What is Cranial Spinal Integration?

CSi comes from the collaborative efforts of Dr Joel Alcantara, DC and Dr. Craig Ross, DC. CSi is the “effective fusion of history, research and clinical innovation in the cranial field.”

Historically, cranial techniques have been used by people all over the world since antiquities. Hippocrates described the Macrocephales, known for their custom of cranial deformation. The ancient Egyptians favored an elongated head and pointed chins as did some Europeans. Lewis and Clark in their transcontinental crossing of North America described their encounter with the Chinook tribe, a people that molded the cranium of their children to avoid social stigma.

In the modern era, cranial molding for salutary purpose – the improvement of health - begins with Nephi Cottam, DC and his life’s work of Craniopathy. William Garner Sutherland’s work with Cranial Osteopathy shortly followed. It is from these two Giants of the cranial field that provides the beginnings of CSi. Cottam’s chiropractic influence on CSi is noteworthy for his contributions on the causes of dis-ease in terms of “traumas, thoughts and toxins” within a cranial framework. Sutherland’s Primary Respiratory Mechanism and Reciprocal Membrane Tension System provides one of the avenues from which Csi achieves the restoration of health. Alfred Breig, MD, and Allan Terrett, DC with their research on the biomechanics of the spine and dura provides for irrefutable changes in the cranium and spine with CSi. Fred Mitchell, Sr. (Muscle Energy Technique), David G. Simmons, MD ( myofascial trigger points) and Nick Spano, DC (muscle palpation) bridges the intimate relationship between the cranium and the spine within the framework of CSi. Although there are many more names to add to the above list in contributing to the art, science and philosophy of CSi, we want to give credit to Red Adams. His pioneering work on athletes provides in no small part to the unique hands-on approach of CSi.

Why is CSi Cranial Spinal Treatment Different?

As you can surmise from the influence of many individuals mentioned above, there is no doubt that CSi is different from other techniques in terms of its theoretical/philosophical underpinning and in the application and hands-on approach of CSi.

Using a Heart Rate Variability instrument (a technology that allows for the measurement of the Autonomic Nervous System), we are able to demonstrate the effects of CSi in two ways: (1) there is innate intelligence in the body and (2) positive changes occur on the Autonomic Nervous System that is conducive to health. CSi is able to affect the Central and Peripheral Nervous System by "Unleashing the Brain's Healing Power" if you will. We dare say that CSi provides the practitioner a way to achieve this in a unique way that may not be accessible with spinal manipulation or soft tissue techniques. We do not minimize the miraculous effects of the adjustment or the benefits of other forms of manual therapy.  There is an emphasis by some “cranial techniques” to work on the cranium to affect the rest of the body. CSi works on the dura to affect not only the cranium but also the rest of the Nervous System. Through the dura’s connection with the cranial bones and the spine, a craniospinal balance can be achieved with CSi. Research shows that the cranial bones align in direct relationship to “tension” on the dura. As an example, consider the practitioners that care for children with plagiocephally. Direct manual work upon the sutures and the fontanelles to influence cranial molding may be augmented by affecting the dura through CSi.

How Long Does A Treatment Take?

The CSi procedure lasts only two to three minutes. Not only is it easy on the patient, it is also easy on the doctor to perform. 

For more information please visit the official website of Cranial Spinal Integration at www.MyBetterBrain.com