The cranio sacral system is a physiological system within the body.
Along with the Respiratory and Cardio-Vascular systems, it forms
one of the three primary life systems.
The Cranio Sacral System consists of :
❍ Fluids
❍ Membranes
❍ Fascia
❍ Bones
Each is a recognised anatomical structure but outside Cranio Sacral
Therapy they are not treated as one integrated system.
CEREBRO SPINAL FLUID
A clear colourless fluid which surrounds and bathes the central
nervous system, creating the environment within which the brain
and spinal cord grow, develop and function. It provides nutrition
and drainage for the brain and spinal Cord also. It is in continuous
motion, as any stagnation would undermine the brain and nervous
system.
Cerebro spinal Fluid is produced in hollow spaces at the centre of
the brain called ventricles and circulates throughout the
membrane system.
THE MEMBRANE SYSTEM
Containing the cerebrospinal fluid is a tough waterproof sack
made up of three membranous layers called the meninges which
surround the brain and spinal cord. The meninges have horizontal
infoldings in the cranium which separate the cerebrum from the
cerebellum called the Tentorium Cerebelli and a vertical infolding
called the Falx Cerebri and Falx Cerebelli which divide the right
and left hemispheres of the Cerebrum and cerebellum respectively.
THE FASCIA
Fascia is a connective tissue which forms a continuous sheath
throughout the body from the top of the head to the soles of the feet.
It envelops every organ, nerve, blood vessel, muscle and indeed every
structure throughout the body.
This continuous fascial sheath forms a close connection to the
meninges at the point where each peripheral nerve emanates from
the spinal cord. As the spinal nerves penetrate the Dura they pull
some of the Dura with them and this blends into the fascial sheath
which covers the spinal nerve on its journey. This transition point
from membrane to fascia is called the epineurium. It is one of the
ways the Cranio Sacral Rhythm is translated to the rest of the body
BONES
The meninges are closely attached to the bones of the Cranium
and also to the 2nd and 3rd Cervical Vertebrae (C2 and C3) and
to the Sacrum and Coccyx. The outer layer of the Dura is so
closely attached to the bones of the Cranium that it forms a
periosteum or inner lining to these bones.
Consequently, all the bones to which the membranes attach must
inevitably 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.