Craniopathy: relief from migraine pain, TMJ, and sinus congestion

Craniopathy is used to determine and adjust misalignments of the separate cranial bones.  The cranial bones each have their own movement pattern with each breath as the CSF surges in the skull with each breath. The movement should be equal and free on both sides. One side or both sides of a particular cranial bone can be restricted due to muscle tension on the outside of the skull or due to an increase in pressure on the inside of the skull if the CSF flow is inhibited and therefore building up.

Sacro-occipital therapy (SOT) is a chiropractic technique that analyzes the body through the membranous connection of the sacrum to the occiput or skull. This membrane is called the dura. The dura has connections inside the skull, at certain points in the spine, and in the sacrum. The dura surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and holds them in the cerebral spinal fluid. This system works very closely with the respiratory system. With each breath the sacrum tilts forward just enough to create a pumping mechanism for the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Circulation of the CSF serves an important role in flushing the brain of waste products and toxins.

Craniopathy includes craniosacral therapy but is more specific in correcting distortions in the cranial bones and in the micro movements of the cranial bones. The technique will include palpation of the cranial bones and of the palate to determine which corrections may be needed. The palate is an important part of the analysis as it relays information of the position of all the cranial bones. For this reason, it is important for all infants to have their palate felt by a certified practitioner as the infant may have a distorted pattern present due to the passage through the birth canal. The infant’s latch and suck reflex is directly affected by their palate as well.

The corrections are often performed with breaths and there are extra-oral (outside the mouth)and intra-oral (inside the mouth) techniques to make the adjustments. This technique is extremely gentle and is performed with light holds with the finger tips. Craniopathy is a branch under the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) which is considered a low-force technique. Practitioners certified in Craniopathy and SOT often will work in conjunction with dentists because the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) can be directly addressed with Craniopathy.

You may have cranial misalignments or asymmetries if you continue to have migraines or headaches, jaw pain, recurring sinus congestion, or low back pain or tightness that is not resolving with traditional care. Other issues that have plateaued may also be helped with cranial work.