In the beginning, there was a light; life itself was conceived beyond simple conceptual thought. The chosen sperm and the fertile egg bound together upon a wave of light called a Zinc Spark. This is a miraculous moment to say the least. The light that is produced is not known by the naked eye, but has been studied and is said to be a result of an intracellular calcium surge that inspires the egg to rapidly release billions of zinc ions, causing the resemblance of a firework-like celebration inside of the fallopian tube! No better way to say welcome to the world little one than that!
Now that we have established the miraculous conception visuals, let’s fast forward. The fertilized egg has made her way to the womb and we have now hypothetically implanted the zygote into the uterine wall, life is established and after a few weeks, the embryonic stages begin - where one of our most primordial body fluids and rhythms, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), begins to play a part in the development of life expressed.
Somewhere around 28 Days post conception, immediately following the closure of the neural tube, the embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (eCSF) begins its role as both a mechanical and biochemical support system.
The mechanical function of the eCSF is responsible for structuring the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain through a rhythmic pressure that expands the vesicles.
The biochemical function of the eCSF acts as a highly specialized signaling environment filled with proteins, ions, and morphogens aka signaling molecules that control tissue development and pattern formation
This is all wildly important, to say the least! The eCSF in this initial stage of development is deeply guiding Neurogenesis - the biological process through which the brain produces new, functional nerve cells (neurons) from neural stem cells.
The Cerebrospinal Fluid itself and its rhythm, called the Cranio Wave, continues to be a vital part of our existence beyond the embryonic days and as we go through every single stage of life.
It was once thought that neurogenesis was only available to the initial formation of a baby, but it is now confirmed that adult brains also have access to creating new neurons and as Dr. Joe Dispenza says, “neurons that fire together, wire together” which sounds to me like a vital part of the beautiful evolution of human kind, but I won’t get too far ahead of myself in that statement… okay, bringing it back to CSF…
Once the initial neurogenesis is curated, the eCSF becomes CSF and is then constituted of 99% water and only 1% of the concentrated mix of proteins, ions, and morphogens. This diluted, but still potent solution serves three critical functions:
to maintain a stable, healthy environment for the central nervous system
mechanical protection and hydraulic cushioning for the brain
waste clearance, alongside chemical regulation, by a specialized process through what’s known as the glymphatic system - all while we sleep!
So, I’m sure you’re asking by now how this all relates back to Craniosacral Therapy, because I know that is why you are here. Well, I’ll let you in on my theory.
Craniosacral Therapy is a deeply moving modality due to the very fact that it touches into one of the most primordial rhythms within the body - a rhythm that is not often heard because it is so quiet, though diligent. This is the rhythm that not only formed pertinent physical structures, but the very physical structures that form our expression of mind and soul within and beyond the body - the nervous system and the brain.
Presence to this quiet rhythm, alone, is therapeutic. Though, alleviating tensions, so the cerebrospinal fluid can properly do its job in the body brings a sense of calm and ease to the entirety of the anatomical system and not only heals the surface level distortions, but also reminds our nervous systems of the very first home there ever was - the womb. After you were welcomed in by a zinc spark firework show, you began to become in the womb, as the perfectly formed atmosphere to enlighten transformations as profound as neurogenesis. So then, in our remembrance of this perfect environment that was so perfectly held by the amniotic fluid and mama’s voice - through CST, on a level beyond words remember what it is like to grow from a place of infinite possibility.
Through the invitation and direction of the cranio wave, trained hands who know this ancient language of the CSF are guided to places in the body as a whole that are asking for more support. The places in the body that are ready to be seen and ready to unwind. This, to me, is often akin to waves in an ocean. Where there are blockages, it can feel like the waves are splashing and even thrashing against boulders upon the seashore. This is what guides my hands and allows for therapeutic relief in my clients, but without remembering our perfect origins, we may unconsciously remain in protective patterns that are actually degenerating us versus the regeneration that is available and welcoming us in every moment.
In a nutshell!
