CranioSacral Therapy for Horses
 
 
CST is a safe, gentle, non-invasive and effective manual therapy that works by facilitating the body’s own natural  healing powers to remove or lessen the negative effects of stress on the Central Nervous System (CNS). It works by treating a physiological system knows as the CranioSacral System, which houses and protects the CNS. The Central Nervous System is the part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord).

All horses experience regular pressure to the cranium through bridles, halters, being tugged at the end of a lead rope, pulling back, etc. and these pressures on the skull affect bone growth and position. Pressure on the cranium can often set up compensatory patterns in muscles which can significantly influence the overall bio-mechanics of the horse. CST can help either retain or reinstate the integrity of the horse’s system in a very gentle way.
 
CST assesses, modifies and corrects restrictions in the Central Nervous System in order to improve wellness, relaxation and enhance the body’s self correcting and self-regulating mechanism.
 
During a CranioSacral session, the therapist feels for the CranioSacral rhythm. (approx. 8 - 14 cycles per minute in a horse). The CranioSacral rhythm (CSR) can be felt throughout the body. The CSR is a result of the production and re-absortpion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is is a derivative of blood, a shock absorber, a chelating agent. It cushions the brain and nourishes and bathes the brain and spinal cord and removes wastes from the system. CSR is the movement of the bones and tissues of the body in response to the rise and fall of the production of CSF. CSF is produced in the CranioSacral System and maintains the physiological environment in which the brain and nervous system develop, live and function.
 
The CranioSacral rhythm will tell the therapist where the system is functioning or operating unrestricted or restricted, optimally or sub-optimally and is evaluated by symmetry, quality, amplitude and rate.
 
Normally, the production and re-absorption of CSF within the Dura Mater produces a continuous rise and fall of fluid pressure within the CranioSacral System. If for some reason the CranioSacral System is unable to accommodate pressure changes, the subsequent buildup of pressure can contribute to dysfunction and ill health, especially in the Central Nervous System which is enclosed within the boundaries of the CranioSacral System.
 
CST addresses restrictions to physiological motion of the cranial vault (space in the skull), the cervical spine, the thoraco-lumbar spine, the sacro-pelvic region, the coccygeal region and all of its fascial connections, including the extremeties.
 
The most notable effect of benefits of CST are considered to be on the function of the CNS (central nervous system) via the ANS (autonomic nervous system), so primarily the brain and spinal cord.
 
CST can have a profound calming and re-balancing effect on the state of the nervous system of the horse. It facilitates the re-balancing of the ANS. CST down regulates the SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System = flight or fight or freeze) and up-regulates the PSNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System = rest, digest, heal and restore). The horse’s immune system and endocrine system also receive beneficial re-balancing effects from CST.
 
CST affects any tissue at any level, including, but not limited to: bone, fascia, dura, muscles, tendons, ligaments, arteries, veins, nerves, blood, lymph and CSF.
 
Horses have a dual-sensory awareness which means having a constant awareness of their internal environment as well as a constant awareness of their external environment. If we listen by plugging into the horse’s CranioSacral System, changes towards well-being are on their way.
 
Early exploration of cranial manipulation was performed primarily by osteopaths and chiropractors. The pioneers of this work were sometimes at odds with their peers over one central aspect of the cranial system: the movement of the cranial bones. Michigan State University was first who proofed the existence of cranial bone motion. There have also been studies from NASA which proof the evidence cranial bones movement. The results from the Michigan State University research influenced the therapeutic application of cranial techniques. The pioneers of this work are Andrew Taylor Still MD, (“father” of Osteopathy), William G. Sutherland (“father” of Cranial Osteopathy) and John E. Upledger DO, OMM (Michigan State University research).