The Foramen Magnum

the region of the foramen magnum …

Releasing tensions in the foramen Magnum region is part of the Atlanto-Occipital Release

A first PureCranio workshop introduces the secrets of craniosacral work. After this weekend's workshop every participant can apply cranio for relaxation. The workshop includes theory about the craniosacral system, the enhancement of our sensitivity, and the effect of touch.

The Foramen Magnum workshop places the Foramen Magnum central and includes theory about the tissues around the Foramen Magnum, as well as specific approaches to release tensions on the Foramen Magnum.

If we see the Foramen Magnum as a meeting place between body and head, we can imagine how the FM 'gets it all' and has to deal with all the tensions from below and above.

William Garner Sutherland addresses our attention specifically to the foramen magnum for good reasons. It is the area where the spinal and the cranial dura mater meet. He emphasizes the unobstructed foramen magnum as one of the most important prerequisites for optimal functionality. (Teachings in the Science of Osteopathy).

The movements of and within the occiput are partly caused by the cranial rhythmic impulse generated in the ventricles. The opening of the foramen magnum and with that the freedom of movement of a part of the Central Nervous System passing through the Foramen Magnum depends, however, also on chronic and/or acute behaviour of the specific connective tissues and muscles that keep the occiput and the atlas in place.

With sensitivity and respect for the intricate and extremely subtle movements, it is possible to sense all the intricate movements of the occiput and its relation to the atlas, its relation to the neck area, and with that to sense the freedom of passage of the Central Nervous System through the Foramen Magnum.

Gentle sensing and following the occiput in all its intricate movements often already involves a relaxation in the relationship between the occiput and the atlas, so closely connected. If they are at the same time connected and at the same time somewhat independent, what influence does that have on our freedom in movement and balance?

However interesting all that may be in theory, the end of the exploration and the practice should be that they can move as freely as possible, allowing us not only to turn our heads and our spines freely, but just as important, to allow the central nervous system inside the dural tube to function without extra pressure from a foramen magnum whose opening width is compromised. The area, in other words, benefits hugely from a maximum of relaxation, and many headaches subsided immediately after a release of the occiput and the foramen magnum.

Following William Garner Sutherland, we will see how important it is to evaluate the region of and around the Foramen Magnum first of all, to allow the occiput to move as freely as possible, to allow the nervous system a passage as free as possible.

In Practical Cranio 2, we start with the foramen magnum through the achievement of a good practical knowledge about the occiput, the atlas, and their connections with the spinal and the cranial zone. From there, we will explore the inter- and intra-mobility of the cranial bones, the SphenoBasilar Synchondrosis, the membranes inside the cranium and spine, and the possibilities for corrections on restrictions. This workshop is an Intensive!