Can Cranial Facial Release Help Me?
Cranial Facial Release (CFR) is an advanced endo-nasal “Balloon Assisted” cranial adjusting technique that has been used quite successfully in the treatment of various neurological and structural disorders. Cranial Facial Release Technique works to restore proper function to the nervous system and proper balance to body structure. Thus, it has positive effects on conditions ranging from aches and pains to overall health and wellness.
It is important to realize that cranial motion is not “one movement” – it is more of an expansion & relaxation type of movement, with each cranial bone having its own specific direction of motion. This “cranial respiratory motion” works in direct conjunction with “sacral respiratory motion” and is the key mechanism by which Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) is produced in the choroid plexus and circulated throughout the brain and spinal cord. Simply stated, the bones are suppose to be able to expand and contract. This is essential to normal brain function which is essential to normal body function.
The objective of CFR technique is to unlock cranial fixations and induce mobility in the cranial system (face and skull). To work properly, the bones in the head must “pivot” properly off a bone called the sphenoid bone. It is the bone that sits at the base of the skull, in the middle of the head, which balances the movements of all the bones in the head. Additionally, your sphenoid bone acts like a gyroscope so that the skull and brain can keep balanced in gravity. If this movement is compromised, such as sustaining a blow to the head from a fall, contact sport, concussive blast, or a fracture, then malfunctions occur. The brain will not function properly because the bones of head are “locked up” in which the bones do not move like they are designed to. Many symptoms can be directly related to the amount of pressure on your brain such as chronic sinusitis, chronic migraines, dizziness, TMJ dysfunction, balance problems, etc.
To understand how CFR works, it is important to realize that the skull is NOT one solid bone. It is made up of 22 individual bones that are supposed to move every time you breathe. However, cranial fixations are a common occurrence and often times the root cause of many chronic neurological conditions and recurrent pain syndromes that don’t respond to conventional chiropractic adjusting procedures. Frequent causes of cranial aberrations and sutural fixations are things like head trauma (such as Traumatic brain injury or concussions), birth trauma, TMJ disorder, grinding teeth at night, yet these conditions are seldom detected and rarely addressed by health professionals.
Benefits and Potential Outcomes:
Pain Relief: The nasal release technique has shown promising results in reducing the intensity and frequency of headaches, head pressure, and migraines. By addressing the root cause of these conditions, individuals often experience significant pain relief and improved overall well-being.
Enhanced Circulation: By realigning the nasal structures, blood flow to the head and brain improves, ensuring proper oxygenation and nutrient delivery. This can alleviate vascular headaches and reduce the intensity of migraines.
Nerve Function Optimization: The technique aims to relieve any impingement on cranial nerves caused by misalignments. By restoring proper nerve function, individuals may experience a reduction in nerve-related symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, or radiating pain.
Improved Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow: Misalignments in the nasal area can disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to increased intracranial pressure. The nasal release technique aims to restore the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid, promoting proper fluid dynamics and reducing head pressure.
Muscle Spasm Relief: The nasal release technique helps relax the muscles involved in spasms, promoting better muscle function and reducing discomfort.
Neck Pain Alleviation: By addressing any nasal misalignments or restrictions, this technique can contribute to a decrease in neck pain and stiffness. The restored balance in the nasal passages can have a positive impact on the neck muscles, leading to improved range of motion and diminished pain.
Shoulder Pain Reduction: Nasal release technique can also indirectly benefit shoulder pain by addressing underlying issues in the nasal passages. By restoring optimal nasal function, tension and strain in the neck and shoulder areas may be alleviated, resulting in reduced pain.
Improved Sleep Quality: Individuals with low energy, Fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue frequently struggle with sleep disturbances. CFR has shown promise in improving sleep quality by addressing underlying cranial imbalances that may contribute to sleep issues. By enhancing cerebrospinal fluid flow and optimizing cranial alignment, CFR may help individuals experience more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Enhanced cranial bone alignment: By addressing cranial misalignmentsCFR help restore optimal skull function and alleviate any undue pressure on the brain.
Restored neurological function: CFR’s focus on cranial realignment may help reduce inflammation and optimize neurological pathways, potentially improving cognitive function, memory, and concentration.
Alleviation of symptoms: CFR’s holistic approach may help reduce the severity and duration of concussion-related symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.
This technique is performed by inserting tiny finger cots in the nose into each of the six sinus passages (three on each side), then with a hand pump the balloon is expanded. The breaks free adhesions in the sinus airways increasing air flow and reduce crainal pressure improving the brain’s ability to coordinate function. It is a very fast procedure and feels similar to the sensation of jumping into a swimming pool and having water shoot up your nose – it isn’t exactly painful, but not the most comfortable sensation either – but it’s quick, only 2-3 seconds!
This technique is not for everyone. There are some contraindications including hemophillia, individuals on blood thinners, aneurisms, recent nasal fracture, sever cranial osteoporosis, cocaine users, choanal atresia (congenital narrowing of the back of the nasal cavity), and emotionally unstable individuals.
What does a session look like? A brief history is taken along with a physical exam of your head by palpation of the movable joints of the head and jaw joints. Followed by assessment of neck movement and eye movement. The first session takes about an hour and then each additional session usually about 30 minutes. Each client is different but usually about 6 sessions, individuals truly notice a difference. Insurance usually does not cover the procedure but a superbill can be given to submit to the insurance company.
The majority of people who come in for CFR treatment are often last resort patients who have been through the gamut of conventional medical procedures without success and are looking for a more conservative alternative approach to care that is cost effective and works! For things like breathing disorders, sinusitis, snoring, sleep apnea, deviated septums, migraine headaches, vertigo, facial pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia), facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), TMJ disorder, Post-Concussion Syndrome, seizures, neurological disorders, and more. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of infants with craniometaphyseal dysplasia (infantile skull deformities) and hydrocephalus.
There are very few health practitioners that are certified in the cranial facial release technique. Prior to having cranial facial release technique performed, assure the health professional is certified in the technique. It takes extensive training to become certified to assure proper use of the technique and the best possible outcome.