Cranial Facial Release (CFR) is an advanced endo-nasal “Balloon Assisted” cranial adjusting technique that has been used successfully in the treatment of neurological and structural disorders in both adults and children. It is a specialized technique that was derived from an earlier form of endo-nasal cranial adjusting called Bilateral Nasal Specific (BNS) pioneered by Dr. Richard Stober DC in the 1960's and 70's. CFR was originated by Dr. Adam Del Torto DC and is an offshoot of BNS, but is more specific, less invasive and incorporates key aspects of Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) previously overlooked in combination with ballooning.
The objective of CFR technique is to unlock cranial fixations and introduce mobility in the cranial system - primarily targeting the sphenoid bone with the purpose of facilitating normal cranial respiratory motion and normal cranial function. This technique is performed by inserting tiny balloons in the nose and into the naso pharynx (nose/throat connection) that are quickly inflated and deflated to mobilize the bones of the face and cranium. The whole process takes about 2 to 3 seconds and is performed in a series of visits tailored to the patient’s needs. CFR is not painful but is mildly uncomfortable. It feels similar to the pressure sensation you might experience in your face and head when jumping into a swimming pool and having water shoot up your nose. Again, this lasts for a few seconds and is not painful. Results of CFR are sometimes dramatic with all after treatment side effects minimal.
To understand how CFR works it is important to realize that the skull is NOT one solid bone. It is made up of 22 individual bones that actually move every time you breathe – or at least they are supposed to. Cranial fixations are a relatively common occurrence with numerous causes that are nearly always overlooked as a contributing factor and may actually be the root cause of various neurological conditions and recurrent pain syndromes that have not responded to conventional treatments. Frequent causes of cranial aberrations and suture fixations include head trauma, birth trauma, uneven bite force (TMJ disorder), and bruxism (teeth grinding).
It is important to realize that cranial motion is not “gross osseous movement” – it is more of an expansion & relaxation type of movement with each cranial bone having its own specific direction of motion. This "cranial respiratory motion” is the key mechanism by which Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is produced and circulated throughout the brain and spinal cord. This is essential to normal brain function which is essential to normal body function.
What differentiates Cranial Facial Release from other endo-nasal techniques is that CFR is based on SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique) protocols, with emphasis on correcting everything below the cranium first, specifically reducing torque off the dura (spinal cord covering) before it enters into the cranial vault, and by correcting spinal imbalances which produce torque. Relieving Dural Torque is a primary objective of CFR technique as it plays an intricate role in cranial function and more importantly brain function. Furthermore, by relieving dural tension at its anterior attachment (at the diaphragma selli which engulfs & sheaths the base of the pituitary), there is a direct reduction in negative mechanical torque on the pituitary gland which is the foundation for endocrine function which is key in all health issues and for maintaining homeostasis. For those that align with yoga, meditation, or incorporate a more eastern philosophy, CFR stimulates the brow chakra or third eye. The spiritual energies of the Brow Chakra are reflected in the pituitary's influence on the whole body.
This concept was supported by scientific research performed in Russia in the late 1930’s by Dr. A.D. Speransky, M.D., Director of Research at the All Union Institute of Experimental Medicine and author of the book, A Basis for the Theory of Medicine. Through his research, Dr. Speransky determined that “slight mechanical torque on the control centers of the brain and especially the pituitary-hypothalamus complex caused destructive pathologies throughout the entire body.” This was a 10-year study during which Dr. Speransky was able to identify over 80 specific disorders that he could directly attribute to this “mechanical torque” phenomena. CFR cranial balloon adjusting procedures are specifically directed at reducing mechanical dural torque on the brain and pituitary gland. These studies lend scientific research to support the concept that CFR adjusting procedures enhances both brain and pituitary function, optimizing the primary two control systems of the body, the central nervous system and the endocrine system.
The majority of people who come in for CFR treatment are often last resort patients who have been through the gamut of conventional medical procedures without success and are looking for a more conservative approach to care that is cost-effective and works! Conditions such as breathing disorders, sinusitis, snoring, sleep apnea, deviated septum, migraine headaches, vertigo, facial pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia), facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), TMJ disorder, Post-Concussion Syndrome, seizures, and numerous neurological disorders have all been successfully treated with CFR. Infants have also experienced improvements with craniometaphyseal dysplasia (infantile skull deformities) and hydrocephalus, and children with learning disorders and skull deformities have also had positive results which is primarily what balloon pioneer Dr. Stober used it for.
In the 1960,s and 70’s ballooning pioneer Dr. Stober specialized in the treatment of Down’s syndrome patients, specifically children, treating them with BNS technique to optimize brain function and elevate their cognitive levels. Parents traveled great distances with their children to seek out Dr. Stober’s treatment. His waiting room was perpetually overrun with desperate parents in search of a natural alternative approach to treatment for their mentally and physically challenged children. He had great success with his unique treatment method and helped numerous children to elevate their mental & physical capabilities and go on to live a more functional existence in their adult life.
Dr. Henri Rosenblum DC is certified in CFR having completed the necessary 18 hour seminar as taught by CFR Founder Dr. Adam Del Torto and passed the certification exam. Dr. Henri is also a cum laude graduate of Palmer Chiropractic College and has been licensed to practice Chiropractic in New York for the past 35 years. He has practiced CFR since 2018.