The brain is not just one bag of softness wrapped in protective layers, there are supporting structures inside, to separate left from right cortex, called the Falx Cerebri, two leafs to separate the Cortex from the Cerebellum, called the Tentorium Cerebelli, because it’s shaped like a tent, and a vertical layer below the tent covers called the Falx Cerebelli, and the edges of these are attached to the skull.
I’m mentioning this because I’ve found some clients need work at this level, beyond the routine Craniosacral work. Impacts to the head or that involve the head, such as motor-vehicle accidents with whiplash, lead to tightening of the Dura Mater around the brain impacting the processing of information that occurs at the outer edges of the brain, but also tightness inside distorts the tent structure, putting pressure deep inside the brain.
Using what I’d been taught in class, I came up with one method to release some of this tightness, tried it with minimal impact. So I went back to the book to find out more, there was one comment relating to what I’d done, and that was it was the least likely method the originator of Craniosacral would use. Digging further I found better methods, which were not taught in class.
To release the vertical components, two steps. For the upper part, the Falx Cerebri, use Mandibular traction:
This is a slow process and has sequential effects, enough time must be given for each, and someone with sensitive hands may be able to feel the individual processes. Lifting the Mandible affects the Temporal bones (1) which pulls the inferior Parietal outward (3), as well as lifting it superiorly. The Parietals pull superiorly on the Falx Cerebri (4). The outward movement of the Temporalis pulls the Tent outward, helping to anchor the base of the Falx Cerebri. It is already held inferiorly by the Falx Cerebelli. A slow stretch releases the upper vertical component, which in turn allows the tent to resume its normal position.
An extended Frontal lift also releases the upper vertical component, as can be seen in the following diagram which shows the location of the attachment of the Falx Cerebri with the Frontal bone.
To release the lower vertical component, the Falx Cerebelli, note that it is attached to the Occiput.
Doing A Sub-Occipital-Release but with attention more on the action of the little fingers on the Occiput provides a tension to help release the lower vertical component.
For the tent attachments:
Start with the Sphenoid, an inferior and anterior direction will lead to a partial release of the tent. Anterior and inferior Temporal movements will extend the release. The Sub-Occipital-Release with extended little finger action will have started the release of the tent posteriorly.
For the Parietal release: Do a Parietal lift with attention on the inferior area of the bones. Tricky to do, but it only has a small area of impact.
For more information on the techniques, read Craniosacral Therapy by John E. Upledger & Jon D. Vredevoogd. All pictures taken from this book.
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