How Cranialsacral Therapy Supports Longevity and the Normal Aging Process

Mar 9, 2012 by admin

I was recently reviewing some of the system wide effects of normal aging for my Craniosacral Therapy and Longevity-Reversing the Aging Process class. One of the things that became obvious is that aging, according to most theories, cuts across a multitude of body systems. As an overall review of the benefits of CST, here is a summary of the effects of Craniosacral Therapy on the CranioSacral System, Musculoskeletal, Respiratory and Circulatory, Digestive and Nervous System.

1. CST is an excellent way to increase CSF volume. This is important because CSF clears heavy metals across the blood brain barrier and sufficient flow of CSF essentially protects the brain from inflammatory processes. Additionally, the CranioSacral System is a core physiological system that strongly influences the health of the neuro skeletal muscular system.

2. Increased fluid flow from CST techniques relaxes connective tissue and
a. positively influences vision and related structures
b. Strengthens connective tissue fluid flow and the character of the skin
c. Increases 02 intake and therefore positively impacts respiratory function and overall energy
d. Supports increased muscle elasticity
e. Lowers blood pressure
f. Increases nutrient absorption
g. Improves overall aerobic metabolism to the brain and body-both for repair and maintenance
h. Helps promote detoxification due to increased fluid flow in the body

3. CST improves immune and endocrine system function and therefore:
a. Improves the ratio of bone production and re absorption
b. Improves and promotes RBC health and platelet production factors
c. Helps promote protein synthesis
d. Helps promote more balanced liver and gall bladder function
e. Helps promote more balanced pancreatic and insulin function

4. Neurologically, CST
a. Creates more balance between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System
b. Creates more balanced sleep patterns
c. Promotes more balanced cardiac rhythm

Blue Zones and Craniosacral Therapy

Feb 17, 2012 by admin

I’ve recently found out that my adopted Iowa is initiating a program called Blue Zones, which is based on a book by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic explorer who did a survey of places in the world where people live the longest and fullest lives.

The state of Iowa is launching a project to become the #1 state in the US in health and longevity in the next 5 years.

Here’s the concept: Dan found that in certain areas, 9 key practices are found in common with the healthiest seniors.

The Power 9 and how Craniosacral Therapy (CST) integrates and supports:

Just move. Literally keep moving, the more the better. CST helps as we age in keeping fluid forces moving in the body, and lessens resistance to keeping in motion. Less toxic build of chemicals in the body as well.

Purpose Now. A sense of purpose is worth 7 years extra life expectancy. At least some of this emerges from greater mental clarity, which comes from decreased inflammation in the brain and better circulation, which is part of the CST and Geriatrics-reversal of the Aging process approach.

Down Shift. Stress leads to chronic inflammation in the body, which we discuss extensively in our 4-day class on Reversal of the Aging Process. Find a way to shed stress, which of course CST sessions clearly provide.

80% Rule. As in 80% full when you eat. And eat earlier if you can. CST can’t take credit for this, but if the digestive system is calmer, then it may be easier to stop overeating, which ‘down regulation’ of the nervous system will provide. We’ve found many times digestive CST addresses complaints.

Plant Slant. Not to say meat should be avoided, but veggies and nuts do promote heart health and positive brain function.

Wine at 5. In moderation of course, daily a glass or two. Who wouldn’t like this after a soothing CST session?
Belong. Some connection to a community that holds the concept of a higher power adds 4-14 years to life expectancy. In CST we talk about listening to your inner wisdom. Wouldn’t it be great to share this with an entire community?

Loved Ones First. A positive committed relationship can add up to 3 years of life expectancy. Also, keeping your aging parents in or near you at home makes a difference in positivity and outlook on life. As an aside, take a look at Another Country by Mary Pipher who addresses this subject quite extensively. There is a rhythm to what I call the stages of life. And rituals and ceremonies to augment and accompany them. In turns out grandchildren need grandparents, and they each provide something that the ‘in between’ generation may not have the time or accumulated wisdom to provide. This is what I call honor the elders.

Right Tribe. There’s an old saying ‘birds of a feather flock together.’ Another incentive to create positive communities with a positive outlook for the future. Our comment here is an emphasis on prevention rather than disease

Dan’s website is www.BlueZones.com and it’s about the practices that create community wide well-being and longevity. You should also visit www.bluezones.com/2011/08/iowa-launches-blue-zones-project to find out how this project is being implemented in Iowa.

Sleeping Pill Exit Strategy

Nov 21, 2011 by admin

The term comes from a recent CNN piece on women and health.

Here are some statistics:

80 million Americans suffer from some form of insomnia or sleeplessness.

60% of American women suffer from some form of sleeplessness, which would suggest this first 80 million figure might be a bit low.

The CNN contributors seemed to suggest that many women use sleeping aids of some kind. Using these aids for the long term may cause dependency and ultimately cause unwanted problems.

What causes insomnia?

In a word, stress. Our reticular activitating system (RAS) in the brain can get overstimulated due to continuously high demand periods and ongoing emergencies. Like a switch that gets stuck in the ‘on’ position, this continuously high demand flight or flight part of our brain continues to be stimulated 24/7, making if difficult to transition to a restful, recuperative sleep which helps repair the stress and strain of the day.

Sleeping pills and the like may work for a while, but typically their effect is lessened over time, not to mention other side effects they may introduce. As a bonus, this ongoing overstimulation of our nervous system may lead to or encourage the creation of long-term inflammatory processes which may hasten the aging process. Take a look at my blogs on my Geriatric classes and Anti Aging suggestions for more input on this.

A solution:

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) creates balance in our autonomic nervous system, bringing more balance and synergy between our sympathetic (more active) nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system. A regular addition and application of CranioSacral Therapy can help retrain and ‘reset’ our reticular activitating system and turn off the stress switch which interferes with the normal sleep cycle, and lessen our dependence on sleeping pills and other artificial aids.

Hence, a Sleeping Pill Exit Strategy.

Summary of our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Reseach

Nov 14, 2011 by admin

I’d had a number of requests for a summary of our Alzheimer’s and Dementia, which I’ve outlined below:

Summary of our research

Published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing in 2008

Title of the Study: Craniosacral Still Point Technique:
Exploring its Effects in Individuals with Dementia

Study Design

A pilot group of individuals with moderate to severe Dementia and Alzheimer’s were administered the Craniosacral Still Point Technique at the same time every day for 5-10 minutes.

Individuals in rest homes in Iowa and Minneapolis were the study candidates.

One of the key variables that were studied was agitation-a key behavior in patients with this condition. An improvement in just this one behavior would be seen as a positive by administration and staff.

Therapists trained by the Upledger Institute were utilized in this study.

Premise of the study:

It was felt that the Craniosacral Still Point-an easily administered and learned technique-would increase the
volume and production of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) in the brain. It has been documented that a normal adult
produces about 800ml a day of CSF, and over time, as aging occurs the production drops to half of that, or 400ml a day. In individuals with senile dementia or Alzheimer’s, the production could be as low as 200ml a day, or 75% less than that of normal adult production.

The suspected consequences of this decreased CSF flow this that there is a decrease in the ability of the brain to chelate, or wash away, heavy metals in the brain. Secondarily, immune system factors which prevent inflammation from occurring in the brain are diminished. Regular application of the Craniosacral still point on a daily basis is thought to increase the flow of CSF and aid in the removal of metabolic waste and toxicity in the brain.

Results of the study:
There were both clinical and statistical results that were of significance.

1. A decrease in agitation-both during and after the study. After the intervention stopped, the patients still experienced a decrease in agitation which was monitored before, during and after the project.

2. It was reported that clients were more interactive and could remember names of caregivers and children previously forgotten, as well as displaying increased cooperation with staff.

3. At about week 3 of the intervention, it was noticed that these results and changes in behavior begin to be exhibited.

4. It was generally concluded that ‘further investigation is warranted’ into this technique.

A proposal for a more expanded study is now in process.

For more information or a copy of the original study contact me at michaelm@bodyenergy.net

How to Stay Young Part 2

Nov 7, 2011 by admin

Last week we talked about 7 ways to stay young. Click here to read those ways. Here are more resources to assist in the ‘reversal of the aging process’.

8. Omega 3-6-9 oil

Omega 3-6-9 oil has been long recognized as a valuable nutritional supplement. Contact Janice Webber at jwps@eastlink.ca or JoAnn Cuddigan at joann@sunstarorganics.com.

9. Arthritis and Diabetes

Arthritis and Diabetes are two inflammatory based diseases that can accompany the aging process. A nice preventative practice that has been developed over the last few years is tai chi for arthritis and tai chi for diabetes, incorporating elements of chi gong (another ancient practice). This is a graceful way to stay young and healthy. Contact Janice Weber at jwps@eastlink.ca for a referral to local instructors in your area.

10. Transformational Coaching

One of the best coaches for transformational work, incorporating inner bonding, spiritual awareness and the ability to change the patterns of our thinking, which can manifest as disease, is my friend and associate Nancy Swisher. Nancy is an internationally recognized transformational coach who advises clients around the world. For more information, visit her website at www.choosingselflove.com

11. Rolfing/Structural Integration

Rolfing from the right resource helps counteract the inevitable influence of gravity on our bodies. For more information, go to www.rolf.org

12. Grounding and healthy boundaries

Being grounded and ‘in’ the body is complimentary to feeling welcome to our stay on the planet. Suzanne Scurlock-Durana is a master at feeling grounded, present aware and at peace in the body. For more information, go to www.healingfromthecore.com

13. Still point inducer

Lest I forget, one useful device for CranioSacral Therapy self-treatment is the Upledger Institute still point inducer. Used 5-10 minutes a day, a still point inducer is like having your own therapist at home. For more information, go to www.bodyenergy/products or www.upledger.com

14. Soul Retrieval

There are many paths that lead to completion. A very ancient technique that has been practiced by Shamanic practioners for thousands of years is called soul retrieval. Soul retrieval allows one to resolve spiritual, emotional, and traumatic issues. This traditional way of completing often includes individual, family, multi-generational, and community concerns. For more information, go to www.bodyenergy.net/otherresoruces/shamanicpractioner

15. Blue Zones

Last but not least, I’ve recently found out that my adopted Iowa is initiating a program called Blue Zones, which is based on a book by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic explorer who did a survey of places in the world where people live the longest and fullest lives.

Dan’s website is www.BlueZones.com and it’s about the practices that create community wide well being and longevity. You should also visit www.bluezones.com/2011/08/iowa-launches-blue-zones-project to find out how the state of Iowa is launching a project to become the #1 state in the US in health and longevity in the next 5 years.

Michael

How to Stay Young Part 1

Oct 31, 2011 by admin

There are certainly a number of ways to look at the aging process, and after teaching a number of my new Geriatrics classes I wanted to pass along some thoughts about ‘how to stay young.’

To put a positive spin on things, there have been a number of resources I’ve come across over time that contribute to a ‘reversal of the aging process’ that I want to share. Please feel to use these for your own growth, development, and education:

1. CranioSacral Therapy

We all encounter the bumps and bruises of life as time goes on. CranioSacral Therapy is a good way to reduce old stresses and strains in the body and gain ground against the aging process. See the BodyEnergy website for more information.

2. 3-Day Mini Intensive Program

As part of the comment above, Body Energy’s 3 day ‘mini intensive program is a great way to get from 2-6 hours of intensive therapy to dissolve old and significant traumas to the body. These intensives have become part of my ‘anti aging secret’ as we go through our 50’s, 60’s, and beyond. See the BodyEnergy site for information on our 3 day mini intensive program.

3. CranioSacral Therapy and Geriatrics

Designed to teach some simple techniques for the caring of our parents and friends, this 2-day course is a great way to give back to those who have given so much to us. See the BodyEnergy site for more information on this class.

4. Transcendental Meditation Program

Studies have shown that long-term practitioners of Transcendental Meditation have a biological age which is 20 years younger than their chronological age. In fact, it is the Transcendental Meditation movement which coined the term ‘reversal of the aging process.’ Transcendental Meditation addresses stress, insomnia, high blood pressure, and a variety of the dysfunctions of the aging process. Besides CranioSacral Therapy, Transcendental Meditation is the best healing modality I have come across in my life. Email TMinfo@TMChicago.org for more information.

6. Maharishi Ayurveda

This ancient science provides an excellent way to release deep toxins that may have accumulated in the body. Along with our 3-day mini intensive program, I recommend the Ayurvedic Panchakarma program to optimize health and reverse the effects of the aging process. For more information visit the Raj website.

7. Supplements

Supplements are highly recommended by Dr. Upledger for a variety of disease processes and the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s. These supplements would include antioxidants such as CoQ10 and resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, and Vitamin C & E.

8. Nutritional Components

One of the factors we have identified in our Geriatric class is the influence of long-term inflammatory processes in the body in regard to the symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer’s. As the saying goes, you are what you eat. Two great resources to look at:

Leo Galland MD, (comments on anti inflammatory foods) – www.bottomlinesecrets.com

Weston A Price, a pioneer in healthy nutrition – www.westonaprice.org

More resources and information will follow in the next blog post.

Lessons from Connecticut

Oct 6, 2011 by admin

3-Day mini intensive

Cerebral Palsy and CranioSacral Therapy

Often what one does in a 3 day intensive is a deep listening to the cellular activity in the body, and in particular the activity of the immune system. Just as soon as you think you find a pattern or a particular formula, someone comes along to teach you a variation on the theme or maybe something altogether different. This time the lesson came from my little (but very wise) 6-year-old professor in Connecticut.

Diagnosed early with Cerebral Palsy (CP) she has significant motor and spasticity issues. ((Extended note: in a very broad way CP involves some loss or deficit of motor control in the body. But the way these ‘symptoms’ display themselves in a patient can vary widely. That’s why a diagnosis can at times be limiting.))

However, on this particular day she taught me something different, which indirectly will affect her motor and spasticity issues. This involves her immune system and deals with early trauma or damage to the brain. Many times we will see a type of low level (or even high level) inflammatory response of the brain. This causes a variety of reactions, including production of ‘pro inflammatory cytokines,’ a toxic bi product of the immune systems efforts to protect it. However, in my little professor’s case, she chose to do something different. It seems a thing shell of dead tissue, much like the outer skin of an orange, had accumulated around the edge of the brain. To some extent, these dead brain cells also diminished the ratio of white to grey matter in the brain.

In my little professor’s brain there was no inflammatory response, however these dead brain cells were getting the immune system involved in a different way.

Much like a ship that slowly dissolves in the sea, this old brain tissue was also slowly dissolving away, inside the existing brain using the immune system’s phagocytes, monocytes and other immune system factors to get the job done. There is nothing wrong with this, but in a way it gave the immune system another job to do, this in a body that has more than enough on its plate, so to speak.

In dialoging with this brain tissue we were directed to accelerate the dissolution of this dead and ineffective tissue. In CranioSacral Therapy (CST) we have an advanced energy technique that can help to break down adhesions and dissolve stubborn tissue more quickly. We did this with the assistance of several other therapists as well. The result? A brain with a lot less ‘clutter’ and ‘dead weight.’ An additional benefit of this treatment is that we will hopefully have an immune system that can better put its resources to use where they are needed.

Since I’ve gone this far into left field, I’ll tell you one more thing. In advanced CST we have a technique to ‘regrow’ tissue. This is based on Dr. Upledger’s research on the immune system. We have a way to ‘ask’ the stem cells in the body (everyone has their own supply-no need to go ‘outside’ for a foreign supply) to go where they are needed to replenish dead or damaged tissues. Stem cells are kind of like blanks in that they can turn into bone cells, muscle cells, brain cells … you name it, all with a simple and polite request.

We did this for our little professor because she told us to and in the end we learned how to clean up un needed tissue, strengthened the immune system, and regrow vital areas of the brain.