Craniosacral Therapy and Orthodontics: What’s the Connection?
The human body is amazing. Its complexity is mind-blowing, and yet each little part works together in an astounding display of synchronization. A particularly good example of this physical harmony is found in the connection between craniosacral therapy and orthodontics. Let’s take a closer look.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
First things first: let’s talk about craniosacral therapy. A simple definition describes craniosacral therapy as a form of bodywork on the head, scalp, and spinal column bones. This particular method of “massaging” is very gentle and focuses on restoring balance to the fluid and tissues found in the skull and spinal cord. Gentle, calculated touching stimulates the craniosacral area and aids in both physical and psychological conditions.
You probably know that you hold tension in your back and shoulders, but did you know that you hold it in your face as well? Tension builds up over time and particularly affects your jaw and neck muscles. Tension headaches often originate in these areas, which is why craniosacral therapy is so beneficial for relieving headaches.
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is also used to release trapped emotional energy known as “energy cysts.” These emotional imprints can sometimes be released incidentally through chiropractic care or even massage therapy. But it is more purposefully released through SER.
In short, it is important to pay attention to the craniosacral areas. Full body stimulation and relaxation is one of the best ways to prioritize full-body health.
What Does That Have to Do with Orthodontics?
All that sounds great, but what does it have to do with your teeth? Often, when a professional corrects an individual’s teeth or bite, that individual’s facial structure changes slightly as well. However, over time and without the aid of a retainer, the teeth begin retreating back to their former state, and so does the facial structure.
The problem is not always that the teeth simply want to “go back to where they used to be.” The problem is that the facial muscles want to go back to where they used to be, and the teeth and jaw are just along for the ride.
Another way to look at it is to imagine getting a haircut while extremely hunched over in your chair. Your stylist indicates a length, and you agree that it looks good. However, when you sit up straight at the end of the haircut, you discover that the length is much shorter than you thought it would be. In other words, once your body resumes its natural form, the hair has no choice but to follow. The same is true of your facial muscles and your teeth.
Consider how many muscles it takes to control your facial expressions. These muscles throughout your face and scalp are so interconnected that to target one is to target them all. So, the best way to keep your beautiful, straight smile is to relax all of the tissues in your face into a more permanent state.
Craniosacral therapy helps accomplish this. Relaxed muscles put less pressure on your teeth, giving them time to “settle” into place. Both orthodontists and dentists see the benefit of craniosacral therapy before, during, and after scheduling orthodontic work.
Additional Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
Orthodontic work is only one example of how everything in your body is intertwined. Craniosacral therapy provides countless other benefits, including the following.
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Concussions
- Combat Traumatic Stress
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
- Flash Backs
- Intrusive Thoughts
- Hypervigilance
- Depression/Suicidal thoughts
- Guardedness
- Behavioral Isolation
- Chronic Anxiety
- Chronic Pain Issues
How Can We Help?
At Intuitive Health Restoration, we work on any issues the body may have during the healing process your body is making. A well around program works the best. One that cleans the gut, the organs, promotes drainage, and handles the neuroendocrine system. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take a positive step towards health restoration.