Cranial Base & Neural Regulation

Head trauma is one of the most under researched issues in the horse community, yet may possibly have significant ramifications to endocrine function. This is a bold statement given there is literally zero research in this field. However, in humans there has been quite a bit of research from mild to severe concussions and their knock on effects to the microbiome and endothelial cells. Damage that can have severe consequences to all bodily functions. In the human world, cerebral spinal fluid biomarker tests with known neurodegenerative diseases show a build up of plaque in the important part of the brain where CSF is extracted from blood plasma. Disrupting circadian rhythms, sleep wake cycles, and inhibiting the brain from it’s daily detoxing cycle. Horses have these exact same structures.

Cushings disease in horses is almost a given once they reach a certain age. Given the location of the pituitary gland on the sphenoid bone, and the base of the skull being a vulnerable area susceptible to compression from pulling back while tied, riding in flexion or with restrictive head gear, I can’t help but wonder if this could be contributing to the stress on the pituitary gland. A gland that is also stimulated with deep breath that we also restrict in horses from tight nose bands and restrictions in their ability to run and play.

Head compression in horses from tight gear, head trauma from falls, pull backs, blunt force, unbalanced dentistry that destabilizes the foundation of their balancing system, all have the potential for significant knock off effects in the entire body. From posture imbalances creating undo stress on joints like hocks, stifles, SI, knees, to changes in the microbiome creating an acidic environment that possibly leads to stomach ulcers and hind gut distress. The exit point of the vagus nerve at the base of the skull is also vulnerable to compressions, as well as the glossopharyngeal nerve, the accessory nerve, and importantly the detoxing system of the venous sinuses. When the ecosystem of the brain begins to breakdown due to toxin build up, this can lead to numerous problems that most likely do not get associated with a head trauma or compression.

The questions we are left with are could cribbing, head shaking, cushings, ulcers, hind gut problems, chronic colic, joint stiffness, posture imbalances, under developed muscle tone, social anxieties, all have a common thread tracing back to head traumas? I believe this is worth exploring. In my years of practice and seeing what changes are possible from regular craniosacral sessions, I believe the answer to the question is that this is a huge possibility. This is why I created these courses so more horses in the world could have the opportunity to have these issues addressed.

This level 2 class, focuses on specific structures of the cranial base, and the entire system of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which will give you an understanding of how these systems work together from a trauma informed and holistic perspective. You will have a better understanding of the contrecoup effects throughout the body as we dive deeper into some important anatomical structures around the brain and cranial nerves. While also exploring deeper biodynamic concepts of working from your heart space and orienting to a wider lens of health in the body.