ANIMAL NORMALIZATION THERAPY

There are three main rhythms in the body: the heart beat, the breathing rhythm, and the cranial-sacral
rhythm. The cranial-sacral rhythm ensures that the sutures between the bones can serve as a shock
absorber to an impact to the head. Another important function of the cranial-sacral mechanics is to
act as a pump for the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The CSF feeds the neurological tissues and needs
to be dispersed throughout the brain and the whole dural sack. The CSF is finally absorbed in the
vascular system.

Cranial-sacral Osteopathy for humans was developed by William Sutherland DO, a student of
Andrew Still, DO around 1935. He spent almost fifty years of his life researching the relationship
between the structure/form of the cranial bones and their function in an effort to understand the
complexity of the cranial-sacral mechanism. He developed several models (boneus, membranous,
and spiritual) and wrote several books regarding his findings. The Cranial Bowl was one of his most
popular books. Dr. Sutherland was one of the inspirations of the official American Cranial Academy,
a well respected academy for research and teaching.

There are many similarities in the cranial-sacral mechanics of humans and canines. Both have
approximately 29 cranial bones, and they are connected with sutures in between. These cranial bones
move in a consistent, rhythmical pattern with each other and with the sacrum in the pelvis. For canines,
the cranial-sacral rhythm is faster approximately 14-16 times per minute compared to humans 8-12
times per minute. With canines, the dura attaches to the middle of the anterior surface of the sacrum.
This is the reason why there is a connection between the dural movement in the cranium and the pelvis.

    "The brain and spinal cord undulate rhythmically like a jellyfish. As the brain coils and uncoils,
     the cavities within the brain (ventricles) and around the brain (cisterns) change shape. During
     the inhalation phase (flexion) the brain gets shorter and wider. During the exhalation phase
     (extension) the brain gets taller and narrower."      Dr. William Sutherland

The normal rhythm between the cranium and the sacrum is very crucial for the health of the animal
and for successful functioning of the musculo-skeletal system. Cranial dysfunctions can contribute
to lumbo-pelvis dysfunctions and other neurological disorders. Other common cranial symptoms
with canines can be: