What Is the Blye Cranial Technique?
Blye Cranial Technique is a specialized chiropractic approach focused on evaluating and correcting cranial subluxations, or fixations in the bones of the skull.
This technique is based on the concept that inflammation, stress, chemical exposure, and environmental factors may affect the pressure of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. When the cranial bones are not moving properly, this may contribute to pressure changes and neurological stress patterns that can be associated with a variety of symptoms.
Common Symptoms Associated With Cranial Subluxations
Patients may seek cranial evaluation for concerns such as:
- Site-specific headaches
- Tension headaches
- Cluster headaches
- Migraines
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Anxiety
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Bell’s palsy
- Ménière’s-related symptoms
- Sleep disturbances
- Seizure-related concerns
How the Evaluation Works
The Blye Cranial Technique uses specific stress testing to evaluate each cranial plate. During the exam, the patient applies light fingertip pressure to different areas of the skull while gently moving the scalp in the direction requested by the doctor.
The doctor then checks for a reactive short leg response, which may indicate that a cranial plate is fixated or restricted.
There are 8 cranial bones and more than 56 potential areas that may be evaluated.
Cranial Adjustment
Once a fixated cranial plate is identified, the doctor uses a specialized adjusting instrument to correct the restriction. The area is then re-tested to confirm that the correction has cleared.
Addressing the Cause of Inflammation
Care is not limited to cranial adjusting alone. A second important part of the process is identifying possible emotional, chemical, and environmental stressors that may contribute to inflammation.
Through patient education and reflex leg testing, Dr. Hendrickson works to identify lifestyle factors that may be corrected to help reduce the long-term need for cranial adjusting.
Experience and Training
Because Dr. Blye has retired, Blye Cranial Technique is now taught less frequently. Dr. Hendrickson is one of the few doctors in the South Sound area certified in this technique.
He has practiced Blye Cranial Technique since first being trained in 2005 and completed updated training in April 2023.
Each patient is evaluated for both spinal problems and cranial subluxations as part of their care.
Schedule Your Evaluation
If you have not experienced the results you were hoping for with chiropractic care, or if you have never had a cranial exam for fixated skull bones, now may be the right time to schedule an evaluation.
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FAQ’s
What is Blye Cranial Technique?
Blye Cranial Technique is a specialized chiropractic approach used to evaluate and correct cranial subluxations, or fixations in the bones of the skull. The goal is to identify areas where the cranial bones may not be moving properly and gently correct those restrictions using a specific evaluation and adjusting process.
What symptoms may be associated with cranial subluxations?
Patients may seek a cranial evaluation for concerns such as site-specific headaches, tension headaches, cluster headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, Bell’s palsy, Ménière’s-related symptoms, and seizure-related concerns. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine whether cranial restrictions may be part of their overall stress pattern.
How does the Blye Cranial Technique evaluation work?
During the evaluation, the doctor uses specific stress testing to check each cranial plate. The patient applies light fingertip pressure to different areas of the skull while gently moving the scalp as directed. The doctor then checks for a reactive short leg response, which may indicate that a cranial plate is fixated or restricted.
How many cranial areas are evaluated?
There are 8 cranial bones and more than 56 potential areas that may be evaluated during the Blye Cranial Technique process. This allows the doctor to perform a detailed cranial assessment rather than taking a general or one-size-fits-all approach.
How is a cranial adjustment performed?
Once a fixated cranial plate is identified, the doctor uses a specialized adjusting instrument to correct the restriction. After the adjustment, the area is re-tested to confirm whether the correction has cleared. The process is gentle, specific, and focused on addressing the cranial area identified during the exam.
Is Blye Cranial Technique gentle?
Yes. Blye Cranial Technique is described as a gentle cranial evaluation and care method. The evaluation involves light fingertip pressure and guided scalp movement, and corrections are performed with a specialized adjusting instrument rather than heavy manual force.
Why does Blye Cranial Technique also look at inflammation and stressors?
Care is not limited to cranial adjusting alone. Emotional stress, chemical exposure, environmental factors, and lifestyle patterns may contribute to inflammation and neurological stress patterns. Through patient education and reflex leg testing, Dr. Hendrickson works to identify possible contributing factors that may need to be addressed to help reduce the long-term need for repeated cranial adjusting.
Who performs Blye Cranial Technique at Discover Life Chiropractic?
Dr. Hendrickson performs Blye Cranial Technique at Discover Life Chiropractic. He has practiced the technique since first being trained in 2005 and completed updated training in April 2023. Because Dr. Blye has retired and the technique is now taught less frequently, Dr. Hendrickson is one of the few doctors in the South Sound area certified in this method.