Self-Induction of CRI Still Point using Tandem Tennis Balls – Dr James Nelson Riley

THE DEVICE

Two tennis balls (or racquet balls) are tethered in tandem so that they are touching one another. This can be done by putting holes through the balls on a straight line and tying them together with heavy string or leather ties. Alternatively, the two balls can be placed in the toe of a sock which is then knotted tightly. In order to assure that the balls stay in contact with each other, place the first sock inside another sock which is also tied tightly.

INSTRUCTIONS

Recline on your back, on the floor or upon a sofa or bed. Place the device under your head so that the entire weight of your head rests on the two balls. They should be symmetrical with respect to the midline.  They are placed about midway "up" the back of the head in the following location:

At the top of the occipital bone (but below the lambdoidal suture). This is in a slight depression in the skull just above the slight bony prominence, which is in turn just above the attachment of the main neck muscles. The level is slightly above that of the ear openings.

Allow the weight of your head to rest flexibly upon the device for 15 minutes.

Relax comfortably. You may shift position slightly in order to maintain symmetry and comfort, but do so gently and gradually

Repeat daily.

THEORY

The craniosacral rhythmical impulse ("C.R.I.") is the rhythmical mobile activity of  the craniosacral physiological system.  The structures of the craniosacral system are organized around the meningeal membranes, and the craniosacral system is intimately related to the function of the nervous system (most directly the brain and spinal cord), the musculoskeletal system (most directly the cranium, spine and pelvis), related fascia, and other systems.  Induction of momentary  "still points”  in the craniosacral rhythmical impulse is an effective technique for mobilising the craniosacral system's inherent self-correcting abilities, which in turn can have profound beneficial effects throughout the body.

INDICATIONS

This is a good "shotgun" technique for enhancing tissue and fluid motion, especially relaxing connective tissues throughout the body, and for restoring flexibility of autonomic nervous system response.  It is beneficial for acute and chronic musculoskeletal lesions, including degenerative arthritis.  It can lower fever as much as 4 degrees Fahrenheit.  It can reduce cerebral or pulmonary congestion, or dependent edema.  It has been used to improve auto-immune disease, autistic behaviour of children and anxiety.

This technique can benefit most individuals to some degree and is rarely harmful.  The only contraindications are in situations in which even slight and transient increases in intracranial pressure are to be avoided; impending cerebrovascular aneurism or hemorrhage – as in acute stage of stroke or cranial trauma.