Day 4 and 5; Front of the Head

Day 4 and 5

Day four and five continued with our examination of the sphenoid bone.  We covered the lesser wing's landmarks and connections to other bones.  Then followed it up with practical applications by releasing these connections. 

Next the greater wing was discussed.  We looked at it's three surfaces: cerebral, lateral and orbital surfaces.  Also it's five boarders: zygomatic, frontal, posterior, squamosal and medial boarder.  These intimate classes allow me to take the real bones around for everyone to see.  The disarticulated bones really show the sutures in all their glory.  Plastic bones are helpful; but nothing beats the real thing. You need to see and appreciate the details in order to do precise cranial treatments. 

We also looked at the zygoma and palatine bones.  I think everyone was surprised at being able to palpate the CRI of the palatine bone in the mouth.

There was quite a bit of assessment skills learnt too, in the form of motion tests.  This is necessary to determine what and where we are going to treat.  Where are the restrictions? Are they in the coronal suture?  Can the greater wing of the sphenoid express its full motion without being inhibited?  Is the vomer synchronised properly to the sphenoid?  These lucky folks can answer these questions with confidence now. 

The corrections take into account the directions and orientation of the bones and their motion patterns.  This allows us to use variable treatment pressures as we know how to disengage one bone from another.  The students tested before and after a correction to satisfy themselves that the work performed did what it was intended to do.  It is always excellent when you can feel someones head "pump up" after freeing restrictions.

Day five ended with us again getting in the mouth to treat the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG).  This ganglion can be crowded, especially in a extension of the sphenoid and create a variety of symptoms.  It may be involved in pathology of the lacrimal glands, sinus infection, nasal mucus membranes, irritation of the nasopharynx and palate.  It is always a good idea to check the SPG in cases of TMJ problems also. 

Tomorrow bring this six day workshop to a close.  I look forward to telling you more then.