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 (tailbone area). Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory motor or neurological disabilities. These problems could include motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities and other health challenges.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. You also benefit from enhanced overall health alleviate aches and pain, increase resistance to disease and restore function.
CranioSacral therapy is a branch of osteopathy originating back to the early 1900’s with the cranial research by Dr. William Sutherland who found movement on cranial bone articulations and theorized it to expand and contract in order to function normally and be able to respond to the rhythmic changes caused by the cerebro-spinal fluid movement.
CranioSacral Therapy dates back to 1970 when osteopathic physician John E. Upledger first witnessed the rhythmic movement of the CranioSacral system during a spinal surgery.
In 1975 at the Osteopathic College at Michigan State university, as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics, he led a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers to test and document the influence of therapy on the CranioSacral system and demonstrate how light-touch therapy could be used to evaluate and treat malfunctions involving the brain and spinal cord.
Because of its effect on so many body functions, CranioSacral Therapy is practiced today by a wide variety of health care professionals.
During CranioSacral Therapy the patient is fully clothed. Using a light touch – generally no more than the weight of a nickel – the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. The therapist then uses delicate manual techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord.
A CranioSacral Therapy session can last from 50 min 90 minutes.
