A concussion is a traumatic type of brain injury that is impacted by some type of fall, blow or injury.

A concussion is not something to be taken lightly. I know. After treating many other people for concussions, I now am facing my own. I fell off my horse while landing on my buttocks and back, and also hit my head. Fortunately, I was wearing a good helmut. Since that time, I have rested quite a bit for the past two weeks, stopped most reading and writing, and took off even from the television for a bit. My doctor told me the best thing I could do is lay down in bed and close my eyes. I did the best I could, and it’s finally paying off. In the last few days, I have been applying some Craniosacral Therapy techniques to myself and have noticed an even better rate of improvement. Enough to think clearly and to write this short blog.

Fortunately, I did not lose consciousness, but I did lose my steadiness, and did get headaches for a while if I overdid it. I am so happy to be feeling better every day. Most people will fully recover from concussions, but others may not. Especially if there have been multiple incidents. So please take your health seriously. See a physician if you have any concerns that you have a concussion and make sure that self care is your priority.

Craniosaral with a focus on Glial Cells

Craniosaral with a focus on Glial Cells

Craniosaral for a Concussion with a focus on Glial Cells
I am in the process of setting up some appointment with a peer who does Craniosacral Therapy but also a therapist who knows how to focus on working with the glial cells. Why the glial cells? Lately, it has become increasingly better understood that the glial cells play a very important role in the functioning of the brain. In a class that I recently took from Tad Wanveer (an Upledger.com) therapist and teacher, I learned that through light biomechanics intention, dialogue and touch, that an experienced therapist can create wonderful improvements in how the brain works. The way that Tad explains this in his book, “Brain Stars, glia illuminating craniosacral therapy,” The Glia is more than glue.  It is also plays an integral part in:

CNS development
Maintaining homeostasis
Supplying nutrients and oxygen
Synapse formation
healing injured neurons
sensory signaling
motor signaling
Cleansing of the CNS
Healing,
Production of the cerebrospinal fluid
Immune Response in the brain
Insulating
Flow regulation
Memory Processing
To destroy and Remove Waste
If the glia become over stressed or the environment in which they live- toxic, the CNS can be adversely toxic.

The good news is that the Glia can be touched and supported in a way that can repair and expedite the healing process.

As Tad says, ” Glial cells and neurons form and interdependent structural and functional system throughout the CNS that is fused with the Craniosacral System (CSS). This fusion ties place where glial cells attach to the pay matter membrane. The pain matter membrane in the innermost membrane layer of the CSS. It interconnects wit the other CSS membrane layers (meninges), and these layers connect to the bones of the cranium and spinal column. This bone to membrane to glial matrix is a dynamic biomechanical pathway CST practitioners cause use to help their clients correct nervous system dysfunction.”

In this class, I learned to touch into many parts of the brain and spinal cord. By listening and identifying through the different layers, one can come to appreciate the body’s innate ability to self-correct from a deep well of wisdom within. It is very possible to feel into structural and physiological restrictions and then to find a balance point for correction and to create better flow and drainage. In a more optimal environment, it is much easier for the brain and spine to heal.

It’s a bit ironic to me that my focus recently has been to work more and more with people who have concussions and TBI’s. And here I sit, healing with my own. But I feel very confident in the results I have had as a therapist with others, and also in my ability to work with myself, but also having incredible experiences from other therapists before. I know I am getting better, and this will resolve itself. I am back to working a light case load (craniosacral is not hard on the body or mind), and enjoying the miracles of interaction.

If you are feeling stressed about a concussion, please do take seriously that it is important to rest and heal. But I am here to tell you that there are some other integrative therapies that you docs may not know about. Craniosacral Therapy is an amazing hands on approach based on science, and experience that has helped countless others. At www.upledger.org you can see that the Upledger Institute has been helping football player to heal and feel better.

If you are local to the local Columbus area, and have a concussion, please give a call, and I am happy to offer a free 15 minute phone consult. Or look at www. upledger.com and find a Certified Therapist near you.

I can’t wait to get my hand’s on work ASAP!

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett CST-D, LMT, SI, Brennan Healing Science

740 966-5153