This modality has a couple of aspects to it. Firstly, it is important to understand that with bodywork therapy there is a stimulus feedback response, via the fascia nerve receptors, back to the brain. During the session, I am often taking note of the subtle responses within the brain structures after each technique is complete. I am making sure the brain has integrated the shifts in the body, and if there are related components to the 'issue' elsewhere in the body.
Secondly, this specific area of therapy goes beyond the cranial bones and membranes. We are diving into all the structures that make up the brain and the spinal cord. The brain has its own network of fascia, glands, nuclei, etc, which too can become structurally compromised.
Thirdly, the body often aligns itself around these precise brain structures, and they are frequently unaddressed dominant tissue restrictions, a brain-centered restriction.
The central nervous systems is made of two main structures, the spinal cord and the brain. The brain has 3 divisions:
- Forebrain: its main role is in receiving and processing sensory information, thinking, perceiving, producing and understanding language, and controlling motor function.
- Midbrain: connects hindbrain to the forebrain. It is responsible for auditory and visual responses as well as motor function.
- Hindbrain: is an extension from the spinal cord. Its job is to maintain balance and equilibrium, movement coordination, and the conduction of sensory information. The hindbrain also controls the autonomic functions of breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
Together the midbrain and the hindbrain makes up the brainstem.
The brain is a complex neurological structure. There are functions of the brain that can become hindered when the associated fascial structure or fluids are compromised. Using gentle techniques that free up the space around the neurological structure, allows the brain nuclei to fire and wire together with other neurological structures more effectively.
Brain Therapy may create a positive effect in these functional areas:
- Cognition & voluntary movement and mood regulation (Basil Ganglia complex).
- Movement coordination and maintaining balance & equilibrium (Cerebellum, Red Nucleus).
- Speech and language comprehension (Broca's area, Wernicke's Area).
- Decision making, problem solving, and planning (Cerebral Cortex frontal lobe).
- Vision and colour recognition (Cerebral Cortex occipital lobe).
- Sensory information processing (Cerebral Cortex parietal lobe).
- Emotional responses, memory and speech (Cerebral Cortex temporal lobe).
- Sense of smell (Olfactory Bulb).
- Vision, hearing, motor control, sleep and wakefulness, alertness, and temperature regulation (midbrain).
- Autonomic (involuntary) functions (Medulla Oblongata).
- Biological rhythms, homeostasis, hormone secretions, glandular regulation (Endocrine glands: pineal & pituitary).
- Regulation of awareness and sleep (Reticular Formation).
- Emotion, behaviour, motivation, long-term memory and olfaction (Limbic system: Amygdala, Cingulate Gyrus, Fornix, Hippocampus, Hypothalamus, Olfactory Cortex, Thalamus).
- Cerebral spinal fluid production and cushioning protection for the brain and spinal cord (Ventricular system: Aqueduct of Sylvius, Choroid Plexus, Fourth Ventricle, Lateral Ventricle, Third Ventricle).
- Fascial sheaths that divide, connect, protect and/or support neurological structures (Corpus Callosum, Meninges, Septum Pellucidum, Indusium Griseum).
Brain Therapy may help with:
- Closed-head injuries.
- Whiplash.
- Headaches.
- Dyslexia.
- Cerebral Palsy.
- Cognitive Behavioural Dysfunctions.
- Learning Disabilities.
- ADD/ADHD.
- Parkinson's Disease,
- Alzheimer's Disease.
