The Cranial Rhythmic
Assessment
Like kinesiology or muscle
testing, the Cranial Rhythmic Assessment, (CRA) is a method used to connect
with patient’s body to determine what best resonates with that individual.
This technique involves the therapist palpating the patient’s cranial rhythm
usually by gently holding their head. The cranial rhythm is a direct reflection
of the patient’s vital force. Different supplements and treatments can
be tested by placing them on the patient’s body and noting the changes
in the cranial rhythm. Something that will benefit the patient will make
the rhythm stronger while something that will have a negative impact on
the patient will decrease or stop the rhythm and if neutral there will
be no impact. The greatest benefit of using this technique is that it can
eliminate the cost and time wasted of using logically selected treatments
which just don’t work for everyone.
It has been argued that muscle
testing results can vary with the amount of force applied to the patient,
the positioning of the arm and fatigue. The CRA differs in that the cranial
rhythm can not usually be controlled by the patient and since the patient
is in a resting state, fatigue does not come into play. Strangely, it has
been discovered that, (like kinesiology,) the actual substance being tested
need not be available; the assessment can be done just by writing the thing
to be tested on a piece of paper and testing that. Dr. Orlowski utilizes
the CRA on most of her patients with excellent results.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
What is Cranio-Sacral Therapy
(CST) & How Can It Help Me?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
is a very gentle, non-invasive type of body treatment that assists the
patient in unblocking restrictions that impede any healing. Usually no
more than 5 grams of pressure (weight of a nickel) is used. Because it
is gentle, it can be used for any type of medical problem.
In a typical session, the
patient rests fully-clothed on a massage table while the therapist applies
a light touch to monitor the craniosacral rhythm. The therapist conducts
other gentle assessments and corrects sources of pain and dysfunction using
gentle manipulative techniques. This encourages the body to use its own
power to heal more efficiently. Because a body exerts considerable energy
to adapt to its restrictions, most people find the sessions to be deeply
relaxing when those restrictions are released.
The craniosacral system consists
of the membranes and fluid that surround and support the brain and the
spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the head (cranium) down to the
bones at the base of the spine (sacrum). The fluid within the membranes
is continuously draining and refilling, which creates gentle, rhythmic,
expanding and contracting movements that can be felt anywhere in the body
by a trained therapist.
Many conditions are improved
with Craniosacral Therapy. CST is used as a preventive health measure for
its ability to bolster resistance to disease and sustain overall good health.
The wide range of medical problems CST is effective with include:
• pain and emotions related
to cancer
• fibromyalgia
• post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD)
• migraine headaches, snoring,
and TMJD
• stress and tension-related
problems
• chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS), multiple sclerosis (MS)
• chronic neck and back pain,
scoliosis
• immune disorders
• connective-tissue disorder |
• learning disabilities,
motor coordination
• traumatic brain and spinal
cord injuries
• infantile disorders, colic,
birth trauma
• speech and swallowing difficulties
• digestive disturbances |
Patterns of pain may appear
at any time in the patient’s life: fetal, childhood, or adulthood. The
earlier treatment is sought, the more likely the dysfunction can be prevented
and previous trauma reversed, perhaps to the point of correction and even
optimal health and well-being.
And the benefits of CST extend
beyond the body, according to many patients who have been treated with
Craniosacral Therapy. A feeling of peace and calm can result. An emotional
release can take place. An intense spiritual connection can be made. A
Miracle Can Happen!!
— Jean Ashton, L.M.T.
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