Many osteopaths recognize that external forces impose themselves upon the human body and the underlying fluid body, causing illness and dysfunction. Structure governs function; however, “forces” govern everything and impose their will upon the structures.
A simple example would be how a person holds their posture when they wear a purse or satchel over their shoulder. That bag exerts a force that the body needs to overcome or balance, causing a fundamental change in how the person carries themselves. A practitioner could provide a treatment, but unless they stop carrying that bag every day to the office, or change the way they are carrying that bag, the external force will remain and it will return to its old compensation pattern.
You may change the structure time and again, but unless the underlying forces are dealt with, the pattern returns. It is advantageous to tend to causal effects of the unseen that press quietly and constantly upon the body, until the organism becomes disorganized, causing illness.
Cranial Fluid Dynamics, founded by Solihin Thom, further expands Sutherland’s and Upledger’s work by introducing the idea that it is human consciousness that governs structures, and ultimately alters the function of the human being, creating states of dysfunction and disease.
This additional perspective brings in the power that the mind has over the body. For example, when we are under extreme stress we may become aware that the thoughts causing our stress result in muscle tension. For some the jaw becomes clenched, for others their shoulders and neck become tense, and others notice that their chest is tight, in some cases leading to asthma. Some people hold tension in their stomach that may result in nausea, diarrhea, bloating, or trouble with digestion. In other words, how we think affects our bodies and how they work. Cranial fluid dynamics works on this level to expand our awareness and allow for ease and flow in our minds and therefore our bodies.
Cranial Fluid Dynamics:
- Brings awareness to the causative forces that have influence on or disrupt the system
- Offers hope for chronic conditions and mental health conditions such as anxiety, trauma, etc.
- Gives patients freedom from pain and dis-ease by supporting the body in accessing and restoring dynamic function
- Reduces stress by allowing and showing patients how they may access a sense of peace
- Rebalances the system providing the individual with a sustainable long term solution to working with their pain or condition
- Empowers patients to reclaim health through offering insight into the patterns that are causing the underlying imbalance
- Offers patients a choice, they may not have been aware of, in how they may want to move forward
Dr. Serron Wilkie is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist at Heart Spring Health, a holistic health clinic in Southeast Portland, Oregon. She provides the full spectrum of care for a wide range of health concerns, including a focus in holistic mental health and integrative cancer care. Click here to learn more about Dr Wilkie.
To schedule an appointment with Dr Wilkie or any of our providers, please contact us at 503-956-9396 or [email protected]
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