CranioSacral Therapy: The Skull Speaks

What Is? | Basic Facts | Theory | Typical Session

"My belief is that somewhere inside of you is the answer to every question that can be asked about you. My concern, as your health care practitioner, is that we make a connection with that part of you that knows the answers, and that those answers be shared with us and for the good of the total you."
--John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M

What Is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy is a recently developed hands-on approach to healing that applies gentle, noninvasive pressure to balance what is known as the craniosacral system. This system extends from the skull, face, and mouth (the cranium) down and within the spinal column to the sacrum and coccyx, the bones that form the tail end of the spine.

At the center of this network is a system of crebrospinal fluid (CSF), which circulates throughout the system within an environment of meninges; bathing, nourishing and protecting the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerve roots. CSF is constantly being made from, and reabsorbed into, the blood supply. It is enclosed in a watertight, semi-closed hydraulic system formed by the connective tissue lining, the skull, spinal column, and sacrum.

Practitioners of CranioSacral Therapy maintain that by working with the rhythm and flow of CSF through the bones and soft tissue that encase it, they can provide relief for a variety of acute and chronic neuromuscular and musculoskeletal complaints.

CranioSacral Therapy At A Glance

Basic Facts:

• CranioSacral Therapy is a recently developed hands-on approach to healing that applies gentle noninvasive pressure. Its goal is to restore harmony by balancing the craniosacral system.
  
• CranioSacral osteopathy originated in the early nineteenth century from a branch of the medical practice of osteopathy. Since the 1970's, its practice has grown substantially through the innovative research and teaching efforts of Dr. John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., who modified it significantly and called it CranioSacral Therapy.

Theory:

• CranioSacral Therapy is aimed at the craniosacral system. This system is composed of the three layer meningeal membranes (of which the dura matter is the tough outer waterproof layer) that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord; the clear, colorless cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that circulates within these membranes, and the structures that control CSF input and output.
  
• The craniocacral rhythm points to areas of abnormality in the body. The CranioSacral Therapist evaluates the rate, symmetry, quality and amplitude of the craniosacral rhythm to detect areas of holding in the body.
• A practitioner uses the bones and soft tissue of the skull and pelvis as handles to release areas of tension. This permits the inner wisdom of the client to self-correct imbalances and leads to improved functioning of the body.

Typical Session:

• A typical CranioSacral treatment lasts and hour. The client remains clothed and lies on a comfortable padded table.
  
• The practitioner begins a session by palpating the craniosacral rhythm to determine areas of restriction. He then applies gentle touch with the fingers, palm or whole hand to restricted areas or to areas of maximum motion to facilitate release. The pressure applied is very light - only 5 grams (the weight of a nickel).