CranioSacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy dates back to the 1970’s where physician John E Upledger first observed a rhythmic movement of the connective tissues surrounding the spinal cord during surgery on one of his patients. He went on to do in-depth research until 1985 where he established the Upledger Institute Clinic in Florida to teach the public and healthcare practitioners about the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy (CST).

The 3 layers of membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges) plus the volume of cerebralspinal fluid is what constitutes the CranioSacral system. The tissues extend through the bones of the skull, face, and mouth (the cranium) and then down to the tailbone (the sacrum). Not only do these structures function to protect the brain and spinal cord as a shock absorber, but they also serve to “move” other vital fluids and facilitate the electro-chemical conduction of nerve signals. As cerebral spinal fluid is produced within the brain itself it swells the cranium cavity. As the fluid is then reabsorbed after reaching a certain pressure gradient the head narrows. This cycle creates the craniosacral rhythm, which can easily be detected throughout the body as the fluid courses through its pathways.

Restrictions or imbalances within the membranes themselves can potentially cause any number of sensory, motor, neurological, or other health problems. This therapy is a gentle hands-on method of detection and correction of the tissues that encourages the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.

How is CranioSacral Therapy performed?

A CranioSacral Therapist is trained to listen to the subtle rhythms and pulsations of the craniosacral system. This deep listening enables them to hear the expression of the body’s patterns of stress and resistance. Using a light touch, generally no more than the weight of a nickel, the practitioner monitors the flow of the rhythm to detect potential restrictions and imbalances in the CranioSacral system.

The therapist then uses gentle manual techniques to release those problem areas that surface, which in turn reduces undue pressure upon the brain and spinal cord. A CranioSacral session can last from about 30 minutes to more than one hour. The client lays on a padded massage table fully dressed in loose clothing while the therapist performs these techniques.

Individual experiences may vary from one time to the next. One time you might have increased awareness of body sensations and a sense of changes happening in the body, such as unusual tactile sensations, increased deep breathing, increased bowel sounds, increased urge to drink water, talk, or express feelings and sometimes you may go into a state of deep relaxation, or actually fall asleep.

What conditions does CranioSacral Therapy address?

By complementing the body’s natural healing process, CranioSacral Therapy is increasingly used as a preventative health measure for its ability to strengthen resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

• Migraine headaches
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Whiplash
• Sprains
• Strokes
• Mood disorders
• ADD, ADHD, & Learning Disabilities
• Chronic fatigue
• Emotional difficulties
• Post-surgical dysfunction
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
• Any and all head injuries

For more information visit the Upledger Institute at www.upledger.com