A FORGOTTEN KEYSTONE IN
SYSTEMIC WELLNESS
UNLOCKING THE ROOT LINK:
SPHENOBASILAR DYSFUNCTION AND WHOLE-BODY IMBALANCE
A FORGOTTEN KEYSTONE IN
Positioned deep within the skull behind the eyes lies a bone that is rarely considered when health challenges arise. Known as the cranial keystone, the sphenoid bone is one of the most mysterious parts of our anatomy, holding a unique place in both anatomical and symbolic perspectives due to its remarkable resemblance to a butterfly. I cannot recall any significant attention given to the motility of this bone in my initial studies in anatomy, however, great significance was emphasized throughout my studies in craniosacral therapy.
In osteopathy and craniosacral therapy, the sphenoid is understood to move rhythmically, its motion being compared to the gentle flapping of butterfly wings. The movement of the sphenoid influences the fluid flow and balance of cerebrospinal fluid which plays a large role in supporting vital structures of the brain, cranial nerves, and hormonal centers like the pituitary gland. When in harmony this rhythm promotes deep parasympathetic healing, mental clarity and nervous system balance. If the sphenoid becomes restricted and CSF flow is hindered due to trauma, emotional stress or dental work it can manifest as a variety of imbalances.
The sphenoid bone is in a unique and influential position because it is in contact with all other cranial bones. Specially trained allopathic practitioners access the sphenoid bone by inserting special instruments through the nasal cavities. Cranialsacral therapy accomplishes this same task through a non-invasive, extremely gentle application.
How does Spenoidbasilar dysfunction happen?
Imbalance can actually begin in-utero due to the restricted space, especially if the pregnancy involved multiples. Other causes that contribute to the root cause of this disfunction include:
Long or difficult labor
Use of forceps or vacuum extraction
C-section (especially emergency)
Dysfunction can also arise later in life from a variety of contributing factors:
- Impact to the cranium
- Chronic postural stress on the neck (tech neck/forward head posture)
- Chronic sympathetic activation
- Whiplash or other neck injury from C0-C2
- Dental trauma
- TMJD
- Teeth grinding or poor occlusion
The Blueprint of our Birth
Image Credit: Terry, Karlton. Lie Side Phenomena, Baby Body Language, & Somato Magnetism. February 2021.
The birth process is often a profound physiological and emotional event that can imprint patterns of tension or restriction in the body. During delivery, especially in cases of prolonged labor, instrument-assisted birth, cesarean section, or cord compression, the newborn’s cranial bones, spine, and nervous system may undergo considerable stress. Even in uncomplicated births, the journey through the birth canal can produce compressive forces that subtly affect the alignment and function of tissues.
Compression or imbalance of the spenoidbasilar joint in babies or toddlers can be linked to the following symptoms:
1. Ear Infections
2. Colic
3. Frequent nasal congestion
4. Reflux-like symptoms
5. Delayed rolling, crawling or walking
6. Constipation or gas
7. Plagiocephaly (flatness of head on one side)
8. Torticollis (head tilt to one side)
9. Cries when placed on back
10. Difficulty latching with feeding
11. Sucking appears weak, noisy or inefficient
12. Needs constant movement to settle
The body holds an innate intelligence and capacity for self-healing. For many, the physical and emotional challenges of birth naturally resolve over time, however, when early life is marked by significant stress or trauma, this natural healing ability can become disrupted-making it more difficult to return to a balanced state. When such imbalances go unaddressed, they often do not disappear, but instead become layered-like an onion-over time. A compensatory pattern in the nervous system may give rise to tension in the musculoskeletal system, which may in turn impact circulation, digestion, or emotional regulation. Each unresolved layer adds complexity, masking the original root cause beneath newer symptoms. Over the years, what began as a subtle disruption can evolve into chronic pain, fatigue, hormonal issues, or emotional instability, all of which trace back to that early interference with the body’s self-healing rhythm.
The drawings above illustrate a “birth mask” which is defined by a map of how trauma experienced in our birth process can be carried with us well into adulthood. The imbalance of facial structure provides clues on how the sphenoidbasilar joint might be impacted.
In adults, many chronic symptoms and conditions may stem from impaired motion at the sphenoid, as reflected in the list below:
1. Chronic pain
2. Asthma
3. Anxiety
4. Bell’s Palsy
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
6. Depression
7. Epilepsy
8. TMJD
9. Dyslexia
10. Chronic Fatigue
11. Hyperactivity
12. Insomnia
13. Eye problems including Visual Disturbances
14. Sinusitis
15. Tinnitus and Middle Ear Problems
16. Headaches or Migraines
17. Hormone Imbalances
Research:
Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain.
ĀYURVEDIC GUIDANCE
At Home Cranial Base Release:
Supplementing therapies at home in between your Craniosacral Therapy appointments can be very supportive to the work we do on the table. The following encourages release in the cranial base, including the sphenoid-occiput interface (the bump on the back of the skull), by reducing nervous system overactivity and balancing cranial rhythm.
- Place 2 tennis balls in a sock and tie the sock together OR use Yoga Therapy Balls
- While lying on your back, position them under the occiput (back of the head) but not on the spine
- Rest here in a calm, quiet space for 10-15 minutes allowing the body to soften
Sphenoid Balancing Breathwork:
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) – 5-8 min. per day
Āyurvedic Therapies that further this healing process include:
- Nasaya Therapy
- ShiroAbhyanga
- Shirodhara
- Gandusha
- Karna Purana
These therapies use deeply healing herbs and oils to nourish, restore healthy movement and calm the nervous system. Integration of one or more are considered in the Complete Wellness Plan and only introduced after gut health has improved.
Please note:
The guidance offered in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes and not as a substitute for personalized medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new breathwork or exercise practice, especially if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or are managing chronic illness.
Āyurvedic wisdom teaches: “Yukta ahara vihara”-right practice at the right time, in the right way, for the right person.