Originally published December 3 2011
Exercises naturally enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow
by Dr. David Jockers
(NaturalNews) The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS), which is the master control system for the entire body. It sends and receives a complicated frequency of signals within the body that dictates the function of the tissues & cells. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathes, feeds, & protects the brain and spinal cord. Exercises that enhance the flow of CSF through the CNS are very important health strategies.
The CSF maintains the electrolytic environment of the central nervous system by cleansing metabolic waste products from the brain and spinal cord. This rinsing process also plays a large role in stabilizing the critical acid-base balance throughout the CNS. It also provides valuable supply of essential nutrients to neuronal and glial cells. CSF also provides a medium to transport hormones, neurotransmitters, releasing factors, and other neuropeptides.
The Dangers of CSF Stasis
When the CSF flow becomes stagnant, it is classically referred to as CSF stasis. CSF stasis has been associated with vertebral subluxation complex, mechanical tension on the spinal cord, reduced cranial rhythmic impulses & restricted respiratory function. Reduced rates of CSF diffusion through key regions of the brain are a causative factor involved in degenerative disease.
The CSF has two major pumps that help to establish healthy flow. The pump at the top of the spine is the occiput bone, which makes up the lower portion of the skull. Flexion and extension motions of the occipital bone upon the atlas help to pump CSF through the brain and spinal cord. The other pump is at the bottom of the spine in the sacrum. Flexion and extension of the sacrum is also critical to help pump the CSF.
Sedentary lifestyles and bad postural habits create an environment ripe for CSF stasis in the spinal cord. Sedentary lifestyles create poor core strength and muscle imbalances that lead to chronic subluxation patterns throughout the spine. Sitting for long periods contributes to poor sacral motion and to accelerated degenerative changes in the lumbo-pelvic region.
Spinal Motion Encourages CSF Flow
Sedentary lifestyles and poor posture contribute to the formation of forward head posture. Forward head posture is characterized by occipital bone subluxation patterns. The majority of these subluxations have the occiput stuck into extension on the atlas bone with dense ligamentous scar tissue.
This is also the most subluxation pattern found in whiplash like traumas.
Healthy CSF flow depends upon a continual approach to minimize subluxation through corrective chiropractic techniques and specific spinal exercises.
Chiropractic adjustments are designed to release the ligamentous scar tissue that is locking the region in place. This allows for better neurological function through healthy proprioceptive patterns. Additionally, these adjustments help reinforce healthy soft tissue formation in the subluxated regions. This new healthy tissue will allow these regions to have normal, healthy motion.
Wobble board exercises help to restore and reinforce healthy sacral movement and initiate the CSF pump. The wobble board has a very small center of gravity that creates a greater challenge to the coordinating centers of the brain. This results in increased receptor information from the sacral region that allows a greater degree of range of motion and a further CSF pumping effect.
Repetitive cervical traction exercises put motion into the occipital region. This motion helps to traction the occiput creating a pressure change, which helps facilitate the CSF pump. This allows cleaner CSF to flow into the brain stem region providing fresh oxygen and nutrition. Additionally, the traction helps stretch chronically tight upper cervical muscles and ligaments and allows new tissue to form with greater elasticity.
Sources For This Article Include
http://www.healtouch.com/csft/CSF_stasis.htm...
http://www.naturalnews.com/031134_chiropract...
http://www.pettibonsystem.com/system/key_com...
http://www.naturalnews.com/030956_posture_he...
About the author:
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.
His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.
Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.
His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.
Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com
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