You have the option of purchasing a specially-designed device called the “CV-4 Still-Point Inducer” (See physical therapist for details) or obtaining two equally-sized sponge rubber balls to create a CV-4 Self-help Device for home use. You may wish to use two racquet balls or two sponge rubber balls such as the red, white & blue rubber balls children play with.
Place the two balls in the toe of a sock and then tightly tie the other end of the sock to keep the two balls in firmly contact with each other. In order to assure that the balls stay in contact with each other, place the first sock inside another sock, which is also tightly tied together.
INSTRUCTIONS
Lie down on your back either on the floor or on a bed. Put the CV-4 device under your head so that the entire weight of your head rests on the two balls. They should be under your skull in a symmetrical position from the midline of your head.
There is a slight horizontal depression in the skull just above the attachment of the main neck muscles. This level is slightly above that of the ear openings and is directly behind your eyeballs. Technically, this is near the top of the occipital bone below the lambdoidal suture. This is where you should be resting your head on the balls.
Allow the weight of your head to rest comfortably upon the device for five (5) to fifteen (15) minutes. You may shift your position slightly in order to maintain symmetry and comfort, but do so gently and gradually!
Repeat daily.
INDICATIONS
This is a good “shotgun” technique for helping tissue and fluid motion in and around the head, especially relaxing connective tissues throughout the body, and restoring flexibility of the autonomic nervous system response. It is beneficial for acute and chronic musculoskeletal lesions, including degenerative arthritis (wear & tear). It can lower fever as much as by four degrees (4) Fahrenheit. It can reduce brain or lung congestion, and dependent edema. It has been used to improve auto-immune disease, autistic behaviour of children, and anxiety.
This technique can benefit most individuals to some degree and is rarely harmful, if used with care.
THEORY
The Craniosacral Rhythmical Impulse (“C.R.I.”) is the rhythmical mobile activity of the Craniosacral physiological system. The structures of the Craniosacral system are organized around the meningeal membranes around the central nervous system. The Craniosacral system is intimately related to the function of the nervous system (most directly to the skull, spine and pelvis), related fascia, and other systems. Induction of momentary “still points” in the CRI is an effective technique for mobilizing the Craniosacral system’s inherent self-correcting abilities, which in turn can have profound beneficial effects throughout the body.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
The only contraindications are in situations in which even slight and transient increases in intracranial pressure are to be avoided such as where there is a risk of provoking a stroke or an aneurysm is present. Do not use this technique during the acute stages of a stroke or head injury!
ALTERNATIVES
If you are not achieving the desired or expected results from using a Still-Point Inducer device, consult with your therapist for alternative recommendations. You may need to initially benefit from hands-on therapy or become familiar with other approaches to help relax the body from the base of the skull.
Based on information provided by the Upledger Institute, FL
Fredric T. Samorodin
Physiotherapist Corporation www.integratedphysio.com
604-732-6323