Art

 

The Cerebrospinal Fluid Technique (CSFT) and Cerebrospinal Fluid Technique Massage (CSFTM) procedures combine leading edge science with the philosophical principles underlying bodywork as a healing art. The "CSFT" protocol primarily addresses freeing up impedances to "CSF" circulation around the brain and spinal cord. The “CSFTM” procedure utilizes variations of Swedish massage strokes to affect the spinal and cranial musculature as well as the muscles that control the cerebrospinal fluid (“CSF”) pumping mechanisms.

 

The "CSFT" clinical procedure uses both chiropractic and massage type "strokes" in different areas of the cerebrospinal axis. Thus, the "CSFT" protocol is inclusive of both the aforementioned body work techniques, but is not exclusively either one or the other. The hands-on protocol utilized in "CSFT" is not based on a chiropractic technique nor a massage procedure, but is related to this authors experience, knowledge and expertise in both healing arts.

 

The "CSFT" procedure addresses all the spinal bones starting with the coccyx and up to and including the atlas vertebrae. It also includes working on all the external cranial bones. Additional osseous structures which directly or indirectly attach to the spine such as the pelvis and sternum may also be included in the clinical protocol.

 

The “CSFTM” procedure utilizes variations of the Swedish massage major categories of strokes including effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement. These Swedish massage stroke variations utilized in the “CSFTM” protocol emphasize certain parameters including a precise amount of pressure, pace of the stroke, and a designated angle when applying the stroke. The aforementioned parameters are not specifically stressed in a traditional Swedish massage routine. These massage stroke guidelines are designed to free up areas of impeded “CSF” circulation around the cerebrospinal axis. The procedure also addresses massaging specific muscles whose action facilitates the “CSF” pumping mechanism, as well as other paraspinal and cranial muscles.

 

The “CSFTM” procedure is designed primarily to affect the five layers of muscles whose action moves the vertebral column, cranial muscles as well as other muscles. These other muscles affect not only the spinal column as a whole, but also osseous structures that they directly or indirectly attach to such as the arms, scapulas, diaphragm, and ribs. The protocol addresses certain layers of the paraspinal muscles, which affect movement of large sections of the spine, such as the erector spinae group, and other deeper muscles affecting individual or multiple vertebrae such as the transversospinalis group.

 

 

Philosophy    

                                                                                                                                 

Although this article will primarily focus on the scientific basis of the importance of unimpeded Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) circulation and its clinical application, a philosophical foundation is an important starting point.  Historically it is well documented that the philosophical foundations of bodywork are vitalistic.1 The basic principle of vitalism states that there is an inherent or in-born intelligence that animates, motivates, heals, coordinates, and inspires living beings. (Since the body is organized in such a varied and complex manner it must be “intelligent”.) Vitalism assumes that life is self-determining and self-evolving. Healing is seen as a process of personal evolution, growth, self-development, and self-discovery. Growth and development need mutual support and that support is a feeling state, an emotion.< o:p>

 

Feelings are just information, (just as touch is information), that needs to be listened to and not “manipulated”. When the feeling state is experienced, the body can make a physiological shift. For example, a “gut feeling” is a visceral response to one’s external environment. The feeling state then is a response to internal and external life conditions, which are recorded when information is received by the nervous, muscular and other systems. The memory of the information is related to the feeling at that time, and a biochemical condition correlates to the healing experience.

 

According to Dr. Ida Rolf (Structural Integration, aka Rolfing), Dr. Janet Travell (Trigger Point Therapy), John Barnes, PT (Myofascial Release), Dr. John Upledger (Cranial Sacral Therapy) and others, muscular patterns are formed in psychological arrangements. The chemical of emotion intersects with the muscular patterns, and muscles respond to psychological states. Feelings and motor patterns develop together where the feelings are “fluid” born chemicals whose emotional chemistry and muscular behavior are linked.

 

 

Science

 

The clinical objective of Cerebrospinal Fluid Technique and Massage is to free up the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (“CSF”) around the cerebrospinal axis comprised of the brain and spinal cord. What is cerebrospinal fluid, where is it found and why is it so important?

 

Cerebrospinal fluid comprises a singular continuous fluid system whose circulation is very important to the functioning of the brain itself. Far more than a “shock absorber” cushion of protection for the brain and spinal cord, the movement and flow of “CSF” is essential to the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Cerebrospinal fluid bathes the neurons (nerve cells) and glial cells (connective tissue) of the brain and spinal cord. It carries nutrients as well as removes metabolic wastes and toxic substances from the central nervous system in conjunction with the arterial (nutrients) and venous (waste and toxin removal) branches of the circulatory system.

 

It also has a major influence on the body’s homeostatic pH balance of acidity/alkalinity. Recent research also suggests that “CSF” may be the primary factor which produces the electromagnetic environment of neurons and other cells of the central nervous system (Upledger 2000). Further current scientific research indicates that “CSF” could act as a chelating (binding) agent removing metallic toxins from the brain and spinal cord, providing protection against free radical cell damaging oxidation, and the accumulation of non-metallic toxins (Upledger 2000).

 

Physiologists currently state that carbon dioxide levels in the “CSF” have a more direct influence on the chemo-receptor respiratory mechanisms in the brain stem (medulla oblongata) than carbon dioxide levels in the blood (Guyton 2000). Thus, carbon dioxide levels in the “CSF” have a major influence on the critical acid-base balance of body homeostasis, which is partly regulated by carbon dioxide. In addition, electrolytes present in the “CSF” have a great influence on the body’s electromagnetic environment, which allow the central nervous system to work by the conduction of electricity. (Electrolytes are substances which when dissolved in water can conduct electricity.) Also “CSF” is the most conductive fluid in the body.

 

The abovementioned two mechanisms concerning carbon dioxide levels in the “CSF”, and the electrolyte elements of sodium and potassium which circulate within the “CSF”, are significantly imbalanced by impeded “CSF” circulation (see “Analysis” section in this article).

 

Approximately 500 ml (about one pint) of CSF is formed per day primarily from cavities in the very center of the brain called the lateral ventricles. Spongy masses of specialized cells in the ventricles called the choroid plexus, as well as the ependyma (membrane) that line the lateral ventricles, weep CSF from the blood. Also a smaller amount of “CSF” is formed from the ependyma of the 3rd and 4th ventricles (Guyton 2000). However, according to Bruno Chikly, M.D., one of the leading experts in the lymphatic system, 15 to 30% of circulating CSF may be exchanged from lymph fluid and perhaps 60 to 85% from the choroid plexus (Chikly 1999). The total amount produced per day is enough to completely replace the entire volume of CSF three to five times daily. However, the average person has about 150 ml, less than a cupful, of “CSF” circulating ar ound the brain and spinal cord at any one time (Travis 1999).

 

The “CSF” formed in the lateral ventricles (cavities) within the right and left cerebral hemispheres flows through canals into the third ventricle in the mid brain area between the right and left halves of the thalamus. It then continues through another canal into the fourth ventricle within the region of the middle and lower brain stem (pons and medulla oblongata). The fourth ventricle narrows to form the central canal of the spinal cord which extends to the level of the second lumbar vertebrae. From the fourth ventricle, the majority of CSF flows down through the central canal of the spinal cord while a smaller amount circulates up through three small canals around the outer surface of the brain assisted by the cranial-sacral pumping mechanism (Guyton 2000).

 

In either pathway the “CSF” is now circulating between the three layers of the meninges, which are saran wrap-like membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The “CSF” circulates between two membranes, the pia mater, or soft mother, which is thin and adheres to the exterior surface of the brain and spinal cord, and the arachnoid mater, or spider mother, which is the middle layer of the three membranes called meninges. The outer layer of these coverings is the dura mater, or tough mother, which adheres to the inner surface of the cranium, and some of the osseous cervical and sacral spinal segments. Dr. John Upledger, founder of Cranial Sacral Therapy, claims that “CSF” also circulates between the arachnoid and dura mater because the “CSF” is absorbed through the dural envelope in the superior sagittal sinus at the top of the cranium (Upled ger 1998). The sub-arachnoid space is also penetrated by the denticulate ligaments. These tiny ligaments are extensions of the pia mater that attach to the spinal cord at 21 regular intervals and hold it in place. They extend from the foramen magnum, where the cord begins, to the second lumbar vertebrae where it terminates (Gates 1980). 

 

Although the spinal cord itself ends at the second lumbar vertebrae, it separates into numerous lumbo-sacral nerve roots which together are called the cauda equina, which means “horses tail” as they resemble it. These lumbo-sacral nerve roots are surrounded by a reservoir of “CSF” called the lumbar cistern that begins at the second lumbar vertebrae and ends at the second of five sacral segments at the conus medullaris. Strands of the pia mater called the filum (thread-like) terminale (terminating point) extend with some nerve fibers from the conus medullaris, and attach to the posterior aspect of the first coccygeal segment (Guyton 2000).

 

The circulating “CSF” is primarily absorbed into the blood through the arachnoid villi of the superior sagittal sinus cavity at the top of the cranium, and to a lesser extent through the arachnoid granulation bodies called the pachionian granulations (Upledger 1998). However, Dr. Chikly’s scientific literature search has led him to theorize that up to 50% of the circulating “CSF” may actually be absorbed into the lymphatic system, as numerous published studies show that some constituent of the “CSF” in animals drains into cervical lymph nodes (Chikly 1999). Dr. Chikly extrapolates this scientific data to suggest the possibility that the entire spinal system absorbs “CSF” into the lymphatic vessels which support the central nervous system.

 

The “CSF” circulates between the meningeal coverings immediately underneath the spinal bones which together comprise the vertebral column. Consequently, the flow of “CSF” could be impeded by slight misalignments of these bones, i.e. vertebral subluxations (a subluxation is a misalignment less than a dislocation). Since the actions of the five layers of abovementioned spinal muscles directly affect the position and movement of the spinal bones individually and in sections, it is imperative that these muscles be functioning properly in order for the “CSF” to circulate freely. Additionally, more severe misalignments of spinal bones could increase tension on the aforementioned denticulate ligaments, and thereby impede “CSF” circulation in the sub-arachnoid space above the pia mater.

 

Although the actions of the cranial muscles do not directly affect the movement of cranial bones, according to John Upledger, DO, OMM, founder of Cranial Sacral Therapy and others, the cranial bones may in fact move in response to the Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM) (Upledger 1998). The primary respiratory mechanism is a rhythmic motion independent of the heart beat and breath, although it can be enhanced by deep breathing. The “PRM”, or cranial-sacral rhythm, has been attributed to the bending of cranial bones and a subtle motion between the bones. Living bone, unlike dry, dead bone, is flexible like plastic, and therefore could expand and contract, as the fibrous sutures (joints) between the cranial bones could allow small amounts of movement (Whedon 1997). The “CSF” also circulates directly underneath the cranial bones, so that any misalignments of these bones could also impede “CSF” circulation around the cranium. Thus, it is essential that the cranial muscles be functioning properly in order for the “CSF” to circulate freely.

 

The cerebrospinal fluid circulation around the brain and spinal cord is facilitated primarily by the action of two coordinated pumping mechanisms. The cranial pumping mechanism occurs at the spheno-basilar junction where the sphenoid bone articulates with the basilar portion (anterior) of the occiput bone. The sphenoid bone is in the center of the skull and articulates with many other cranial bones,

 

Upon inspiration, as the nasal conchae fill up with air, pressure is applied on the anterior portion of the sphenoid bone and the sphenoidal sinus where it contacts the basilar portion of the sphenoid bone. This pressure causes the spheno-basilar junction to move slightly posterior and inferior. On expiration, the spheno-basilar articulation relaxes as the pressure created by the inhaled air is exhaled. This release of pressure causes the spheno-basilar junction to move slightly anterior and superior. This “to and fro” movement of the spheno-basilar junction pumps “CSF” down through the spinal canal on its journey towards the second sacral segment, and may also assist circulation up and around the cranium.

 

The other major pumping mechanism which facilitates “CSF” circulation is the sacrum. Upon inspiration the diaphragm contracts down resulting in a series of muscle contractions in the thoraco-abdominal region which cause the sacrum to “pump”. Specifically, the following muscles contract inferiorly to cause the sacrum to extend up upon inspiration where the narrow sacral apex (bottom) goes anterior and the broad sacral base (top) goes posterior. The rectus abdominis, internal oblique, transverse abdominis, quadratus lumborum, and serratus posterior inferior contract inferior synergistically as the diaphragm contracts down upon inspiration. These aforementioned muscles are assisted in the sacral pumping by the actions of the iliocostalis and longissimus relays of the erector spinae group, and the inferior most portion s of the multifidus m uscles of the transversospinalis group, which also contract inferiorly.

 

Upon expiration the diaphragm relaxes upward also affecting a series of muscle contractions in the same region which complete the “pumping” (up and down movement) of the sacrum. The following muscles contract superiorly to cause the sacrum to flex down upon expiration where the apex goes posterior and the base goes anterior. The iliopsoas, external oblique, and serratus posterior inferior contract superior synergistically as the diaphragm relaxes. Therefore, in order for the “CSF” to circulate freely it is important that the abovementioned muscles, which affect the pumping mechanisms, must be functioning appropriately as well.

 

The aforementioned Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM) or cranial-sacral rhythm could also contribute to a synchronous movement of the cranial-sacral pumping mechanism by way of the dural attachments at the foramen magnum (basilar portion of the occiput bone) and second sacral segment. Concurrently, the extension and flexion (upward and downward movement) of the sacrum could contribute to a synchronistic flexion and extension of the spheno-basilar junction in the cranium where in flexion the junction rises and in extension the junction falls. The cartilaginous articulation of these two bones (sphenoid and basilar portion of the occiput) allow for the bones to move slightly up and away from each other on flexion, and toward each other on extension.

 

Additionally, the articular pillars of the individual spinal bones move in a piston-like motion initiated by the sacral pump and facilitate “CSF” circulation up and around the spinal cord. Also the sub-arachnoid space is penetrated by the denticulate ligaments. These tiny ligaments are extensions of the pia mater from C-1 to L-2, which attach to the spinal cord acting like guide wires on a bridge holding the cord in place, and also maintain proper tension. The dentate ligaments could contract in response to the “up and down” movement of the vertebral articular pillars, and thereby facilitate “CSF” circulation up around and down the central canal of the spinal cord.

 

The import of unimpeded “CSF” circulations to proper body functioning is further emphasized by the following aspects and expressions of human anatomy and physiology. The act of walking assists the aforementioned sacral pumping mechanism by the rolling motion of the hips which cause an “up and down” movement of the sacrum. Mastication also assists “CSF” circulation as the atlas vertebrae moves slightly “up and down” when chewing. Slips of the dura mater adhere to the spinal canal just medial to the atlas transverse processes, which facilitate “CSF” circulation up into the cranium when chewing. The sucking reflex of infants also causes a movement of the atlas vertebrae similar to the aforementioned motion and facilitates “CSF” circulation.

 

 

  

Analysis

  

It is proposed that impeded “CSF” circulation is related to stasis or “pooling” of “CSF” that occurs within the menigeal covering of the brain and spinal cord between whose layers “CSF” flows. For the purpose of this article, “CSF” stasis could be caused by a vertebral subluxation (a misalignment less than a dislocation) of a spinal bone or a misalignment of a cranial bone. These cerebrospinal osseous subluxations could be related to a lack of recovery by the homeostatic mechanisms of the body to a cumulative combination of physical stress and/or mechanical trauma, mental-emotional, and chemical stress.

 

It is suggested that this cumulative overload of stress becomes lodged in the central supporting structure of the body, the cerebrospinal axis comprised of the cranium and spinal column. Specifically, these types of stress effect the muscle and connective tissue systems which support and move the skull and vertebral column. Dr. Ida Rolf (Structural Integration, aka, Rolfing), Dr. John Upledger (Cranial Sacral Therapy), Dr. Janet Travell (Trigger Point Therapy), John Barnes, P.T. (Myofascial Release) and others have described the effect of the aforementioned types of stress on the soft tissues which support and move the axial and appendicular skeleton. The cumulative effect is tension, taut fibers, and spastic contractions of these supportive soft tissues, together comprising the contributing conditions which could result in subluxations of s pinal and cranial bones.

 

When a cranial and/or a spinal bone slightly subluxates, the first structure the bone comes into contact with is the outermost layer of the meninges, the dura mater. The semi-permeable dural membrane is continuous with the inside of the vertebral canal (endosteum) and cranium (outer periosteal layer), and also directly adheres to these bones at a number of attachment sites (foramen magnum, atlas and second sacral segment). When these bones subluxate even slightly, the dural membrane is compromised, which causes a stasis or “pooling” of the circulating “CSF” underneath the subluxated spinal and/or cranial bone.

 

It is proposed that this increases the hydrostatic pressure in that area causing the force and/or weight of the circulating “CSF” to push against the meningeal membranes (dura and pia mater) within which the “CSF” flows. It is theorized that this creates a condition whereby through the physical process of filtration (requiring no energy), fluid and solutes, such as sodium and potassium circulating within the “CSF”, are pushed through the semi-permeable meningeal membranes (inner dural layer and pia), in the area of increased hydrostatic pressure related to the aforementioned osseous subluxations.

 

Consequently, the aforementioned electrolytes of positively charged sodium and potassium molecules circulating within the “CSF” could decrease in number in the area of “CSF” stasis. However, since potassium molecules are twice the molecular weight of sodium, it is primarily the heavier potassium molecules which are affected. This could also create an electrolyte imbalance within the “CSF”, disturbing the overall electromagnetic environment of the nervous system, and impairing its proper functioning.

 

The physiological condition described above can be evaluated through manual palpation on the skin surface over the area of “CSF” stasis. The analysis is for a change in the coefficient of friction over the involved area. This is caused by an increase in the overall negative charge on the skin surface related primarily to fewer positively charged potassium molecules in the area of impeded “CSF” flow, i.e., a decrease in positively charged potassium molecules will cause an increase in the overall negative charge in that area. By a principle of physics, when there is an increase in the negative charge on any surface it will change the coefficient of friction over that area.

 

This change in the coefficient of friction creates the tactile sensation of a “drag” or resistance on the skin surface, which can be detected by manual palpation with the fingertips, where Meissner’s corpuscles, which detect “fine” touch, are concentrated close to the skin surface. Thus, impeded “CSF” circulation can be clinically analyzed by a change in the coefficient of friction on the skin surface over the area of impedance. The trained practitioner analyzes for the presence of a “drag” or resistance on the skin surface through manual palpation. This tactile discrimination also enables the practitioner to clinically determine when the “CSF” impedance has been released in that area.

 

It is theorized that when the condition of “stasis” or “pooling” is released (corrected), the hydrostatic pressure returns to “normal”, and potassium molecules no longer filter through the meningeal membranes in that area. Thereby, the increase in the negative charge caused by a decrease in positively charged potassium molecules is no longer present. Thus, the “drag” or resistance on the skin surface, related to the change in the coefficient of friction, no longer exists when the impedance to “CSF” circulation in that area is corrected. The practitioner analyzes the aforementioned change by the absence of a “drag” or resistance on the skin surface over the area of “CSF” impedance which was formerly present.

 

A similar “phenomenon” is described by Osteopath, Dr. Robert Fulford, in his book Dr. Fulford’s Touch of Life. (Andrew Weil, M.D., devoted almost an entire chapter to Dr. Fulford in his number one “New York Times” bestseller Spontaneous Healing). Dr Fulford states in his book that when a patients “life force” wasn’t flowing in an area of the body, that he felt a “drag” on the skin surface over the spot. He also claimed that the “life force” is created by a field of electromagnetic energy enveloping and surrounding the body (Fulford 1996). This electromagnetic energy field could be produced by the unimpeded circulation of “CSF”, and conversely, impedance to “CSF” flow could have produced the “drag” on the skin surface described by Dr. Fulford.

 

Chiropractor and chiropractic researcher, Dr. I.N. Toftness, also described a similar phenomenon of a tactile resistance on the skin surface over a vertebral subluxation that ceased upon correction of the subluxation. In his research with a Microwave Radiometer instrument, he discovered that the body emitted an extremely high frequency of microwave radiation, (a harmonic at 69.5 GHz or million Hertz while the human body “normally” emits a range of about 8 to 28 Hz), in the areas of vertebral subluxations, which he stated were related to “disturbed” nervous tissue (Toftness 1976). Neurological deficit or “disturbed” nervous tissue could occur concurrently with impeded “CSF” flow in the central nervous system. The electrolyte imbalance caused by impeded “CSF” circulation could impair nervous system conductivity, which could affect the axo plasmic flow, and result in neurological deficit.

 

Vertebral subluxations potentially disrupt nerve signal transmissions (neurological deficit) in myelinated nerve trunks immediately distal to the spinal nerve roots emanating between spinal bones. The axon is the central core of the nerve fiber, which conducts the action potential along the nerve. The axoplasm is a viscous intracellular fluid inside the axon (not unlike the blood plasma in arteries). Electrical currents flow both outside the myelin sheath covering the nerve in surrounding extracellular fluid, as well as through the axoplasm along the nodes of Ranvier. The action potential is conducted from node to node along the nerve fiber, which is called salutatory conduction, i.e. proceeding by “leaps” rather than gradual transmission (Guyton 2000).

 

Conduction of the nerve impulse in myelinated nerve fiber is accomplished almost entirely by ion conduction through voltage gated sodium channels with very little contribution from the potassium channels. Salutatory conduction requires little metabolism for establishing Na+ and K+ concentration differences across the nerve membrane to generate a series of nerve impulses.

 

Membrane depolarization and polarization (electrical conduction) to generate the action potential nerve impulse is dependent upon the concentrate on Na+ ions crossing the permeable nerve membrane. At the end of the action potential the nerve membrane becomes permeable to K+, which creates hyper- polarization, and then disappears allowing the generation of a new action potential (Guyton 2000).

 

The imbalance in the electrolytes of Na+ and K+ in the primary pathway of “CSF” circulation, just proximal to the aforementioned spinal nerve roots, could interfere with the abovementioned mechanism of action potential nerve conductivity. Although there is no current scientific documentation for peripheral “CSF” circulation distal to the intervertebral foramina, Upledger does report research evidence of “CSF” circulation out the dural sleeves as far as the intervertebral foramina (IVF) (Upledger 1998).

 

In research at Michigan State University done by Irvin M. Korr, Ph.D physiologist in the Biomechanics Department; radioactive tracers were injected into the lateral ventricles of guinea pigs and radioactivity was found throughout the length of the spinal cord, the dural tube, and out the dural sleeves as far as the “IVF” (Upledger 1998). Compression of the anterior and posterior spinal nerve roots caused by a vertebral subluxation could unbalance the concentration of sodium and potassium circulating within the “CSF” around the aforementioned nerve roots. This, in turn, could alter (short circuit) the conduction of nerve impulses distal to the nerve roots, by unbalancing the concentration of Na+ and K+ crossing the nerve membrane which generates a series of nerve impulses. Since membrane polarization (electrical conduction) and hyper-polarization are dependent upon concentration of sodium and potassium ions respectively, the electrical current through the axoplasm could be altered (short circuited), which could result in neurological deficit. 

 

The same aforementioned mechanism of an increase in hydrostatic pressure in an area of “CSF” stasis or “pooling” related to impeded circulation could have a similar effect on oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the “CSF”. Since the molecular weight of carbon dioxide molecules is one and one-half that of oxygen molecules, more of the heavier carbon dioxide molecules could “filter” through the semi-permeable meningeal membranes then oxygen molecules. This could result in a decrease in carbon dioxide molecules circulating in the “CSF” in the area of impedance (stasis). This decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the “CSF” could cause an increase in pH (a more alkaline condition) in the aforementioned acid-base balance in the “CSF” specifically, and the body in general.

 

This increase in pH could affect the homeostatic chemo-receptors which control respiration in the brain stem. Consequently, the body may respond to the abovementioned increase in pH, due to a decrease in the carbon dioxide levels in the “CSF”, by decreasing the amount of oxygen that needs to be taken in through inspiration to maintain an alkaline body pH. The respiratory control mechanisms in the brain stem register a decrease in carbon dioxide levels related solely to impeded “CSF” circulation. (Again, physiologists currently state that carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the “CSF” are more influential than in the blood in regulating respiration.) However, this is a “false” reading of the overall carbon dioxide/oxygen concentration in the “CSF” and subsequent acid/base balance. “False” because the imbalance is created by an “abnormal” condition of impeded “CSF” circulation, rather than a “normal” physiological change in overall carbon dioxide/oxygen levels, i.e., acid/base balance.

 

Conversely, when the impeded “CSF” circulation is corrected, the stasis and “pooling” in the area of impedance is eliminated. The condition of increased hydrostatic pressure is no longer present; and carbon dioxide molecules no longer filter through the semi-permeable meningeal membrane in the area of impeded “CSF” circulation. Consequently, carbon dioxide levels in the “CSF” return to a “normal” level, i.e. a level not related to the “abnormal” condition of impeded “CSF” circulation. Concomitantly, the respiratory control mechanisms in the brain stem register this change as an overall increase in carbon dioxide levels in the “CSF”, i.e. a more acidic condition. The body may respond by increasing oxygen intake, which raises the pH to restore acid/base balance.

 

This is observed clinically by the immediate response of a spontaneous diaphragmatic breath as the body increases oxygen intake through inhalation. This creates a balance in the carbon dioxide/oxygen concentration of the “CSF”, and a subsequent balance of acid-base levels in the “CSF”. Thus, the correction of impeded “CSF” circulation can be observed clinically as an immediate spontaneous diaphragmatic breath each time an area of impeded “CSF” circulation is released (corrected).

 

An additional clinical indicator of the correction of impeded “CSF” circulation is detected by the manual palpation of a “cavitation”. A “cavitation”, by definition, is the formation of a partial vacuum in a flowing liquid (“CSF”) as the result of the separation (dispersion) of its parts (Merriam-Webster 2005). Vertebrae subluxate initially in a posterior direction due to the angle of the articular facets between the vertebrae (Burns 1980). Likewise, the first direction of a cranial subluxation is medially towards the brain due to the parallel articulations of the sutures between the bones of the cranium.

 

In both cases, (vertebral and cranial), this could create a “depression-like” impingement on the inner dural membrane directly underneath (cranial) or within the bone (vertebral). This “depression-like” impingement could cause an increase in the hydrostatic pressure in that area. When the impedance to “CSF” circulation is corrected (released), it could create a “cavitation”, which can be tactilely palpated by a trained practitioner. Clinically, it has been found that the “cavitation” can be tactilely detected as a “pop, click, or clunk” sensation palpated directly over the subluxated spinal bone or the sutures between cranial bones. As the “depression” in the dural membrane is released (corrected), it is suggested that a partial vacuum is formed in the circulating “CSF” due to the “stasis” or “pooling” being eliminated, and that the “CSF” disperses evenly into that area or “cavitates”.

 

Secondarily to the initial direction in which the vertebral or cranial bone subluxate as described above, the bones can misalign very slightly in a rotational direction (Burns 1980). This could result in a torquing of the dural membrane beneath or within the bone, and could cause a “twisting” or “kinking” of the dural sheath in the area of impedance. This “twisting” or “kinking” also could cause an increase in hydrostatic pressure in that area. When this type of impedance to “CSF” circulation is corrected (released) it could also create a “cavitation” which can be detected by a trained practitioner. Clinically, it is suggested that this type of “cavitation” can be tactilely detected as a series of “pops or clicks” as the “twist or kink” in the dural membrane “unwinds”.

 

For example, if one puts pressure on the surface of a “fire hose” (dural membrane) in a specific area, there will be an increase in the hydrostatic pressure, and an area of “stasis” or “pooling” in the water (“CSF”) flowing through the hose. If the pressure is removed (impedance is corrected) it will create a partial vacuum in the area of stasis of pooling, and the water will then separate or disperse (i.e. a cavitation occurs). By the same analogy, if one twists the “fire hose” in a specific area, there will also be an increase in the hydrostatic pressure, and an area of stasis or pooling in the water (“CSF”) flowing through the hose. If the pressure is removed, it will again create a partial vacuum in the area of stasis or pooling, and the water (“CSF”) will also disperse (i.e. a cavitation occurs).

 

Therefore, it is suggested that the correction of an area of impeded “CSF” circulation can be palpated by the “cavitation” that occurs as the impedance is corrected, and the change in resistance on the skin surface over the area of impedance. Also the immediate clinically observable diaphragmatic breath is an additional indicator that the impedance to “CSF” circulation has been released (corrected). Thus, it is theorized that the physiological condition created by impeded “CSF” circulation, caused by vertebral or cranial subluxations, produces detectable clinical indicators. These clinical indicators allow the trained practitioner to detect the presence and location of areas of impedance to “CSF” circulation, and provide a method of evaluating or post-checking for the correction of the area of impedance. 

 

 

Current Scientific Research

 

In 2000 John Upledger, DO, OMM, founder of Cranial Sacral Therapy, presciently wrote an article entitled “The Expanding Role of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Health and Disease” (Upledger 2000). Today, recent research into cerebrospinal fluid is documenting the proposition that “CSF” is the key component in many of life’s biological processes or said another way- “the fluid of life”.

 

In January, 1999 an article in Science News entitled “More than the Brain’s Drain” stated a new importance of “CSF”, suggesting that its current carries important signals for sleep, appetite and sex, which are all essential biological processes (Travis 1999). The aforementioned article surveyed and reviewed recent scientific research on “CSF”. It reported evidence that “CSF” may actually comprise a river of information within the central nervous system (Travis 1999).

 

It documented that molecules circulating in the “CSF” can penetrate the brain, and suggested that some areas of the brain also release substances into the “CSF”. It also suggested that cerebrospinal fluid may also protect against oxidation. The article stated that the free radical scavenging and in-direct anti-oxidant hormone melatonin, could be secreted directly into the “CSF” by the pineal gland because the brain cells’ melatonin targets are located close to the third ventricle reservoir of cerebrospinal fluid (Travis 1999).

 

Perhaps the most potentially significant scientific research related to “CSF” was described in the Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Science USA in August 1992. In an article entitled “Magnetite Biomineralization in the Human Brain” Joseph Kirshkvink et, al, from California Institute of Technology reported that a minimum of 5 million single-domain magnetite crystals (Fe3 O4) per gram were found in human brain tissue. It was also stated that over 100 million of these ferromagnetic mineral magnetite (Fe3 O4) crystals per gram were found in the dura mater and pia mater.

 

The abovementioned scientific research could have much bearing on recent studies reported by Dr. Upledger in his above referenced article that have shown both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases may by induced by toxic build-up of heavy metals-within the basal ganglia in the case of Parkinson’s, and in the cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain in the case of Alzheimer’s disease (Upledger 2000). It also might provide scientific documentation of Dr. Upledger’s claim in the same article that cerebrospinal fluid contains low-molecular weight chelating agents that remove metal atoms from the interstitial spaces of the brain and spinal cord, as well as from neurons and glial cell membranes (Upledger 2000). According to Dr. Upledger’s extrapolation of the aforementioned Science News scientific research review, that “CSF” also protects against oxidation and toxic accumulations of non-metallic toxins (Upledger 2000).

 

The Science News article reported that in the January 24, 1998 Lancet, Edward Rubenstein of Stanford University noted that with age the brain’s choroid plexus calcifies, which leads to a dramatic decline in the production of “CSF”. He (Rubenstein) suggests that changes in “CSF” physiology contributes to dementia in some elderly people (Travis 1999). It is well known that with old age cerebellar function deteriorates in terms of motor, balance, memory, hearing association and many other areas, and this decrease in function could be related to decreased "CSF" production.

 

Kirshvink et, al, stated that ferromagnetic mineral magnetite (Fe3 O4) crystals are formed biochemically by many living organisms within Kingdom Animalia. They also reported that human tissues possess similar crystals of biogenic magnetite, with minimum estimates between 5 and 100 million single-domain crystals per gram in the tissues of the human brain (Kirshvink et, al.1992).

 

As was stated earlier, the average values for the meninges (pia and dura mater) in this abovementioned study were nearly 20 times higher than in the human brain tissue itself. The results of these studies (Kirshvink et, at,) concluded that the consistency of their magnetic property data from piece to piece of brain tissue and meninges suggests that the observed moments were not produced by occasional contamination (toxic) from the environment, but were “in situ” ferromagnetic materials that were naturally distributed in a tissue characteristic fashion (Kirshvink et, al.1992). They also reported that differences between tissues from the normal brains versus those suspected or confirmed to be Alzheimer’s disease cases were negligible. And that areas of the brain previously reported to have high iron content including the dentate nucleus, the basal ganglia and areas of the mid-brain had no greater content of magnetic particles than did the cerebellum or cerebral cortex (Kirshvink et, al.1992).

 

Upon observation, after extracting cerebrospinal fluid in a lumbar puncture procedure, “CSF” appears luminescent. This “shining” quality of “CSF” could be related to its being crystalline in nature. It is proposed, by this author, that the mineral magnetite (Fe3O4) crystals reported in the brain tissue and dura and pia maters by Kirshvink et, al, occur naturally as part of the chemical composition of cerebrospinal fluid. It is further suggested that the aforementioned chelating and anti-oxidant properties of “CSF” are directly related to the circulating Fe3O4 crystals within it.

 

Ferric, Fe III or Fe3+ contains iron in its plus-three oxidation state. Mineral magnetite is a black isomer mineral of the spinal group that is an oxide of iron. The magnetic quality of Fe3 gives it the ability to attract metals, and the O4 oxide component is a binary compound of oxygen with a more electro-positive element as a group (Merriam-Webster 2005). Therefore, it is theorized that Fe3O4 acts as a chelating agent removing metal atoms from the interstitial areas of the brain and spinal cord because, as was noted earlier, “CSF” is the interstitial fluid of the brain and spinal cord. And that Fe3O4 also has anti-oxidant properties, i.e. it can neutralize negatively charged free radical electrons due to the more electropositive quality of an oxide compound.

 

It also strongly suggested, by this author, that, as reported by Kirshvink et, al, the presence of over five million single-domain magnetite (Fe3O4) crystal per gram of human brain tissue, and over 100 million of the same type of crystal per gram in the pia mater and dura mater, could be directly related to impeded “CSF” circulation around the brain. As was explained earlier in this article, the increase in hydrostatic pressure caused by subluxated cranial bones could “push” or filter the naturally occurring low molecular weight Fe3O4 crystals in the “CSF”, first into the dura and pia mater, and secondly into the brain tissue itself.

 

This would theoretically account for the scientific facts reported by Kirshvink et, al, that there were 20 times the number of single-domain magnetite (Fe3O4) crystal found in the dura mater and pia mater than in the brain tissue itself. Also Kirshvink et, al reported that the normal brain tissue and suspected or confirmed Alzheimer’s disease cases contained approximately the same number of Fe3O4 crystals, however, this would not discount the theorized correlation of Fe3O4 concentrations with senile dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the aforementioned calcification of the choroid plexus in the elderly could also be related to long-term impeded “CSF” circulation caused by subluxated cranial bones, resulting in a greatly increased build-up of Fe3O4 crystals in the roof of the lateral ventricles where cerebrospinal fluid is produced. Therefore, this could result in a decline in “CSF” production suggesting changes in “CSF” physiology contributing to dementia in some elderly people (Travis 1999). And the build-up of Fe3O4 crystals could be due to the aforementioned mechanism of increased hydrostatic pressure caused by long-term subluxated cranial bones above the ventricles.

 

In conclusion, the above referenced crucial scientific importance of unimpeded "CSF" circulation today substantiates the cogent statements made about cerebrospinal fluid by two of the masters of major healing arts of the 20th century. A.T. Still, the founder of Osteopathy, and Dr. Randolph Stone, the founder of Polarity Therapy, saw "CSF" as perhaps the most important fluid in the body. A.T. Still referred to "CSF" as "the great river of life", and Dr. Stone called it "the elixir of life".      

 

   

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