In this eight-hour class students will focus on the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the orbit, or eye socket. Manual therapy techniques will be demonstrated and practiced to improve the physiology of the orbits, their cranial nerve function, and musculature balance.

The study will begin with the embryology of the orbit, as related to the architecture of the neurocranium and viscerocranium. From there we will examine the seven bones that make up the human eye socket, and the formina and fissures of the orbit.

Building on the understanding of embryological development and anatomy, we will study the relationship of the orbit to the middle and anterior cranial fossae.

Students will examine the anatomy of CN II, the optic nerve, and come to understand why it is known as the ‘Optic Brain.’

We will study the close relationship of the tentoria cerebelli to cranial nerves III, IV and VI that are motor to the eyeball, and consider the importance of the sixth chakra, Ajna, in the function and dysfunction of eyesight and perception.

This study will encompass bone and soft-tissue landmarks, building outwards from the optic nerves, and the superior and inferior orbital fissures, to include the seven bones that compose the orbits, the neuro-cranial and viscero-cranial bone structures, the musculature, cranial nerve and ligamentous anatomy.

The class will end with a summary of the function, dysfunction and importance of cranial nerves II, III, IV, V and VI in manual therapy and the field of the craniosacral work with the seven-part craniosacral system.