WHAT IS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY? CST is gentle forms of body work that address tension held throughout the skeletal system as well as the rest of the body. This therapy encourages Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) to flow properly throughout the spinal column from the Cranium to the Sacrum. When injuries happen or imbalances are occurring, the natural rhythm of the CSF can become impeded. This can prevent proper flow of fluids.
CranioSacral Therapy can also address facial asymmetries. Cranial bones are held together by sutures which are jigsaw like joints. As the Cerebral Spinal Fluid flows throughout the cranium, these joints typically ebb and flow with the rhythm, allowing for expansion and ‘breathing’. However, these sutures can become fixed in place and as horses get older, they begin to fuse closer together. It’s important to encourage cranial bones into better alignment as asymmetries can cause discomfort and dysfunction.
CRANIAL PRESSURE Have you ever had a headache that feels like pressure is building up inside your skull? Perhaps a sinus infection? As you likely know, this can be extremely uncomfortable and it may take some time for things to settle into place. When cranial sutures are compromised, this feeling can come and go. Encouraging the cranium to settle into a better place so that CSF can flow better can be tremendously helpful.
TMJ DYSFUNCTION. The TMJ is the most highly innervated joint in the body, meaning that a large number of nerves run by this area, servicing the head, neck and rest of the body. Not only is this joint responsible for proper chewing functions, but it is easily affected due to bits and other equipment we use. Even muscular dysfunction in nearby areas can cause this joint to become impacted and tense. Keeping this joint and surrounding areas happy should be a top priority for your horse!
WHAT COULD CST POSSIBLY HELP WITH?
Head Shaking
Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues
Facial Nerve Paralysis
Chewing/Dropping Food/Quidding
Grinding Teeth
Sinus Issues, Pressure & Pain
Cribbing
Dental Discomfort
Teeth Asymmetries
Post Dentistry Work
Bit Issues
“Hard Mouth”
Head Trauma and Injuries
Ear Shyness and Issues
Blocked Tear Ducts
Behavioral Issues
Emotional Behaviors
Respiratory Difficulties
Traumatic Experiences
Shoulder Dysfunction
Spinal Injuries
Lumbar Discomfort
Hind End Discomfort
Stifle and Hock Discomfort
Problems Under Saddle
Structural Misalignments
Stress
Girthy Behaviors
Animal Neuro-Myofascial Release Technique
Using a specialized tool, this technique releases the soft tissue and also provides specific neurological input, which allows the body to align and balance itself.
This technique addresses any areas of neurological miscommunication between the brain and the joints of the animal. This technique addresses any muscular hypo or hypertonicities by re-establishing proper neurological input and directly releasing the spasms or trigger points in the muscles.
This technique aids in releasing the fascia to allow proper movement and decrease any associated pain.
ANMR is not chiropractic, I do not manually manipulate the bones, this is a soft tissue technique.
Acupressure: A non -invasive technique which doesn't cause stress, discomfort or pain , yet yields powerful results. Animals respond intuitively to Acupressure to heal behavioral and physical illnesses and injuries. Once again especially beneficial to needle shy animals. Acupressure has been proven to:
Strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones
Release natural cortisone to reduce inflammation and swelling
Resolve injuries more readily by increasing blood flow to remove toxins
Release endorphins to increase energy and reduce pain
Decrease recovery time from an injury or illness
Enhance mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and performance.
Tuning Forks on Acupressure Points: Like adjusting a piano, your horse's body can be tuned to achieve optimal physical balance. Tuning fork therapy is a unique, energy-based, non-invasive technique used to alter the body's biochemistry and bring the nervous system, muscle tone and organs into harmonic balance. Precision calibrated tuning forks are applied to specific acupressure points to access the body's meridian and chakra energy systems. The sound waves of the forks vibrate and travel deeply into the body along the energy pathways, affecting human/equine physiology. The resonance and vibration of the tuning forks connects with the body's natural frequencies, promoting healing, wellness and deep relaxation. Tuning forks can also be utilized over the body as a form of sound healing. The basic principle of healing with sound is the concept of resonance, meaning the vibratory frequency of an object. The entire Universe is in a state of vibration, and this includes human beings and horses. Every organ, cell, bone, tissue and fluid of the body, including the electromagnetic field which surrounds the body (what is sometimes called the aura), has a healthy vibratory frequency. Depending on what we are resonating with, our vibratory frequencies can become dissonant and out of harmony ("out of tune"), and can contribute to the creation of dis-ease and illness in our body, mind, emotions and spirit. Through the use of sound we can project the correct resonant frequency toward and into any unhealthy part of ourselves, thus helping to return it to its normal, healthy frequency and promoting healing at all levels. This occurs through sympathetic resonance when one vibrating object influences another vibratory object, causing it to change its vibratory rate.
Moxibustion (Heat derivative to help release tension) Moxibustion (Pinyin jiu) involves the burning of moxa, or the herb mug wort, which is applied to certain acupuncture points on the body. Moxibustion can be used for disease prevention and health maintenance. Plus, pain relief, improve circulation, an immune system boost, enhances vitality, reduces blood flow to tumours, etc. And, it has a good effect on skin lesions, and poor wound healing. Various acupuncture points that are stimulated by moxa have an internal visceral effect right down to the organs.
Stretching Core stretching and strengthening exercises also prepare your horse to go back into work faster and stronger than ever before.
Disclaimer: All Spa wellness therapies mentioned herein is a non-invasive modality intended to enhance well-being in the healthy horse (or dog) – it is not designed to replace proper veterinary care. If in doubt regarding the physical health of your horse, please consult your veterinarian. JRs staff will NOT treat an injured horse (or dog) without a veterinarian approval. The FDA has not evaluated the statements made throughout this website. JRs Equine Spa & Retreat’s services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individuals with questions or concerns regarding any medical or other condition should consult a health care professional. Use of this site or our products are subject to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice.