CranioSacral Therapy is an osteopathic system of gentle manipulation, which was most notably developed by Dr.John Upledger in the 70’s and 80’s.
The skull is not one solid mass, but actually made up of separate bones, separated by sutures, allowing for very subtle, yet definite movement, initiated by the pumping of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain. After years of exploring this phenomenon, it became clear that limitation of specific cranial motions were either indicative of restrictions involving either the skull, or the rest of the body. Regardless of their origin, these restrictions had a brain as well as systemic effect
A skilled practitioner is able to detect the motion of the cranium by gently placing her hands at various positions on the head, and is also capable of determining exactly how the motion is restricted, and the possible implications. In actuality, the practitioner is feeling the movement of cerebrospinal fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluids are pumped in rhythmical cycles, much like the heartbeat, but significantly slower.
Restrictions in motion could potentially be related to sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities. These problems may manifest as chronic pain anywhere in the body, or eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other health challenges.
CranioSacral Therapy is an extremely gentle and relaxing method, encouraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms to release the negative effects of stress on your central nervous system, as well as correct restrictions in the body brought on by physical injuries, whether small or significant.