What is it?

Craniosacral therapy developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. It was further developed by Dr John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the craniosacral system. This system comprises of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

How does it work?

Craniosacral practitioners use a soft touch to release restrictions in the craniosacral system with the aim of improving the functioning of the central nervous system. In a typical craniosacral session, the therapist will place his or her hands lightly on your body and identify any restrictions or blockages in your craniosacral system. The practitioner then uses a light touch to release the blockages that inhibit the body's normal, self-correcting tendencies. The patient will notice a sense of deep relaxation throughout the session. With subsequent treatments, this release of tension extends into everyday life. Craniosacral therapy addresses physical aches and pains, acute and chronic diseases, emotional or psychological disturbances, and helps in developing well-being, health and vitality.

Thus, craniosacral therapy works by helping the body's natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.

What are its benefits?

Because of its influence on the functioning of the central nervous system, craniosacral therapy can benefit the body in a number of ways. It can bolster overall health and resistance to disease and alleviate a wide range of specific medical conditions. Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle therapy. As such, it is suitable for the newborn, children, and the elderly, as well as adults and people in fragile or acutely painful conditions. It raises vitality and improves the body's capacity for self-repair. Since craniosacral therapy complements the body's natural healing processes, it is increasingly being used as a preventive health measure. It has been shown to alleviate a wide range of ailments such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, motor-coordination impairments, chronic neck and back pain, scoliosis, central nervous system disorders, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, stress and tension-related problems, and orthopedic problems.

Craniosacral therapy works to reverse the debilitating effects of stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. Other conditions for which it has shown to be effective are various sensory disorders such as autism, dyslexia, loss of taste or smell, tinnitus, and vertigo.

Precautions

Although craniosacral therapy is by and large safe for people of all age groups and fitness levels, there are certain situations where its application is not recommended. These include conditions such as acute aneurysm and cerebral hemorrhage.