What conditions does Craniosacral Therapy Benefit?
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly
used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance
to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated
with pain and dysfunction, including:
How is Craniosacral Therapy performed?
The Craniosacral Therapist uses a light touch, generally no more weight than
a nickel to test for restrictions in the Craniosacral system. Monitoring the
rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid as it flows through the system does this.
An experienced Therapist can detect motion anywhere in your body, they most
easily feel it at the skull, sacrum and coccyx. These bones attach to the
membranes that enclose the cerebrospinal fluid.
The positive effects of CST rely to large extent on your body’s natural corrective activities. The Therapist’s light, hands-on approach simply assists the hydraulic forces inherent in the Craniosacral system to improve your body’s internal environment and strengthen it’s ability to heal itself.
The Therapeutic Value
The validity of the cardiovascular and respiratory rhythms certainly is not disputed today. Yet for eons, the very existence of these systems sparked debate in medical communities around the world.
Now for over 25 years, osteopathic physician and researcher John Upledger, D.O., O.M.M. has been a proponent of using the rhythm of another body system, the Craniosacral system, to enhance body functioning and help alleviate pain and dysfunction.
The Craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum or tailbone area.
This vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or restriction could cause any number of sensory, neurological or motor disabilities.
CST is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your body to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. You also benefit from better health and resistance to disease. Due to its positive effect on many body functions, Craniosacral Therapy is practiced today by a variety of healthcare professionals.
THE FOUNDATION OF CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
The history of Craniosacral Therapy dates back to the early 1900’s, when osteopathic physician William Sutherland was struck by the unusual idea that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. For more than 20 years he explored this concept, eventually developing a system of examination and treatment known as Cranial Osteopathy.
In 1970, Dr. John Upledger observed the rhythmic movement of the craniosacral system first hand during surgery, yet none of his colleagues nor any medical texts could explain his discovery.
Two years later, Dr. Upledger attended a seminar that explained Dr. Sutherland’s
ideas, as well as some of his evaluation and treatment techniques. With a
scientific background in tactile sensitivity, Upledger was quick to understand
how a hydraulic system using cerebrospinal fluid might function within the
brain and spinal column. Upledger incorporated and refined Sutherland’s
techniques with success.