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.