The 5 Hidden Systems of the Body You’ve Been Ignoring (But Shouldn’t) #2: Cerebrospinal Fluid – The Breath of the Brain

Orie Quinn
Jun 6
1 min read

I once had a young man, brilliant but fogged, who said he felt like his brain was stuck in molasses. He couldn’t focus, couldn’t sleep deeply, and had an almost constant pressure behind his eyes. Nothing showed up on imaging, but when we supported his craniosacral rhythm and worked with his breath—his world came back into focus.

Anatomy & Physiology

CSF is the sacred bath of the brain and spine. It pulses in rhythm with your breath, delivering nutrients and removing waste. It nourishes your neurons, cushions your spinal cord, and is key to maintaining brain clarity and neurological balance.

Signs of Dysfunction

Head pressure or headaches
Sensory issues
Trouble focusing or remembering things
Sleep disruption or restlessness

How It’s Tested

Craniosacral rhythm testing
MRI or CT (for structural flow issues)
Neurological soft sign testing

Three At-Home Ways to Improve It

Breathwork – Try slow, nasal diaphragmatic breathing. It’s not just for oxygen; it’s for your brain fluid.
Cat-Cow spinal flow – Gentle spinal movement can unlock stuck dural tension.
Gentle traction – Use a towel roll behind the neck to decompress.

Two Clinical Therapies That Help

Craniosacral Therapy
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments