My goal was to teach people how to develop a deeper connection with their horse. To do a deep dive into how to work with horses in a unique way of connecting with the horse’s mind, thoughts, and soul.
CranioSacral therapy is a complimentary and alternative health care that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, the deep fluid body, and the effect of these disorders on general health. Craniosacral care adresses the bones in the skull, the soft tissue in the skull, and their relationships with the sacrum through the dura of the spine. Biodynamic craniosacral goes deeper into the fluid matrix following rhythms deep within the system that nourishes the nervous system, the fascia systems, and that connects our body originating from early embryological stages. A therapeutic procedure performed by a therapist uses a sustained contact in a precise way to release compressions where the plates in the skull join, and to release tightness in the soft tissue that surrounds these plates to restore the fluidity that feeds the nervous system.
Biodynamic craniosacral dives right into the fluids releasing old straining patterns that pull on fascial systems.
The cranium has an integrated web of blood supply and nerve branches that easily get tight, impinged, and compressed. When the soft tissue gets tight, this can pull on the plates in the skull and actually distort their shape, which then disrupts neurological communications between the brain and the cells, tissues, and organs of the body.
Because of the anatomy of the nervous system, this compression or distortion will effect the entire body of the horse. Tissue injury can be caused from a single event, such as pulling back while tied, or some other head trauma such as hitting their head in the trailer, or getting kicked. Or it can become damaged through repetitive stress such as tight nose bands, wearing head gear, rein use, dental procedures, etc. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished nerve function. Relieving tightness or compression in the head, TMJ, and poll area, takes the pressure off of the nerve branches that pull on the dura and effect the central nervous system of the horse. Sometimes these injuries go unnoticed because there was no broken skin and no outwardly signs of trauma, but a good therapist can identify and open up the areas where the compressions disrupt neurological communications.
One of the most common health issues that horses face today that effect proprioception and the central nervous system, yet go highly unnoticed is TMJ dysfunction. Through craniosacral therapy and balanced dentistry, horses are finding relief and many health issues that were once plaguing are now becoming obsolete.
Equine veterinarians and osteopaths have found that up to 80% of musculoskeletal restrictions and areas of immobility that influence gait patterning, may be influenced from the autonomic nervous system. This influence is a result of pressures put on the spine, sacrum, pelvis, shoulders, and cranium bones. Relieving compressions restores the autonomic nervous system, which helps the vertebra free up all by themselves. This approaches the direct cause of subluxations that then travel down to lower limb problems. Without restoring the nervous system, simply addressing the subluxation can have a limited result due to the afferent and efferent flow of nerves.
“Sophie recently began craniosacral therapy with Shea Stewart and the proof is in the posture! What a change that is also showing in her ability to stretch under saddle. I’ve always felt that Sophie had some “things” to work out in her skull, and this modality is really reaping rewards for us. Happy pony, happy mom!”
CranioSacral is quickly gaining recognition in the human world as it is being incorporated in hospitals for patients who have suffered head traumas. In the horse world, it is also quickly gaining popularity as results are being seen in issues where all other modalities have been tried but unsuccessful in helping horses find relief. Head Shaking syndrome, for instance, is a devastating condition effecting horses world wide. With the only relief offered from the veterinary world being drugs or invasive surgeries. CranioSacral has been found to offer relief to horses with this condition. Below are a few other common conditions that CranioSacral is found to help.
~ TMJ Dysfunction or Disorder
~ Head and Ear Shyness
~ Sore Hocks
~ Stifle Weakness
~ Cribbing and Headshaking
~ Poll Restrictions and Pain
~ Posture Imbalance
~ Restricted Pelvis Movement
Back and Neck Pain
~ Decreased Athletic Performance
~ Abnormal Hoof Growth
~ Shying and Spooking
~ Difficulty Catching
~ Crookedness
~ Dull Expression and Lethargy
~ Gait Asymmetries
My goal was to teach people how to develop a deeper connection with their horse. To do a deep dive into how to work with horses in a unique way of connecting with the horse’s mind, thoughts, and soul.
Copyright © 2024 Equine Balance | All Rights Reserved.
Designed by: JLab Animation