BCST ( Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy )
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a gentle and profound treatment offered by way of working with the natural physiological life forces of the body and inherent repair mechanisms, to re-establish health and harmony in the system. This is done through gentle, negotiated touch.
The nervous system is the main controlling, regulatory, and communicating system in the human body. It receives information about the internal and external environment and directs the body to respond appropriately. It does this with the help of the peripheral system, which forms the link between the central nervous system and the rest of the body via nerve cells called neurons.
The autonomic nervous system is a part of the peripheral system and regulates all involuntary functions of the body such as the heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the functions of other organs to maintain a state of balance within the body.
It generates a sympathetic response called ‘Fight or Flight’ that prepares the body for action or emergencies. It also generates a parasympathetic response called the ‘Rest and Digest’ that maintains and restores balance. During this state food absorption is also optimized contributing to health & well-being.
The balance between the sympathetic and para-sympathetic responses of the autonomic nervous system is known as homeostasis and must be maintained for optimal health. The factors of modern lifestyle which include unnatural diet, low amounts of physical activity, exposure to electronics and pollutants in the environment, cause our bodies to be sympathetically charged thereby upsetting the natural homeostasis.
This disruption affects several normal functions of the body and can cause issues such as inflammatory conditions, hormonal imbalances, hypertension, auto-immune diseases, anxiety and depression. Therefore, returning to the state of homeostasis is of prime importance to maintain a healthy mind and body.
HOW DOES THE BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL PRACTITIONER SUPPORT HEALTH?
The Biodynamic Craniosacral Practitioner has a deep acknowledgement of the body’s inherent wisdom and its capacity for resilience and self-regulation. The practitioner develops an acknowledging presence through intense training to be able to listen in to a client’s system. An in-depth knowledge in embryology, living anatomy and physiology forms the foundation of the training.
In addition the practitioner also learns to acknowledge the ‘potency’ or the life force called the ‘Breath of Life’ which is the organizing principle of the body. Therefore the Biodynamic Craniosacral Practitioner creates a therapeutic space and touch for the client’s system to resonate and begin the process of self-regulation. The practitioner helps turn down the sympathetic response and activate the parasympathetic response in the client’s autonomic nervous system.
WHAT IS A BIODYNAMIC APPROACH TO TREATMENT?
BCST helps bring the body into a state of wholeness and integration, resulting in a greatly improved sense of physical and emotional well-being. Therefore Biodynamic Craniosacral treatment modality can support and address conditions such as:
Chronic pain such as migraines, headaches, neck and back pain, and sciatic nerve pain
Chronic inflammatory conditions such as auto immune diseases, arthritis, and gout
Depression, anxiety and trauma due to loss of loved ones
Respiratory challenges such as asthma and bronchitis
Spinal conditions such as slip disc, hernia, and spondylitis
Chronic stress conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anxiety, depression and insomnia
Muscular-skeletal disorders such as scoliosis, knock-knee, bow legs, and issues of the temporomandibular joint (which connects the jaw to the temporal bones)
Dental conditions such as malocclusion, and support of dental interventions such as implants, root canals, orthodontic treatment, dentures, and prosthetics
Low immunity challenges such as frequent episodes of coughs and colds, sinusitis, and fevers
Unexplained issues such as left - right imbalances, burning sensations, feelings of compression or tightness in the body
Trauma and injury caused by surgeries and anesthesia, fractures, whiplash, falls, accidental injuries, and emotional trauma
Hospitalization trauma and recovery
Support for terminal illnesses such as cancer and terminal heart diseases, and trauma caused by chemotherapy
Women’s reproductive health challenges such as irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, gynecological conditions, conception, pregnancy and birth related concerns, post-partum depression, and chronic fatigue
Infancy & childhood challenges such as plagiocephaly (Flat Head), breastfeeding issues, torticollis, colic & reflux, dehydration, learning difficulties, hyperactivity and aggression, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy.
WHAT CAN U EXPECT DURING THE SESSION?
BCST is offered through gentle touch and the patient is fully clothed on a comfortable table and in a state of rest during a session. Each treatment session can last about 45-50 minutes. It is a noninvasive and negotiated touch, and the practitioner keeps the sensitivity and boundary of the body as prime importance during the session.
Treatment sessions for children allow for free movement and play while the practitioner makes gentle contact.
Practitioners can also sense patterns that might not yet have presented themselves as symptoms, and through therapy address them before they develop into a chronic condition. In this sense, BCST boosts the immune system and is also a preventive treatment.
HOW LONG IS THE TREATMENT?
The length of treatment depends on the patient treatment goals. However, in about 4 to 6 sessions one can start to feel a difference in their well-being and experience improved functions. It is recommended to make lifestyle changes simultaneously to see best results. There are patients who come in without specific complaints and find that problems they had not recognized are addressed by way of the session. The body settles and they become better equipped to deal with the daily upheavals of life.
HOW CRANIOSACRAL BIODYNAMIC SUPPORTS PREGNANT & YOUNG MOTHERS, INFANTS & CHILDREN
HOW ARE MOTHERS AND BABIES TREATED?
BCST can be a great support to pregnant mothers, infants, and young children, beginning from conception, through the pre-natal stage, pregnancy, post-partum, and onwards. BCST can enhance natural bonding, especially when there has been separation between the mother and baby. Babies and mothers are usually treated together, where the baby would be in the mother’s arms and the practitioner will work on both the mother and the baby at the same time.
Conception: In cases where conception is difficult, BCST can assist with infertility by creating a fertile environment and reducing stress and anxiety.
First Trimester: Physiological changes and common experiences at the beginning of pregnancy including nausea and morning sickness, headaches, fatigue, anemia, and more severe conditions such as hyperemesis (severe vomiting) can be greatly supported.
Second Trimester: Common physiological changes at this stage such as bleeding gums, headaches, heartburn, indigestion, haemorrhoids, and skin pigmentation can be managed and brought under control. This is a time when the body has settled into the rhythm of the pregnancy, and it is the ideal time to prepare for the third trimester and for birth. Treatment at this stage can also prevent premature labor and unnatural birth.
Third Trimester: Backaches, sleeplessness, edema, and hormonal surges that occur during the third trimester can be supported. At this stage, there is a lack of space in the mother’s uterus which can cause muscular skeletal misalignment and also head and neck issues for the fetus, which can lead to feeding issues later on. BCST supports optimal growth of
the fetus by creating space in the uterus, and also helps engage the baby in a normal birthing position in the mother’s birth canal, thereby preventing unnatural interventions such as C-section, induced labor, and other procedures.
During Birth: During the actual birthing process, BCST supports the expansion of the tissues around the pelvic bowl which play a huge role in birth, making them more elastic so the mother’s body can open up and allow for natural birth.
Post-Partum/Post Birth: The delicate nervous system of the baby and the mother at the time of birth can be impacted and traumatized by C-section, ventouse or forceps birth, and induced or augmented labor. Separation between mother and baby due to unnatural birth can also be a cause for stress and trauma.
BCST supports the resolution of birth trauma and helps manage the implications for the mother and baby.
SUPPORTING THE MOTHER THROUGH FOR:
Post-partum depression
Insomnia
Fatigue
Breast conditions such as abscess and engorgement
Trauma resolution of surgery and other interventions such as episiotomy
SUPPORTING THE BABY FOR:
Plagiocephaly (Flattened head)
Misalignment along the spine
Sucking and feeding issues, which may also include a tongue tie condition
Torticollis (Difficulty in neck movement)
HOW ARE YOUNG CHILDREN TREATED?
The practitioner offers the treatment to the child in a gentle and non-invasive manner while the child is engaged in play and allowed to move around freely. The boundaries for children are sacrosanct. They are approached sensitively and contact is kept to the minimum. There is continuous interaction during the therapy and the environment is kept calm.
The practitioner can sometimes offer treatment without physical contact for children who are extremely sensitive to touch by creating a therapeutic field in the room. The treatment is conducted in such a manner until the child gets comfortable and allows for touch. Children feel safe and respected and enjoy the sessions, and even look forward to them.
Children today are exposed to a large number of electronic gadgets such as televisions, mobile phones, tablets, and many more. This exposure to radiation overwhelms their nervous system which can lead to several issues. BCST can support and help address issues such as:
Delayed milestones
Hypertonia and hypotonia
Disturbed sleep
Nightmares
Bedwetting
Low immunity
Conditions such as ADHD, learning difficulties, hyper-activity and behavioral issues
Epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and sensory integration issues
HOW CRANIOSACRAL BIODYNAMIC SUPPORTS DENTAL ISSUES AND INTERVENTIONS
BCST can be a great support in treating several dental issues and also improving the outcome of interventions such as appliances and surgeries.
Paedodontics: This is the branch of dentistry that deals with children’s teeth, and is also known as pediatric dentistry. It includes oral examination to detect any tooth decay, and treatment of oral issues such as malocclusion which is corrected by orthodontic treatment. While BCST can be supportive in reducing anxiety and making children calmer to, the larger role is to calm down the system to make the body more receptive and responsive to treatment, especially in the case of surgical intervention, and greatly improve the outcome of the treatment.
Periodontics: This is the branch of dentistry concerned with structures supporting the teeth and the diseases and conditions that affect these structures, such as plaque accumulation in the gingiva (gums) and teeth, as well as inflammation which can lead to degeneration of the bones surrounding the teeth. Periodontics also deals with the placing of implants into the jaw bone, which is a major surgery. BCST can help resolve inflammatory conditions that would increase the risk of periodontic issues, therefore being preventive and also support the body pre & post implant surgery to reduce pain and inflammation, making the body more receptive to treatment, therefore improving the outcome and decreasing the likelihood of rejecting external appliances. And also help improve the outcome and bring down the likelihood of the body’s rejection.
Orthodontics: This branch of dentistry deals with prevention, diagnosis, and correction of malocclusion that is misalignment of the teeth. It makes use of braces, bridges, and aligners to straighten the teeth, close gaps, or align the lips and teeth properly. Jaw conditions such as cross bite and open bite can also be addressed by orthodontics. BCST in the early years can help prevent or minimize the need for appliances, and also correct malocclusion..
Patients of all ages often experience a relapse after orthodontic treatment. This is due to the appliance being applied to the cranium which has existing patterns of torsion (twisting of nerves, leading to pressure) restriction and compression. When the appliances are placed without addressing these issues, the body is forced into a space it does not recognize, and on removing the appliance a relapse can occur. When there are structural imbalances in the body, for example if the spine is not aligned, and an appliance is fitted, there is cranial pressure which can lead to headaches or facial pain and mouth pain. BCST can help prepare the body for orthodontic appliances by settling the patterns of torsion, compression, and restriction, and also correct misalignment to a large extent to prepare the body for orthodontic treatment. This can help improve the outcome of treatment, prevent relapses, and even minimize the treatment period.
Prosthodontics: This branch of dentistry focuses on dental prosthesis through restoration and replacement of teeth. This is done to support oral function and health of patients with missing or deficient teeth, due to clinical conditions, accidental injuries, or old age. This includes dentures, bridges, crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays, as well as dental fillings made from sold substances such as gold or porcelain. If these are fitted when the body is not in balance, the body may reject them or not respond optimally. BCST can support the balance of the cranial system; reduce torsion compression, and restriction, in order to ensure that the body is more receptive to treatment and external appliances.
Issues of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): The TMJ is a hinge that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. This area is an important junction where neurological pathways for motor and sensory activity pass through. It is also in close proximity to sinuses, the middle and inner ear, throat tissue, brain tissue, and lymphatic tissue. When there is injury or inflammation or in case of muscular skeletal issues or maxillofacial imbalances, there will be compression, torsion, rotation, and traction in the area. This can lead to pain in the neck, face, ears, eyes, sinuses and teeth. It could also manifest in symptoms such as headaches, nausea, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), visual disturbances, vertigo, clicking sounds, bruxism (involuntary grinding of teeth) and lock jaw. Difficulty in chewing and swallowing, as well as sensory dysfunctions like fibromyalgia might also be experienced. These issues are usually treated with anti-inflammatory medication or surgical intervention where necessary.
BCST can release the torsion and compression in the area, allowing space, and easing the impingement of the nerves. Realignment can also be gently facilitated and overall TMJ function can be improved. Due to dryness and with age, the fluid system of the TMJ is adversely impacted.
This leads to wear and tear of the TMJ and also hampers the discharge of metabolic waste from the lymphatic system. BCST can support synovial fluid hydration, which allows sufficient lubrication of the area and help restore optimal function.
HOW CRANIOSACRAL BIODYNAMIC SUPPORTS TREATMENT FOR TONGUE & LIP TIE
The tongue is an essential organ that facilitates main functions of the body such as suckling, chewing, swallowing, breathing, digestion, and elimination. Restrictions in the tongue function, can compromise any of these processes. The frenulum is a soft connective tissue that extends from the floor of the mouth to the underside of the tongue and acts as an anchor An inelastic or tight frenulum called is called a tongue tie. This is a congenital midline anomaly that can compromise the tongue function..
The ramifications of a tongue tie are seen through several challenges:
Breastfeeding: Inability to latch, poor latch, poor transfer of milk, painful feeding, poor milk supply, and low weight gain
Infant feeding: Poor and passive bottle feeding, milk spillage, and aspiration of milk
Others: Chewing of solids, picky eating, open mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, jaw clenching, and bruxism, and hyperactivity.
A tongue tie does not resolve with age and therefore requires corrective surgery. An uncorrected tongue tie can increase compensatory behavior in the body over a period of time causing other issues such as muscular skeletal compensation, and an increased risk for cervical spondylitis, slip disc, chronic back pain, migraines or headaches, snoring,sleep apnea, and chronic anxiety. A minor procedure called frenotomy or frenectomy, helps release the frenulum to allow for optimal function of the tongue and address and prevent all the issues discussed above.
BCST pre and post frenotomy(or frenectomy) can support the optimal function of the frenulum, allowing the fascia (connective tissue) to relax, releasing the tension so there is no longer tightness, thereby significantly improving the outcome of the surgery.
During surgery, when the frenulum is released, it triggers a chain reaction in the body, that begins to start correcting the alignment. But these changes in the body need to be supported so they are optimized. BCST post-surgery also plays a crucial role and helps support the new neuro-muscular pathways formed after the surgery. Anecdotal evidence shows that frenotomy not supported by BCST does not show optimized results and is at a high risk for relapse of the condition.
