored with a follow-up MRI. 

Cerebrospinal Fluid

The importance of cerebrospinal fluid CSF is only now coming to light. Did you know that 20% of our immunity is related to our CSF? It has also recently been discovered that over half of our genes (11,434) are controlled from here* Click here to see the breakdown…

Glymphatics: Brain Waste Disposal system

Lymphatic drainage of brain called glymphatics, was only recently discovered several years ago. Glymphatics is the brain pathway that removes waste from our brain cells. The brain comprises 2% of the body's mass, however, it consumes 20% of the body's glucose. 

Our brain cells, neurons, are the body's largest energy hogs. Because of this, our brains create mega waste products, considering their size. It is just as important that the waste is removed from the brain as it is from any other part of our body.

Brain Waste By-Products, Metabolites, Tau waste Proteins > Alzheimers

Brain waste  by-products include carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, amino acids, amyloid-beta, and tau. Amyloid beta is a waste product, but if not removed properly, it can begin to build up. It is usually found in large numbers in those with Alzheimers. 

Tau waste, if not removed, builds up and creates a tangled mess known as tangles. Tau waste is worrisome as it disrupts our normal brain function. Tau tangles can alter neuronal signaling, and disrupt mitochondrial energy generation. This results in symptoms of confusion and lack of energy, at the very least. Tau buildup is a factor found in many neurodegenerative diseases, especially in Parkinson's.

The beauty of Cranial Adjusting is that we now have a therapy that can help assist the brain and glymphatic system in drainage. Proper drainage is needed to remove these dangerous waste products from the brain. 

Brain Fog, Mental Fatigue, Migraines, Depression. Any of the above conditions could also be from a lack of proper drainage. I discuss Migraines further  HERE, and Brain Fog HERE, 

Diverse Background in Cranial Adjusting 

My background in cranial adjusting covers many years of study and techniques that I have blended together in a way that addresses dural tension from many of its sources with a focus on realigning the "king pin of the cranium", the Sphenoid bone. 

Along with the cranial adjusting, you will also receive an Uppercervical Chiropractic techniques 

An Encyclopedia Britannica publication stated: chiropractor would decrease tension and thereby reduce or eliminate pain by reducing the potential forces exerted on the dura mater via the muscle-dura connection 2.   

Upper cervical adjustment has also been demonstrated to dramatically increase CSF flow in a large percentage of Whiplash Victims, as visualized in post-MRI studies taken post adjustment.

What to Expect at your first treatment:

You will feel noticeably calmer and more centered. Sinus restrictions begin to release and your respiration deepens. Layers of deep tension release and the muscles around your temples soften to the touch. You may notice a profound sense of peace.

My experience:

During a recent cranial adjustment and in the space of several minutes, my energy changed quickly. My energy transitioned from its normal buzzy state as I immediately began to drop into a state of deep tranquility. I describe the feeling as such 

"like that of a monk having just meditated on a mountain top, at sunrise, on a perfect day in May." 

A yogic saying that describes an equal experience of

 “The moment the self meets the self within itself”.  Yes kind of like that!
Are you beginning to see the importance of cranial adjusting?