What is Tinnitus? Key Brain and Nerve Pathways Explained

by TheMediaCaptain@gmail.com | Apr 25, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy

How Nerves Act in Tinnitus

In tinnitus, several neural pathways can become overactivated or dysregulated.

As a Cranosacral Therapist working with people who have ringing in their ears often enough, I have found it helpful to understand some of the possible contributors for tinnitus. Took it upon myself to research it a bit and ask questions to help educate.

In my practice I have been able to help people habituate, and sometimes lower the sound level. Other CST’s have told me that they have helped it to become a non-issue. My focus right now is to keep supporting the brain to calm and heal itself. Once the body shows me, I leave it in the wisdom of the body to do its magic.

The main ones include:

1. Auditory Nerve (Cochlear Nerve)

While not always the origin of tinnitus, changes in input from the auditory nerve—due to hearing loss or cochlear damage—can lead to neuroplastic changes in central auditory pathways, contributing to the perception of phantom sounds.
The cochlear nerve originates from the spiral ganglion, a collection of nerve cell bodies located within the cochlea, the inner ear organ responsible for hearing. These cell bodies, specifically the bipolar cells, have fibers that extend to the organ of Corti, where they receive auditory signals, and central fibers that form the cochlear nerve.

2. Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus (DCN)

This is one of the first relay stations in the brainstem for auditory signals.
In many tinnitus cases, neurons in the DCN become hyperactive or hypersynchronous, especially following hearing loss or noise trauma.

3. Central Auditory Pathways

Overactivation is seen in higher auditory centers, including:
- Inferior colliculus
- Medial geniculate body (thalamus)
- Primary auditory cortex
These areas show increased spontaneous firing rates and altered tonotopic

(Tonotopic organization refers to the systematic mapping of sound frequencies to specific locations in the auditory system, from the cochlea to the brain. In essence, different frequencies of sound are processed in distinct areas of the brain, with higher frequencies being processed in one area and lower frequencies in another. )

maps in tinnitus patients.

4. Non-Auditory Areas (Involved in Emotion and Attention)

Amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and hippocampus may be overactive due to emotional and stress-related responses to tinnitus.
Parietal and frontal cortices can also be involved, reflecting attention and distress components.

5. Somatosensory Nerve Inputs

In some forms of tinnitus (like somatic tinnitus), input from trigeminal or cervical spinal nerves can influence auditory centers (especially the DCN), potentially causing or modulating tinnitus.

So, it’s a complex interplay between damaged auditory input and compensatory hyperactivity in both auditory and non-auditory neural circuits.

Is it possible to determine which kind of tinnitus a person has? We can ask:

Patient History & Symptom Profiling

Subjective vs. Objective Tinnitus: Is it only heard by the patient (most common), or can others hear it too?
Somatic Modulation: If neck/jaw movement affects the sound, somatosensory pathways might be involved.
Laterality: Unilateral tinnitus can point to asymmetrical auditory input or vestibular disorders.
Pitch & Loudness Matching: Helps characterize the tinnitus and may hint at the region of auditory map reorganization.

Functional Brain Imaging

These methods show which brain areas are overactive or misfiring:

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
- Detects abnormal activity in auditory cortex, limbic system (emotional response), or attention networks.
PET Scans:
- Measures metabolic activity. Can show increased activity in areas like the primary auditory cortex or dorsal cochlear nucleus.
SPECT:
- Occasionally used to observe blood flow differences in tinnitus patients.

Electrophysiological Testing

These look at nerve and brain response to sounds:

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR):
- Assesses integrity of auditory pathways up to the brainstem.
- May show delayed waveforms or amplitude changes in tinnitus.
EEG/MEG (Electro/Magnetoencephalography):
- Measures brain wave patterns.
- Often shows increased gamma activity or decreased alpha in auditory cortex and non-auditory networks.

Audiological and Somatosensory Tests

Pure Tone Audiometry: Detects hidden or high-frequency hearing loss that may not be noticeable.
Tinnitus Retraining Tests: May include sound therapy and masking response.
Musculoskeletal assessments: For somatic tinnitus, jaw or neck dysfunctions may be linked.

Multimodal Integration

Because tinnitus often involves multiple systems (auditory, limbic, somatosensory), specialists piece together data from:

Hearing tests
Imaging
Emotional/cognitive assessments
Modulation tests

The Journey

Audiological and Somatosensory Evaluation

Pure Tone Audiometry: Identifies hearing loss often linked to tinnitus.
Tinnitus Masking and Retraining Therapy Tests: Gauge how external sound affects perception.
Jaw and Neck Exam: Checks for musculoskeletal sources of somatic tinnitus.

5. Integrating Multimodal Data

Most tinnitus types involve more than just hearing damage. Specialists integrate results from hearing, neurological, and psychological testing to identify which systems are contributing—whether auditory, limbic, or somatosensory.

6. Exploring Treatment Options Worldwide

While there is no universal cure for tinnitus, various approaches have shown effectiveness in managing symptoms. Global research and clinical trials support the following:

Western Medicine: Includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), and hearing aids with sound therapy. Some medications may help in managing anxiety or depression linked to tinnitus.
Craniosacral Therapy: Some anecdotal and small-scale studies report relief, particularly in cases with somatic involvement, though robust clinical evidence is limited.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Clinical trials (especially in China and Germany) show mixed but occasionally promising results in reducing perceived loudness and distress.
Homeopathy: Evidence is largely anecdotal, and most scientific reviews find no strong efficacy, but some individuals report improvement.
Herbal Remedies: Supplements like Ginkgo biloba have been widely studied, with inconclusive results; some subgroups report benefit.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Supported by growing evidence, these techniques help reduce the emotional impact of tinnitus by retraining attention and decreasing stress-related reactivity.

7. Scientific Studies Supporting Tinnitus Relief

A 2018 meta-analysis in JAMA Otolaryngology found CBT to be the most consistently effective method in reducing tinnitus distress.
A 2020 study in Brain Research confirmed increased gamma activity in auditory cortex in tinnitus patients—supporting neuroplastic treatments.
Studies from Germany’s Tinnitus Research Initiative suggest combining sound therapy with psychological intervention has significant benefits.

Understanding which neural circuits are malfunctioning is the first step. The second is matching that insight with one or more evidence-informed treatment strategies. For practitioners of manual therapy, the ability to create calming, parasympathetic shifts may support the brain in reprocessing tinnitus more neutrally—even when the sound does not fully disappear. While tinnitus remains a complex and highly individualized condition, hope continues to grow across both clinical and holistic communities worldwide.

Hope this was helpful to people suffering with tinnitus. There are ways to manage easier.

Sharon Hartnett CST-d

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Driving Strains and Stress: Craniosacral Therapy Columbus

by TheMediaCaptain@gmail.com | Apr 14, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy

The Hidden Strain and Stress of Driving: What Your Body Feels Behind the Wheel

We rarely think of driving as a form of repetitive stress—but for those of us who drive often or for long periods, the body starts to whisper… then shout.

One of the most overlooked areas of strain comes from something seemingly simple: pressing the gas and brake pedals. This small movement, repeated over and over, creates a subtle but real imbalance in the body.

Fascia: The Web That Holds the Story

Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around every muscle, bone, and organ—like a second skin. When we sit in a fixed position for extended periods, especially favoring one leg (hello, right foot on the gas!), the fascia begins to thicken and tighten. Over time, this creates restrictions that can cause pain not just in the foot or leg, but all the way up the kinetic chain—into the hip, back, and even shoulders.

Fascia responds to stress, trauma, and posture by molding itself to your habits. Drive enough, and your fascia learns to live in a slightly twisted, compressed pattern. However, it is possible to let go of the stress.

Muscles: A One-Legged Dance

Because driving puts your body in a strange asymmetrical position, your right foot is active, your left passive. The muscles in your right leg—especially the hip flexors, quads, and calf—stay slightly engaged the whole time. This repeated tension, without corresponding movement or balance on the other side, leads to muscular imbalances and potential strain.

Over time, this can cause the pelvis to tilt and/or rotation, especially if the driver tends to lean slightly with one side of the body while driving (which many of us do unconsciously). That tilt can cause compensations all the way up the spine.

Posture: The Silent Saboteur

Let’s talk posture. Most car seats aren’t designed for long-term skeletal alignment. The head leans forward, the low back is rounded, and the shoulders hunch. Combine that with the foot constantly reaching forward and slightly down, and you get a chronic shortening of the psoas muscle—one of the key muscles that connects your spine to your legs.

This stress of locked-short psoas can pull the low back into a compressed curve, cause lower back pain, limit hip mobility, and even affect breathing.

What Can You Do?

Switch feet (when safe) – Use cruise control to occasionally relax your dominant foot.
Micro-movements – Gently press and release the pedal while parked to keep the fascia and muscles from freezing.
Stretch breaks – Every hour, pull over and stretch your hip flexors, calves, and back.
Myofascial release – Use tools like foam rollers or balls to gently unwind fascia after long drives.
Realign posture – Sit with hips level, back supported, and both shoulders soft and down.

Driving isn’t just transportation—it’s a posture habit which can cause stress. The more we tune in to how it shapes our bodies, the more we can rebalance, release, and realign.

Want help creating a mini movement ritual for post-driving? Just say the word—I’ve got your back (and hips, and fascia).

Craniosacral Therapy is extremely beneficial for postural re-alignment and opening!

Written together by Sharon and Lioraé

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.upledger.com

How to Release Stress from Your Body: 10 Proven Techniques for Immediate Relief

by TheMediaCaptain@gmail.com | Mar 29, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, healthy, mind body & spirit, upledger institute

Finding Balance with the 10 step protocol: How Craniosacral Therapy Supports Nervous System Healing and give you Relief.

When healing from concussions, persistent headaches, migraines, or traumatic brain injuries, finding relief can feel like an endless journey. Craniosacral therapy offers a gentle yet powerful approach to supporting your nervous system’s natural healing process. Let me share how this subtle but effective technique may help you find the balance your body seeks.

Understanding Your Body’s Healing Rhythm

Your craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround your brain and spinal cord—has its own natural rhythm. After head trauma or neurological stress, this delicate system can become restricted, potentially contributing to ongoing symptoms and discomfort.

Craniosacral therapy works by using gentle touch—typically no more than the weight of a nickel—to detect and release these restrictions. By tuning into your body’s subtle rhythms, a skilled therapist helps restore flow and balance to your central nervous system.

Supporting Recovery from Head Injuries.

After a concussion or TBI, your brain needs optimal conditions to heal. The gentle nature of craniosacral therapy makes it particularly suitable for those with head injuries, where even slight pressure can sometimes trigger symptoms.

Many clients report improvements in several areas:

Reduced headache frequency and intensity
Decreased sensitivity to light and sound
Improved sleep quality
Enhanced mental clarity and focus
Reduced anxiety and stress responses

Breaking the Cycle of Migraines and Chronic Headaches

For those suffering from recurring migraines or tension headaches, craniosacral therapy addresses potential root causes rather than just managing symptoms. By releasing restrictions in the cranial bones, neck, and spine, this therapy helps reduce pressure on sensitive nerves and improves cerebrospinal fluid circulation.

The result? Many experience fewer headaches with less reliance on medication.

Creating Space for Healing to help you find Relief.

What makes craniosacral therapy unique is its respect for your body’s innate wisdom. Rather than forcing change, your therapist creates a safe environment where your nervous system can shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and repair” mode—essential for true healing to occur.

This gentle approach is particularly valuable for those whose systems are already overwhelmed by pain or trauma. The sessions themselves often provide immediate relief, with many clients reporting a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

Finding the Right Practitioner to help you have relief from pain and stress.

The effectiveness of craniosacral therapy depends significantly on your practitioner’s skill and experience, particularly when dealing with neurological conditions. Look for therapists with specialized training in treating concussions and neurological issues, and don’t hesitate to ask about their experience with your specific condition.

If you’re struggling with the effects of head trauma, persistent headaches, or migraines, consider adding craniosacral therapy to your recovery toolkit. This gentle approach might be the missing piece in your healing journey, helping your nervous system find its way back to balance and well-being.

How to find Pain Relief with Listening and Gentle Touch

by TheMediaCaptain@gmail.com | Mar 22, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, healing, healthy, upledger institute

The Profound Benefits of Safe and Gentle Touch: A Craniosacral Perspective

First, lets begin with the concept that your Body is always listening. Touch is very informative and can be quite healing.

In a world that often moves too fast, where stress and disconnection have become the norm, the power of safe and gentle touch is profoundly healing. As a craniosacral therapist, I witness daily how subtle, nurturing touch can create profound positive shifts—not just in the body but in the mind and spirit as well.

Why Safe and Gentle Touch Matters

Touch is one of the first ways we experience connection as human beings. From infancy, we seek comfort, warmth, and reassurance through the gentle embrace of a caregiver. As we grow, touch continues to shape our nervous system, influencing our ability to feel safe, balanced, and present in the world.

Safe and gentle touch—such as that used in craniosacral therapy—engages the body’s innate healing intelligence. Dr. John Upledger calls this the Inner Wisdom. It communicates a sense of safety to the nervous system, helping to shift from states of stress and survival to deep relaxation and restoration.

The Science Behind Healing Touch

When we experience safe, non-invasive touch, several physiological responses occur:

Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System – Gentle touch signals the body to shift from fight-or-flight mode into rest-and-digest mode, reducing cortisol levels and promoting deep relaxation.
Release of Oxytocin – Sometimes called the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin fosters trust, emotional regulation, and feelings of security. Think of a mother holding her child with love.
Pain Reduction – Light touch stimulates mechanoreceptors in the skin, which can decrease pain perception and enhance overall comfort. When touch is light, the body does not have to defend and the pain can just slip away.
Enhanced Circulation and Lymphatic Flow – Gentle touch supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to reduce inflammation and improve immune function.
Balancing the Craniosacral Rhythm – In craniosacral therapy, delicate hands-on techniques support the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct and heal. This touch can be anywhere on the body as the rhythm can be felt globally through the fluids and the tissues.

Emotional and Spiritual Benefits of Gentle Touch

Beyond the physical benefits, safe touch fosters emotional well-being and deepens our connection to ourselves and others. Many people carry unprocessed emotions or trauma within the tissues and fluids of the body, often manifesting as tension, anxiety, or chronic pain. When touch is applied with intention, it can create a profound sense of being seen, held, and supported—sometimes in ways words cannot express.

This is especially important in a world where so many feel isolated. Safe touch reminds us that we are not alone, that we are worthy of care, and that healing happens in connection.

Bringing More Gentle Touch into Your Life

You don’t have to be a therapist to offer or receive the benefits of healing touch. Simple acts—like placing a hand on your heart, offering a mindful hug, or resting a hand on a loved one’s shoulder—can have a powerful impact. Also breathing slowly and deeply with mindful gentle touch can be soothing as well.

If you’re seeking a deeper experience of healing through touch, craniosacral therapy provides a safe, non-invasive approach that honors the body’s wisdom and innate ability to heal.

Your body is always listening. How will you speak to it today?

How Can We Manifest a Great Health Care System Together?

by TheMediaCaptain@gmail.com | Mar 10, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, grounding, healing, healthy, Healthy Body, mind body & spirit, mindfulness, upledger institute

What kind of Health Care Model Would you like to see in the United States?

Reimagining Healthcare: A Vision for a System That Truly Cares

What would the perfect health care system look like for you? Imagine a world where health care is truly about healing, prevention, and well-being—not just treating symptoms. Let’s manifest this together!

Today, I’m reflecting on healthcare reform, especially with new discussions happening at the national level. What would an ideal health care system offer? What do people truly need to live healthier, happier lives?

Here are some key ideas to consider:

1. Doctors Who Listen & Treat the Whole Person

Health care should be patient-centered, not profit-driven. Imagine doctors who have time to sit with you, listen to your story, and treat the root cause of illness—not just prescribe medications. Functional medicine doctors already do this, but what if they were affordable and covered by insurance? The more proactive we are with our health, the better outcomes (and lower costs) we’ll have in the long run.

2. Holistic Wellness & Preventative Care

Chronic stress is at the root of many illnesses. Every person should have access to nutritionists, naturopaths, homeopaths, and osteopaths—because prevention is more effective than waiting until things spiral out of control.

3. Pay Health care Workers for Keeping Us Healthy

Right now, the system profits from illness, not wellness. What if doctors and healthcare workers were rewarded for keeping people healthy instead of for expensive treatments? Imagine a system where the better we feel, the higher they are paid—flipping the current profit-driven model on its head.

4. Manual Therapies for Stress Relief & Well-Being

Chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, massage, physical therapy, and structural integration should all be included in health care plans. These therapies help with alignment, relaxation, and overall wellness. Even just one session a week could reduce stress and prevent future health issues.

5. Alternative & Energy Healing Options

Energy healing, health retreats, and mind-body practices like yoga, Pilates, and Gyrotonics should be part of a well-rounded healthcare system. Programs that support joy and emotional well-being are just as vital as traditional medicine.

6. Clean, Transparent Food Supply

It’s time to eliminate harmful chemicals in our food. Transparency in labeling should be a standard, and access to nutritious, whole foods should be easier and more affordable for everyone.

7. Prioritizing Rest & Vacation

True health includes balance, downtime, and joy. Anyone working full-time should have access to paid time off to recharge and spend time with loved ones—because burnout isn’t healthy.

8. Mental Health Support for All

Imagine a world where therapy and mental health care are covered for everyone. People struggling with depression, anxiety, isolation, or trauma should have access to therapists, social workers, and healers—without worrying about the cost.

9. Accessible & Compassionate Senior Care

Hospitals, clinics, and telehealth services should be well-staffed, especially in rural areas. Elderly individuals should be able to stay in their homes affordably, without being forced out due to real estate taxes or lack of care. Younger generations could even volunteer to support seniors, fostering a sense of community.

10. Treating Every Person as a Valued Human Being

Above all, a great health care system treats people as whole, worthy individuals. When people are truly seen, heard, and cared for, humanity transforms.

What would your ideal healthcare system look like? Let’s start the conversation and manifest a healthier future together. You can also find out more about Craniosacral Treatments at www.upledger.com.

Tell me what matters to you?

💛 Sharon Hartnett CST-D
📞 703-509-1792
🌐 www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps you Feel Relaxed and Connected

by TheMediaCaptain@gmail.com | Mar 5, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy

Melt Away Stress & Reconnect: How Craniosacral Therapy Helps Your Body to feel Relaxed

In our fast-paced world, stress, tension, and overwhelm can take a serious toll on our bodies and minds. Many of us long for a way to release tension, feel deeply connected to ourselves, and experience true relaxation. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle yet profound healing modality that offers just that—a doorway to deep relaxation, embodiment, and balance.

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a light-touch therapy that works with the body’s natural rhythms to release tension and restore balance. Rooted in osteopathic medicine, CST focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. By gently manipulating this system, CST practitioners help encourage the body’s self-healing abilities, leading to profound feelings of being relaxed and realignment.

The Power of Embodiment and Stress Relief

One of the most powerful aspects of craniosacral therapy is its ability to guide you back into your body. In our modern lives, we often operate from a state of disconnection—living in our minds, caught up in stress, and unaware of the subtle signals our bodies are sending us. CST brings you back into a state of embodiment, where you can fully inhabit your body with ease and presence.

Through this gentle therapy, deep-seated stress patterns begin to dissolve. The nervous system shifts out of the fight-or-flight response and into a state of rest and healing. This allows the body to unwind, releasing stored tension and facilitating deep relaxation. Many clients report feeling lighter, calmer, relaxed, and more at peace after a session—like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps You Feel Connected and Relaxed

Craniosacral therapy doesn’t just relax the body—it helps restore a deep sense of connection. This connection manifests in multiple ways:

Relaxed Connection to Self: By quieting the mind and relaxing the body, CST helps you tune into your own needs, emotions, and sensations. Many people report a deepened awareness of their inner world, leading to greater self-understanding and clarity.
Connection to the Present Moment: The subtle, meditative nature of CST brings you into the now. Instead of being caught in the past or future, you can fully experience the present moment—where healing and transformation occur.
Connection to the Flow of Life: Many people describe CST as an experience of deep surrender—letting go of control and trusting the innate wisdom of the body. This often translates into a greater sense of ease and flow in everyday life.

What to Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session

A typical session takes place in a quiet, soothing environment. You remain fully clothed while the practitioner uses gentle, hands-on techniques to assess and release restrictions in your craniosacral system. The experience is deeply relaxing, and many people feel a profound sense of well-being both during and after the session.

Is Craniosacral Therapy Right for You?

CST is beneficial for a wide range of people, from those dealing with chronic stress and anxiety to individuals recovering from injuries or trauma. It is especially effective for headaches, neck and back pain, sleep disturbances, and nervous system imbalances.

If you’re looking for a holistic way to relieve stress, feel more embodied, and reconnect with yourself, craniosacral therapy may be the perfect solution. A single session can leave you feeling lighter, more aligned, and deeply relaxed—ready to move through life with greater ease and presence.

Ready to experience the profound benefits of craniosacral therapy? Book a session today and step into a more relaxed, connected, and balanced version of yourself!

For a Free 15 minute Phone Consultation, call Sharon Hartnett CST-D:

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Find out more about the Upledger Institute at www.upledger.com

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