The Craniosacral System
Membranes or Meninges
Surrounding the brain and spinal cord is a tough waterproof balloon made up of three membranous layers called the meninges. These extend down the spinal column to the dural tube. The meninges are closely attached to the bones of the skull. The outer layer of the meninges called the Dura is so closely attached to the bones of the skull that it forms an inner lining.
Consequently, all the bones that attach the membranes follow any motion exhibited by the membrane, expanding and contracting in accordance with the membrane and reflecting every pull or tension within the membrane system. Cerebospinal fluid flows around inside these layers.
What is Cerebospinal fluid(CSF)?
CSF is clear colourless fluid that surrounds and bathes the brain and spinal cord.
It is a filtrate of blood and is produced in ventricles at the centre of the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid feeds and eliminates waste from the brain and CNS. It acts as a "cushion" or buffer for the brain. It also provides a basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain inside the skull.
What is Fascia?
CST is concerned with evaluating tension patterns and helping to restore the flexibility of the whole fascial system, which responds to focused light touch. The fascial system is a network of both interrelated and interdependent connective tissue supporting, connecting and communicating around the total body. Superficial fascia is somewhat like a body stocking that helps to hold us together by separating the organs, muscles and forming chamber-like sections horizontally. Deeper fascia forms into layers and tubes.CST can access anywhere in the body using fascia as a vehicle. This is how it differs from other manual therapies. Fascia also has its own blood supply and contains both sensory and motor nerves.
Fascia contains neurotransmitters and connects into the central nervous system through a sheath around the peripheral nerves so working from anywhere in the body, lets say the feet, can mean the therapist is working anywhere, even into the head. Because of these connections, from the aspect of pain, fascia may transmit abnormal tension patterns from one body part to another so the area of pain may not be the source. CST practitioners trust the fascial unwinding patterns to lead them to the origin of the pain or dysfunction often layer by layer. Fascia also carries nutrition and takes away waste products from surrounding muscles or organs so a change in its tension pattern can cause toxin release. Following treatment this can causes tiredness and dehydration if not supported by drinking water to help flush the body afterwards.
Lastly, fascia has an elastic memory component so it remembers how it was before the tension was introduced, which is why CST is particularly beneficial to chronic pain and producing permanent results.