What is CVST?
Stands for Cranial Vibro-Sound Therapy
CVST vibrations are a relaxing massage modality technique in which Cranial muscles and tissues and neck muscles and tissues are pressed and released in an up-and-down movement, a circular movement, or a pressing movement. A Cranial sound vibration massage creates a vibrating sound and shaking motion onto the facial muscles and facia muscles that can be performed in a soothing or more stimulating way. Lighter vibration sound techniques can also help stimulate the Parasympathetic nervous system which is linked to the Autonomic Nervous System and the Sympathetic nervous system and helps the Cranial muscles relax. An increasing speed of vibrations sounds can be used to stimulate the circulatory system and loosen soft tissues. The work is experientially oriented. CVST therapy addresses a specific system in the body that is used to assess and treat a variety of problems, many of which relate to proper neurological functioning. In this regard, CVST therapy has particular potential for helping individuals with a wide range of conditions. They include chronic pain syndromes unsuccessfully treated by other approaches, head neck, or back injuries, tinnitus, and a number of stress-related conditions including insomnia, headaches, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and TMJ syndrome. It’s a physiological system made up of cranial bones, the sacrum, and the membrane structures that connect these two areas of the body. There is a distinct rhythm within this system (the craniosacral rhythm) created by the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the membrane complex. The technique relies largely on the body’s inherent ability for self-correction and therefore is quite non-invasive and does not cause “side effects,” so to speak. During CVRT many patients experience different sensations in their bodies, sometimes strong images will come into the patient’s mind, others feel releases of emotion or tension and still others simply fall asleep. It depends on the individual response and oftentimes patients will report after two or three treatments they can feel their own cranial rhythm, either during the treatment or spontaneously during times when their bodies are still. The length of the CVST massage session is anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes depending on your individual needs.
Furthermore, CVST work revolves around the functioning of the central nervous system. Because the nervous system is really the master controller of the entire system, even subtle imbalances can have profound effects on a person’s health and well-being. That is why I use Vibro-Sound Therapy in conjunction with my craniosacral work and bodywork to address the more subtle aspects of balance in the nervous system and in the energetic field that surrounds the body.
Another common reason for the inhibition of proper functioning of the craniosacral system is scarring or adhesions, inflammation, and vascular accidents. So any abnormalities in the structure and/or function of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, endocrine, or respiratory system have the potential to alter functioning in the craniosacral system, and craniosacral therapy is an excellent way to address scars and/or adhesions.
What are cranial nerves?
Function
Cranial nerves function to relay various types of information to and from the body. Some of the nerves are motor nerves, and they move muscles. Others are sensory nerves; they carry information from the body to the brain. Some cranial nerves are a combination of motor and sensory nerves.
Each pair of cranial nerves serves a specific purpose in your body, and functions as either a motor nerve, sensory nerve, or both. Various conditions can affect the nerves, and specific signs and symptoms may arise in your body as the result of an injury or problem to a cranial nerve
Twelve cranial nerves extend from your brain and brain stem, responsible for helping you control different motor and sensory functions. Cranial nerves facilitate communication between the brain and other parts of the body, mainly in the head and neck region.
Cranial nerves come in pairs on both sides of the brain and brain stem. Each one is numbered based on the place in the brain where they emerge, from front to back. When these nerves end up damaged and start malfunctioning because of an illness or injury, it affects your body’s ability to move and feel. Cranial nerve disorders are also called cranial neuropathies.
The 12 Cranial nerves are: and their functions are:
- The olfactory nerve — Controls your sense of smell.
2. Optic nerve — It carries visual information from your retina to your brain.
3. Oculomotor nerve — It controls most of your eye movements along with the way your pupil constricts and the ability to keep your eyelid open.
4. Trochlear nerve — It feeds nerves to the major muscle around your eyes that controls how they rotate.
5. Trigeminal nerve — It provides sensation to your face and mouth along with motor control of their functions.
6. Abducens nerve — It feeds nerves to the lateral rectus muscles of the eyes that control their lateral movements.
7. Facial nerve — It controls muscles responsible for generating your facial expressions. It also provides taste sensations to two-thirds of your tongue and mouth.
8. Vestibulocochlear nerve — It transmits sound and balance information from your inner ear to your brain.
9. Glossopharyngeal nerve — It takes in sensory information from your middle ear, tonsils, pharynx, and the rest of your tongue.
10. Vagus nerve — It is responsible for various tasks like sweating, your heart rate, muscle movements in your mouth, and making sure your larynx remains open for breathing.
11. Spinal accessory — It controls specific functions of your neck and shoulders.
12. Hypoglossal nerve — It controls your tongue movements for speech, eating, and swallowing.
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. These statements are not expressions of legal opinion relative to the scope of practice, medical diagnosis, or medical advice, nor do they represent an endorsement of any product, company, or specific massage therapy technique, modality, or approach. All trademarks, registered trademarks, brand names, registered brand names, logos, and company logos referenced in this post are the property of their owners.
