Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid found within the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It bathes, nourishes, and takes away waste products and dead cells from the brain. CSF also acts as a shock absorber, cushion, or buffer, providing basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain inside the skull.
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in and around the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health. Some of the manual techniques that a seasoned CST practitioner learns helps to bring about releases within the craniosacral system that help optimize and improve the Cerebrospinal fluid flow. Boosting this system will provide these optimal benefits:
Buoyancy
The actual mass of the human brain is about 1400–1500 grams, but its net weight suspended in CSF is equivalent to a mass of 25–50 g. The brain therefore exists in neutral buoyancy, which allows the brain to maintain its density without being impaired by its own weight, which would cut off blood supply and kill neurons in the lower sections without CSF. Ultimately, without CSF and the membranes in the skull, your brain would be a pile of mush.
Protection
CSF protects the brain tissue from injury when jolted or hit, by providing a fluid buffer that acts as a shock absorber from some forms of mechanical injury. The membranes and CSF work as though they are cellular “tissues” that protect the brain, much like our muscles and fascia.
Prevention of brain ischemia
The prevention of brain ischemia, or insufficient blood flow, is aided by decreasing the amount of CSF in the limited space inside the skull. This decreases total intracranial pressure and facilitates blood flow.
Regulation
CSF allows for the homeostatic regulation of the distribution of substances between cells of the brain, and neuroendocrine factors, to which slight changes can cause problems or damage to the nervous system. For example, high glycine concentration disrupts temperature and blood pressure control, and high CSF pH causes dizziness and fainting.
Clearing waste
CSF allows for the removal of waste products from the brain, and is critical in the brain’s lymphatic system, called the glymphatic system. Metabolic waste products diffuse rapidly into CSF and are removed into the bloodstream as CSF is absorbed. When this goes awry, CSF can become toxic, such as in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the commonest form of motor neuron disease.
The brain and spinal cord are key players in what is known as the central nervous system. This system might be best understood as the command center for the whole body, sending and receiving messages about how each system is working and what the body may need to regain and maintain proper function.
In a sense, the craniosacral system might be considered just as important as the central nervous system it protects. After all, this network of membranes and fluids has a direct impact on the overall health and function of both the brain and the spinal cord. By focusing on the craniosacral system, CranioSacral Therapy aims to benefit the central nervous system and help bring “Clarity” to the brain by providing buoyancy, protection, prevention of brain ischemia, regulation and clearing waste for optimal performance of all your body’s systems.