This therapy focuses on the rhythmic movement of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.  The fluid is contained within a closed membrane called the dura.

The dura is elastic tissue that suspends the brain within the skull and prevents it from colliding with the inside of the cranium when the head is impacted or experiences a sudden stop.  The brain is essentially fixed to the centre of a set of trampoline-like structures, one running vertically along with the centre line of the skull from front to back and a second on a horizontal plane.  The dura also extends down the spine to encase the spinal cord and ends by attaching at the tailbone. 

If a violent movement wrenches the structure small micro tears can occur in the membrane.  These injury points will form scar tissue to repair and maintain the membrane.  However, scar tissue has less elasticity and reduces the flexibility and mobility of the structures.  Certain wrenches can result in the imbalanced suspension of the brain and spinal cord.  This imbalance will be transmitted throughout the entire nervous system, resulting in nerve tension that creates symptoms of pain and dysfunction.  Thus a fall onto the tailbone can result in pain higher up the spine, a whiplash injury can create pain or loss of sensation in the arms and hands. 

Craniosacral Therapy is an approach that manipulates the dura to re-instate elasticity and structural balance to the central nervous system and the wider body.  It recruits the rhythmic impulse of the fluid-filled dura to gently stimulate and release fixations to return health and balance to the body. 

CST1, CST2, SER1

the organs have a movement pattern driven by the nervous system, this produces a rhythm which matches the flexion and extension of the craniosacral system. This movement is known as motility. Disruptions in these movement patterns can relate to dysfunction of the organ. Also, the viscera are fixed in place within the body by ligaments that suspend the organs to surrounding structures. Loss of elasticity within these connections can reduce the ability of the viscera to slide freely and result in loss of healthy function. This therapy re-introduces mobility and motility to the organs.

VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4, VM5.

Neural manipulation techniques

This approach works with the peripheral nerves of the body to improve the health and function. Nerves should have a free and gliding relationship with the neighbouring tissues, they also have the ability to stretch along their lengths thus allowing an unimpaired range of movement. Nerves, however, can be compromised resulting in reduced function and pain. They can be entrapped by surrounding tissues that may pinch or crush the nerve which can lead to pins and needles, tingling or pain.

Nerves have their own internal circulation which can become congested creating small swellings known as nerve buds. This pressure over stimulates the nerve leading to dysfunction and pain.

These techniques are effective by working along the length of the nerve to ensure the surrounding tissues do not entrap it, to maintain elasticity along its length. and encourage good internal circulation.

MN1, MN2, MN3, MN4, MN5.

Manual Articular Techniques.

These techniques work to ensure that the joints are stable and unrestricted. By treating the surrounding connective tissue, muscles, nerves and blood vessels manual articular techniques encourage healthy alignment to support the capsule of the joint.

Working with the joints of the limbs, spine, pelvis and ribs and their interconnected relationships across the body. These techniques re-introduce elasticity to the ligaments and tendons around joints to allow a full range of movement and relief from pain.

MAUL, MALL, MASP.

Vascular Manipulation Techniques

The arteries are muscular vessels ensheathed by the nerves of the autonomic system. These techniques gently stretch along the length of the artery to invigorate the tone of the vessel to support a responsive and balanced blood system. The veins have a much less muscular structure and are more easily compressed.
These techniques also ensure the surrounding tissues do not impinge on the venous system to avoid congestion within the body.
The vascular techniques support the health of the circulatory system that provides nourishment throughout the body. The blood is also the means of transport for the hormones for which a free and uncongested venous system is essential.

The skill of assessing the quality of the pulse around the viscera is a useful indicator of effective manipulation techniques and the essential health of the organs.

VM1, VM2

Steven has been training with the Barral Institute UK since 2010 and attended many courses with direct tutelage from Jean-Pierre Barral and Alain Crobier.