Cranial Fluid Dynamics
(CFD) is a new
paradigm in therapeutics. Originally shaped and developed
out of a background of osteopathy in the cranial field,
Solihin Thom DO (UK) has taken this discipline into a new
realm, by melding it with the art and science of
kinesiology (a neurokinetic feedback system) and hand modes
acting as a protolanguage and ‘voice’ for the client. The
system allows for a precise dialogue to be heard from the
client as to the underlying patterns or forces that alter
the homeostasis of the fluid matrix of the body,
undermining health and well being.
Although CFD’s origins lie in osteopathic thought and
philosophy, these original ideas have been developed over
the years, changing the original maps or paradigm of the
neuromusculoskeletal system as primary mover in the dynamic
of the human body, into a more functional ontological model
which looks at the whole organism as the sum of parts.
This major overhaul of the primary and fundamental
understanding of root cause takes the mechanistic model of
structural integrity and relegates it to an important but
less primary role, by addressing the human as a whole
system. The fundamental concept lies in understanding the
human as a parallel entity – having a structural life but
also parallel to this, an inner life. Thus the model of
structural integrity loses its primacy as we begin to
realize that structural integrity actually is the display
or voice to the many differing factors and their attendant
force within the organism. These elements are rarely voiced
in osteopathy and certainly not often heard. The work takes
after the ancient model that encompasses many similar and
apparently divergent religious, spiritual and philosophical
ideas – one of emergence. Emergence infers the rising up of
an organism out of its niche or realm. Ancient and modern
philosophers see this emergence as continual, in times long
ago and equally so, in the present time. The human form
houses content, and it is this content that needs to emerge
and be given voice. Structural patterns of dysfunction lead
to ill health, dis-ease and and poor management of stress.
By listening to the many hidden aspects of the emergent
human, we can hear the story underlying the breakdown of
function, and address these patterns and forces with the
client, allowing them to see the myriad factors that
underlie and undermine their well being, as well as
resources that they contain which support health.
To enable practitioners to do this, they are told and
taught how to palpate the sub rhythms of the mechanism -
taking the practitioner away from the classic entrainment
of the cranial rhythm into the palpation of ‘what is’. That
is, the various elements of this internal structure hold
and manifest different forces, and manifest these as
distinct albeit variable rhythms.
The work allows the practitioner to delve into a story that
emerges, asking and receiving deep, detailed, precise
information, of the site and nature of the aberrant
force(s) that is held within the tissue that contribute to
dysfunction. The practitioner learns how to be a companion
in this process; to guide, accompany and ‘be’ with the
client - and to be able to interpret the story, understand
the elements and contain and hold the story at a palpatory
level. It is this holding of the story: its field, power
and ‘naming’ that ultimately changes the organism towards
well being.
Cranial Fluid
Dynamics is taught both on the west and eastern sides of
the US. The following are the present workshops on offer.
– a 2 day introduction –
West coast: Intro to
CFD (Cranial Fluid
Dynamics™)
with Janice Blumer DO and Kelly Le Fave MA MFA LMT
June 13-14 Bend, OR
West coast: Intro to
CFD (Cranial Fluid
Dynamics™)
with Jennifer Buys L.Ac and Tamara Staudt ND
June 6-7 NCNM, Pettygrove Clinic, Portland, OR
East coast: Intro to
CFD (Cranial Fluid
Dynamics™)
with Mary Sheilah Cronin MS LMT and Roy Capellaro PT
July 25-26 Tarrytown, NY
East coast: Intro to
CFD (Cranial Fluid
Dynamics™)
with Mary Sheilah Cronin LMT and Peggy Smith OT
August 1-2 Hartford, CT
East coast: Intro to
CFD (Cranial Fluid
Dynamics™)
with Mary Sheilah Cronin LMT and Anita Soos
September 12-13 New Haven, CT
East coast: Intro to
CFD (Cranial Fluid
Dynamics™)
with Mary Sheilah Cronin LMT and Ron Arsad Agostini PT
September 19-20 Norwich, CT
In November, Ad
Humanitas will begin a new 4 part series of CFD. This will
be held in Portland, Oregon.
For more details of the 4 part
series, click here.
For more details of the CFD-intro
workshops, click here