Episode #58: How Cranial Bones Impact Your Nervous System

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is the host of the Functional Health Radio podcast and a seasoned practitioner in the field of functional health. She specializes in cranial care, chiropractic treatments, and pediatric health, with certifications from Exceptional Advanced Orthopedics and the Sacro Occipital Technique Organization. Dr. Hieshetter's practice emphasizes the importance of cranial and structural health in improving nervous system function, and she is noted for her work with challenging cases of vertigo, headaches, and TMJ disorders.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Functional Health Radio with Dr. Kristin Hieshetter, who explores the intricate connection between cranial bone movement and the nervous system. Today, Dr. Kristin dives deep into how cranial bones' subtle movements can impact overall health. She explains why our cranial bones do move, challenging the common misconception that adult skulls are immobile, and delves into how skull structure affects brain health, posture, and nervous system functions. If you wear a tight ponytail, cranial discomfort can actually be a result of subtle bone shifts — an intriguing revelation for many!

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Kristin highlights the role of cranial bones in conditions like vertigo, headaches, and TMJ disorders, emphasizing the importance of cranial respiratory systems and cerebrospinal fluid flow in maintaining optimal neurological health. She shares her expertise on how cranial distortions can lead to various health issues and introduces listeners to the innovative field of chirodontics — a blend of chiropractic and dental practices aimed at correcting structural misalignments to restore health. From newborns to adults, Dr. Kristin outlines the impacts of cranial movements on development and nervous system function, offering a pathway to healthier living through targeted cranial adjustments.

Key Takeaways:

• Cranial Bone Movement: Contrary to common beliefs, cranial bones do move, which is crucial for brain function and cerebrospinal fluid circulation.
• Cranial Health and Disorders: Adjustments in cranial bones can significantly impact conditions like vertigo and migraines, revealing new treatment avenues.
• Chirodontics Approach: Utilizes assessments that include both chiropractic and orthodontic evaluations to address structural misalignments.
• Infant Cranial Development: The flexibility of cranial bones in babies is crucial for healthy development and can be adjusted to prevent conditions like plagiocephaly.
• Holistic Health Strategies: Maintaining structural balance through cranial adjustments, proper nutrition, and lifestyle changes are keys to optimizing nervous system functions.

Notable Quotes:

• "Cranial bones have been under a distortive tension. So when cranial bones move, it's typically not enormous, loud, crazy movements. It's very subtle."
• "Structure dictates neurological function 100% of the time."
• "In adulthood, it's important that they move. Because every day in your brain, there's this beautiful organ called the choroid plexus…producing cerebrospinal fluid."
• "The cranial system is a critical player for autonomic function…those reflexive things we take for granted every day."
• "This cranial stuff is so cool…Cranial distortions can be such a significant part of chronic headaches and other health concerns."

Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Kristin Hieshetter's practice and methodologies in functional health on her Functional Health Radio podcast.
• Explore Sacro Occipital Technique with resources from their official site (if mentioned in conversation).
• Discover common cranial therapies and exercises for at-home care through resources by Dr. Hieshetter (availability may vary based on episode content).

Immerse yourself in this enlightening episode as Dr. Kristin Hieshetter unravels the mysteries of cranial bone movement and its profound impact on health. Stay tuned for more thoughtful discussions and practical insights from Functional Health Radio.