Cranial Fluid Dynamics
–
a description –
Cranial Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a series of workshops that
expands the model taught in the disciplines of Osteopathy
in the Cranial Field and, more recently, Craniosacral
Therapy.
Historically, these modalities base the recognition of
health on an underlying fluid mobility within all tissue.
This mobility is synonymous with the rhythmic ebb and flow
of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The fluid is pumped or
moved along the neural pathways as a result of a rhythmic
coiling and uncoiling of the ventricles, and the
expansion-contraction phase of the brain mass, which acts
to gently move the CSF out of the interior ventricular
spaces and into the subarachnoid space (of the brain) and
neurolemma sleeves of the peripheral nervous system. The
rhythmic ebb and flow of the CSF, known as the cranial
rhythm, can be palpated anywhere on the body. It augments
the physiological, emotional, locomotive and cognitive
functioning of the human organism.
Structure
governs function
Traditional
Osteopathic and Craniosacral paradigms are based on the
maxim "structure governs function". In this model, the
neuromusculoskeletal system houses a secondary, allied
series of systems. The interference of structural integrity
creates the opportunity for aberrant nerve conduction,
neurological summation and irritant reflex arcs that alter
the physiological mechanisms of the body, causing disease
and altered function. Correction of these bony, fascial,
and muscular structures changes the noxious irritation in
both the neurology and arterial supply to those secondary
services (respiratory, endocrine, excretory, circulatory
etc.) that support the primary system
(neuromusculoskeletal).
Consciousness
governs our human self, which alters our action and changes
our state
Cranial Fluid
Dynamics expands this Osteopathic "structure governs
function" maxim by teaching the practitioner that it is
actually consciousness that alters structure, and this, in
turn, affects the function of the human being.
"Consciousness" may be defined as archetypal thought and
infers a wide or expansive mind. Many of us, in fact,
operate from mental patterns that are not archetypal but
merely repetitive, instinctual, sensorial or cultural. In
many instances, we tend to operate from a level of
consciousness that is not representative of our true
potential. It is these limited states of consciousness that
begin the causal chain of events that eventually result in
disease and dysfunction in the human body.
The Life Forces
The foundation of
Cranial Fluid Dynamics is the idea that everything on this
earth, both seen and unseen, contains a force. These life
forces, as we refer to them, exist both within and around
us in our everyday world. CFD brings alive an understanding
of each of these life forces – material, vegetative,
animal, human and inspirational, for it is the action of
these forces that alter the cranial rhythm within us at the
fluid level. Learning about them enables us to acknowledge
that the forces inherent and supportive in our lives are
secondary to the Primary Force that governs and envelops
all of Life.
To render up: surrender
This "bigger
picture" is a key component of Cranial Fluid Dynamics. The
action of surrender, the invitation to Grace to guide the
process as we work, is paramount. It is from this place of
surrender that a practitioner can learn to be a true
companion, enabling the client to initiate change based on
their own understanding and response to their state. It is
important to note that this spiritual perspective does not
endorse a particular means of surrender or connection to
God. Instead, it embraces all the religious teachings that
have either been given to or developed out of humankind,
allowing each individual to reaffirm their connection to
the Creator in their own way.
Kinesiology and hand modes / mudras
In our study of CFD
we will look primarily at the human self and the forces
that exist both within ourselves and in our external
environment. The use of kinesiology (muscle testing) as a
feedback tool and hand modes as a language allows the
practitioner to develop an understanding of the ‘shape’ of
the force that is held in the consciousness of the client,
creating the distortions on display. We study how the
bones, the autonomic nervous system and organs, connective
tissue, and brain are the structures that hold different
types of force. Understanding the nature of a force, its
origin, sensation, action or power can help clients to see
their state and thus initiate within them the capacity to
change. The knowledge and the awareness of the force can
actually facilitate far deeper changes than the mere
application of a technique. This is in contrast to many
traditional forms of bodywork in which sole responsibility
for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment rests with the
practitioner.
We invite you to embark with us upon a remarkable journey
that will perhaps challenge all that you know and have
learned, and yet undoubtedly will present a new
understanding of the role of consciousness in the dynamic
of health.