Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2009/07, 13(3):246-254. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.04.046, type of study: ,bas,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/S1360-8592(08)00085-5/fulltext)

Keywords:

cavernous sinus [1]
cerebrovascular circulation [3]
expansion [3]
hydraulic mechanism [1]
intracranial pressure [6]
involuntary cranial movement [1]
movement [65]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
cranio-sacral osteopathy [231]
skull [44]
baseline study [22]

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to present a rational coherent hypothesis to explain the palpable involuntary movements of the cranium. The arterial and venous anatomy inside and around the skull and spinal column presents a complete vascular system with the capacity to regulate intra-cranial pressure to a level of equilibrium slightly higher than atmospheric pressure. Variations in cerebrospinal fluid (csf) pressure control the volume of blood draining through the cavernous sinus and hence into the inter-vertebral venous plexus in relation to the jugular vein. Stable intra-cranial pressure is maintained by a controlled release of venous blood through the inter-vertebral venous plexus (slow) and the jugular vein (fast) in the cavernous sinus. Any distortion of the skull from its healthy state will lead to reduced intra-cranial volume. The process of release from the state of compression has been interpreted as “cranial rhythm“ but may be a mechanical adjustment increasing the internal volume of the skull, aided by the continual maintenance of stable intracranial pressure. This involuntary movement is capable of being assisted manually.