Potency & Flow: A Craniosacral Therapy Approach to Migraine

On February 1st, HeartFelt Learnings hosted its inaugural postgraduate training, Potency and Flow: A Craniosacral Therapy Approach to Migraine, in collaboration with the Craniosacral Therapy Association. Led by Mary Bolingbroke and Nicci Parry, this course provided an in-depth exploration of migraine through the lens of craniosacral therapy, blending theory, philosophy, and hands-on practice.

At the heart of our discussion was Andrew Taylor Still’s philosophy, which emphasises that nature is always striving to express perfect health. While this process remains a mystery beyond scientific explanation, it is this intrinsic drive that underlies healing—a core principle in craniosacral therapy.

The training covered:

• Types of migraine and how they are characterised.

• The contrast between allopathic and craniosacral therapy approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

• Triggers of migraine pain and their relevance to craniosacral therapy.

• The phases of a migraine attack—from the trigger, premonitory phase, aura, headache stage, postdrome, and interictal phase.

• The altered perception and processing of inputs in a migraine brain, focusing on central and peripheral processes.

• Key pain mechanisms, including increased pain sensitivity, reduced pain regulation, and sensory overload.

We also explored the nervous system’s role in migraine, covering:

• The cortex, thalamus, and brainstem dysfunction in migraine sufferers.

• Cortical hyperresponsivity, the trigeminal vascular system, and brainstem dysregulation.

• Autonomic nervous system imbalances commonly found in individuals with migraines.

Beyond the nervous system, we examined vascular, circulatory, and musculoskeletal factors influencing migraines, including:

• Muscular tension and postural imbalances.

• Hormonal fluctuations and their impact.

• Metabolic stress and neuronal excitability.

• The gut-brain connection and its role in migraine onset.

• The inflammatory cascade and how it contributes to migraine pathology.

The afternoon was dedicated to practical application, allowing students to integrate their newfound knowledge with hands-on craniosacral therapy techniques.

This first training was a fantastic start to HeartFelt Learnings' mission—to deepen the expertise of craniosacral therapists and provide advanced, research-backed training. We look forward to continuing to grow this community of skilled practitioners.

Stay tuned for upcoming courses!