Equine Craniosacral therapyis

Is a holistic healing practice which uses extremely light finger pressure to optimize body movement. When applied correctly, this gentle and subtle technique can be highly effective in addressing a number of conditions in the horse.

Craniosacral therapy was developed by a human osteopath, Dr. William Sutherland, well over 100 years ago. He and many others since have conducted extensive studies on the benefits of this form of bodywork, and have achieved amazing results. 

Dr. Sutherland discovered that there was a third “rythm”predictable flow and “pulse”. This flow exhibits as a “wave” and is considered by craniosacral practitioners as the third pulse in the body, similar to heartbeat and breathing, and was named as Primary Respiration Mechanism. Dr. Sutherland’s premise is that the sutures that connect the bones of the skull were designed to allow for subtle movement. There is a connection between the motion of these bones and related tissues: cerebrospinal fluid, the central nervous system, and the sacrum. This “third pulse” should flow freely via the cerebrospinal fluid from cranium to sacrum. Restrictions in the flow result in an imbalance of the overall system. Imbalances can result in one or more of the following symptoms/ailments:

• Cribbing and weaving

• Head shaking/tossing

• Tail wringing

• Tinnitus

• Blocked tear ducts

• TMJ (as a result of poor bitting, conformation issues or dental care)

Craniosacral therapy frees the restricted motion in the bones of the skull, the vertebral column, and the pelvis. By manipulating the central nervous system and influencing and restoring the optimal “pulse”, this therapy can restore balance.

CST also realigns the skeletal structure and relaxes the animal. It can release trauma and negative emotions, enhancing the body’s own self healing abilities. CST involves a subtle, hands-on stimulation. It is very gentle and subtle. Yet the impact on the animal is profound. Unlike bodywork with humans, there is no placebo effect in our companion animals. They live in the present and have no expected outcomes when presented with a treatment modality.

CranioSacral therapy can help the following conditions:

• Facial nerve paralysis

• Headshaking

• Head injuries and traumas

• Emotional problems

• Lameness

• TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction)

• Blocked tear ducts

• Hind end injuries and many others

• Unexplained behaviour – bucking, refusing, rearing, shying, spookiness

• Difficulty in making transitions, flat in work

• Grinding teeth or difficulty chewing food.

Bron: https://equinewellnessmagazine.com/craniosacral-therapy-101-2/