How is it made?
CSF is produced by the choroid plexus in the brain and then reabsorbed into the bloodstream. What is amazing is that the fluid is continually produced and completely replaced every few hours. Interestingly, the exact method of the formation of the CSF is uncertain. After originating in the ventricles of the brain, it is believed to be filtered through the nervous-system membranes. The fluid is eventually absorbed into the veins; it leaves the cerebrospinal spaces in a variety of locations, including spaces around the spinal roots and the cranial nerves. Movement of the CSF is affected by the downward pull of gravity, the continual process of secretion and absorption, blood pulsations in contingent tissue, respiration, pressure from the veins, and head and body movements. What is it made of? CSF is slightly alkaline and is about 99 percent water. There are about 100 to 150 ml of CSF in the normal adult human body. Why is it so important? When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid also helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. So if there is an increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue, the amount of CSF will decrease to balance this. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy of the brain, the CSF compensates with an increase in volume. What happens if CSF doesn’t flow well? When CSF flow is hindered then brain cells can’t receive essential nutrients nor cleanse themselves well. This can cause cell stress that may lead to cell dysfunction. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are associated with a build-up of toxic material in the brain but there is still so much unknown about this area. Improving the flow It is interesting that sleep opens the brain-cleansing pathways, kind of an inbuilt detox rhythm! During sleep the brain’s extracellular space enlarges. This allows more CSF to flow throughout the brain and is a very important reason why we need to sleep. One primary intent of Craniosacral work is to encourage the flow of CSF. Whilst it is hard to measure the flow of CSF during a treatment, it it interesting to note that many clients often feel like they are falling asleep during treatment, thus indicating another possible way to optimize the size of the space through which CSF flows. As craniosacral work also helps relax the nervous system, another consequence is that people sleep better, which is nature's sure way of improving our CSF flow! What I do know for sure is that this amazing fluid, that is in direct contact with our brain and spinal cord, that we continually make and replace, holds some mysteries that science has not yet unlocked..... Pregnancy is such an amazing time in a woman's life but it is also likely to be the most momentous thing that happens to her. In addition to the extra strains put on her body, she also has to navigate the whole emotional roller coaster that often accompanies the pregnancy and upcoming birth. This is where craniosacral therapy can help....
(iii) Chemical battle
For the first trimester, a pregnant woman's body will be battling with the chemical changes in her body, which often manifests as nausea and sickness. The hormones released will loosen the pelvis (pubic cartilage) ready for birth, but it also makes all the body's ligaments more stretchy. (iv) Tiredness Anyone who has been pregnant will tell you there is nothing quite like the level of tiredness you get, which seems to peak in the first trimester, become easier in the second and then raise its head again in the final trimester. It is not surprising if you consider the miracle that is growing inside, and the resources that are needing to be used up to enable this new being to enter the world! Emotionally, pregnancy really can be a roller coaster. A woman can and will feel the whole spectrum of emotion - from absolute joy to complete terror. I cannot stress enough how important it is to support a woman through this powerful and instinctive time in her life. A craniosacral therapist can help to balance the pelvis and uterus in pregnancy to ease and prevent ligament pain, posterior babies and low back, hip or rib pain. As important however is the ability to hold a space for strong emotions and fluctuating hormone levels, thus allowing attention to the inner processes that are taking place. During pregnancy, CST can help with: • settling nausea • calming the nervous system • easing stresses and strains in the pelvis and lower back • exploring and resolving fear around the birth process • stilling the mind and emotions Personally, I would love to see a time where pregnant women get support such as craniosacral therapy on the NHS. And also, post birth for both mother and baby.
|
May you walk in Beauty
|
Copyright of Ri Ferrier 2024
|