CranioSacral Therapy
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
-
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, relaxing bodywork modality that uses light, intentional touch to help bring order, balance, healing, and harmony to the whole body by working with the CranioSacral System.
The CranioSacral System includes the membranes and fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, all of the bones and structures of the head including the mouth, and it extends to the lower end of the sacrum. The Dura Mater is the thick connective tissue that lines the inside of the skull and spinal column. This tissue is essentially the sack that contains the cerebrospinal fluid which supports the brain and spinal column. The Craniosacral System is the home of your Central Nervous System.
Imbalances and tension in this system can contribute to a range of physical, cognitive, nervous system, and emotional dysfunction as they create strain on the brain, the spinal nerves, and the fascial system. These strains and imbalances can be caused by any kind of physical injuries, accidents, illnesses, surgeries, by emotional stress and PTSD, and even by traumatic birthing processes for mothers and babies. CranioSacral Therapy is especially powerful because it treats both the core of your nervous and the core of your structure.
CranioSacral Therapists work within a paradigm that includes the belief that the body mind and spirit have the capacity to heal and change, and that we all have Inner Wisdom within our bodies that knows what we need to heal. Our job as practitioners is to use noninvasive, supportive, neutral touch, presence, and intervention to help support that process.
​
Learn More: https://www.upledger.com/
What Conditions Does CranioSacral Therapy Help Treat?
-
- Chronic and acute pain and strain
- Emotional dysregulation and/or trauma
- Migraines and headaches
- Motor-Coordination Impairments
- Orthopedic Problems
- Central Nervous System disorders
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Chronic Fatigue
- Stress and tension related problems
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and other connective tissue disorders
- Tempromandibular Joint Symdrome (TMJ) and other mouth trauma
- Neurovascular and Immune Disorders
- Post Surgical pain and scar tissue
- Trauma and PTSD (For more information on how CranioSacral Therapy can directly help with Trauma, PTSD, and emotional challenges, please go to the section on SomatoEmotional Release)
- Speech, language, and swallowing issues
- Whiplash
- Frees up avenues of expression in our thoughts and words and our awareness of our own truth and our ability to express it
What to Expect in a CranioSacral Therapy Session
-
- Patients are fully clothed and positioned comfortably on a treatment table
- The hands-on work used in CranioSacral Therapy is light, gentle, and very relaxing
- Sessions may include work on many parts of the body or may be more focused on one area such as the head or mouth
- Every session begins with a conversation and opportunity to report any new symptoms and to ask questions
- I usually explain what I’m doing and educate clients about their body, the techniques I’m doing and why I’m doing them before, during, and after sessions
- Expect to feel supported, heard, seen, and cared for
What is the Origin of CranioSacral Therapy?
-
CranioSacral Therapy was developed by Dr. John Upledger (1932-2012), an osterpathic surgeon and clinical researcher. This modality has roots in Osteopathy, which was founded by Dr. William Sutherland and Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. Osteopathy’s exploration and concept of the subtle rhythmic movements within the skill, craniosacral system, and the rest of the body were further studied and expanded upon by Dr. Upledger, who spent his career researching, developing, and teaching CranioSacral Therapy. Dr Upledger’s in-depth investigation into the field of cranial manipulation began when he observed the rhythmic motion of the dural membrane during a patient’s neck surgery. Dr. Upledger’s curiosity about the Cranial system led to his in-depth research with a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University where he served as a Professor of Biomechanics and clinical researcher from 1975-1983. He went on the found the Upledger Institute, which trains CranioSacral Therapists and provides resources for CranioSacral Therapy.