Center for Healing

06/30/2026

06/30/2026

“Make a big promise, use it to reward your allies, blame setbacks on your opponents, criminalize dissent and then attack the press.”

If the administration can’t admit a mistake, it has to find someone to blame.

06/30/2026

“…we have some folks in government who don’t believe in science and don’t believe in the investments that need to be made for us to stay in that leadership position. “

On steering the path forward for research and innovation

06/21/2026

💜 The Sphenoid Bone: The “Keystone” of the Cranium

“When the center releases, the whole system can change.” 💜

The sphenoid bone is one of the most important bones in the body that most people have never heard of.

Often called the “keystone of the cranium,” it connects with every other cranial bone and sits deep behind the eyes, nose, and cheeks. Because of its central location, restrictions around the sphenoid can influence far more than the head and face.

When fascial restrictions surrounding the sphenoid begin to release through gentle, sustained John F. Barnes Myofascial Release, people may experience changes in:

✨ Headaches and migraines
✨ TMJ pain and jaw tension
✨ Eye strain and visual fatigue
✨ Sinus congestion
✨ Ear pressure or ringing
✨ Neck pain and stiffness
✨ Balance and dizziness issues
✨ Cranial and facial asymmetries
✨ Nervous system regulation

The sphenoid is also closely connected to the dura, cranial nerves, jaw, palate, tongue, and upper cervical spine.

When the sphenoid is under tension, the entire craniosacral and fascial system may compensate.

As John Barnes taught, healing doesn’t come from forcing tissues into place.

The body changes when restrictions are met with patience, safety, and sustained pressure.

Sometimes releasing tension around the sphenoid creates a sense of spaciousness throughout the head, jaw, neck, and even the entire body.

The body functions as one interconnected fascial system.
When the center begins to change, everything connected to it has the opportunity to change as well.

💜 Healing is not about fixing the body.It’s about creating the conditions for the body to heal itself.

Rowena Cua 💜
Expert JFB Myofascial Release Therapist Trauma-Informed Healing
www.bodymfr.com

06/21/2026

Cerebrospinal fluid flow extends to peripheral nerves further unifying the nervous system
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis through nutrient delivery and waste removal for the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we demonstrate extensive CSF flow throughout the peripheral nervous system (PNS) - Our findings suggest that CSF plays a consistent role in maintaining homeostasis throughout the nervous system with implications for CNS and PNS therapy and neural drug delivery.'
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn3259
Image credit - Karola En.art

06/21/2026

🧠 Exciting research in PNAS reveals that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may travel along peripheral nerves to organs throughout the body, creating a direct brain-body communication pathway.

These findings align with the principles of CranioSacral Therapy and Neural Manipulation, which focus on supporting CSF flow and nerve function to promote health and balance throughout the body.

Read here:https://www.iahe.com/storage/docs/articles/gcAQfr5iaf92RHG4LGs0HCv9IBQeLzx00QtIkt5u.pdf or Barralinstitute.com Resources Tab

02/22/2026

Breathing is not only a respiratory function but also a fundamental biomechanical process that supports spinal stability and postural control. The diaphragm, abdominal wall, pelvic floor, and deep spinal stabilizers work together to create a pressure-regulating system that stabilizes the trunk. The illustration highlights how diaphragmatic breathing distributes pressure evenly throughout the abdominal cavity, forming a supportive internal cylinder.

During proper inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and descends, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. Instead of the abdomen pushing forward only, pressure expands in all directions — anteriorly, laterally, and posteriorly — creating 360-degree expansion. The pelvic floor responds by lengthening slightly, while the transverse abdominis and oblique muscles regulate the expansion. This balanced pressure supports the lumbar spine and reduces excessive reliance on passive structures like ligaments and discs.

From a biomechanical standpoint, intra-abdominal pressure functions like an internal brace for the spine. When pressure is evenly distributed, it enhances trunk stiffness and stability without excessive muscular tension. This mechanism is crucial during lifting, walking, and athletic movements, as it improves force transfer between the upper and lower body while minimizing spinal strain.

The side-view illustration shows how pressure interacts with spinal alignment. With efficient diaphragmatic breathing, pressure supports the lumbar curve and maintains trunk integrity. In contrast, shallow chest breathing elevates the rib cage, limits diaphragm descent, and shifts stabilization demand to the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Over time, this inefficient pattern may contribute to neck tension, lumbar pain, and reduced core stability.

Poor pressure management can also overload the pelvic floor. If pressure is directed downward without coordinated muscular support, it may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Conversely, excessive abdominal gripping without diaphragm coordination can increase spinal compression and restrict breathing efficiency.

Restoring optimal breathing mechanics involves retraining diaphragmatic function, improving rib cage mobility, and strengthening deep core musculature. When the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and pelvic floor coordinate effectively, the body gains a stable foundation for posture, movement, and injury prevention.

Efficient breathing creates a stable yet adaptable trunk, enhances movement efficiency, and supports long-term spinal health — demonstrating that proper respiration is essential not only for oxygen exchange but also for biomechanical integrity.

02/22/2026

When your jaw is unbalanced, your pelvis compensates.

The cascade:
1. Jaw imbalance pulls your head forward
2. Your neck muscles tighten to stabilize
3. Your spine compensates by shifting
4. Your pelvis tilts to maintain balance
5. One-sided back pain, hip tightness, or SI joint dysfunction appears

Why this happens:

Your jaw connects to deep neck muscles that attach directly to your spine. When jaw muscles stay tight, they create a chain of compensations that travel downward.

Your brain tries to keep you balanced. When your head shifts forward from jaw tension, your pelvis shifts backward.

This is why jaw clenchers often have chronic lower back issues that don't respond to hip stretches or core work.

The pattern:
Stressed → Clench jaw → Head forward → Pelvis compensates → Chronic pain

Most people treat the pelvis or lower back. They stretch their hips. They do core exercises. They get adjustments.

But the jaw tension hasn't changed. So the compensation pattern repeats.

Here's what actually breaks the cycle:

Your jaw has to stop clenching. Not through conscious relaxation that only works when you're thinking about it.

Automatically. Even while you sleep.

When jaw tension releases at the reflex level, your head repositions. Your spine decompresses. Your pelvis stops compensating.

The one-sided back pain disappears—not because you treated your back, but because the trigger stopped firing.

Want to know what retrains jaw position without conscious effort? Check out → https://posturepro.co/pages/fix-my-posture-now

01/29/2026

📢 How Do Your Organs Influence Your Emotions and Decisions?

🌿 Did you know that your gut, heart, and other internal organs are constantly communicating with your brain—shaping your thoughts, emotions, and even your sense of self?

🧠 According to neuroscience research, this “interoceptive” feedback influences behavior, memory, mood, and motivation. It even affects how we perceive fear, safety, and connection to others.

✨ Manual therapy, especially approaches like Visceral Manipulation and CranioSacral Therapy, works directly with these pathways—supporting the body’s ability to regulate from the inside out.

👉 By gently addressing restrictions in the organs, fascia, and autonomic nervous system, these therapies help restore internal balance and improve emotional and cognitive function. This is more than just muscle work—it's about optimizing the whole-body communication network.

Read here:https://www.iahe.com/storage/docs/articles/visceral-influences-on-brain-and-behavior.pdf

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01/17/2026