Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique for evaluating and correcting the functioning of the craniosacral system comprised of the fluid and membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Imbalances or blockages in this system can be the cause of dysfunction in tissues, posture or emotions. Based on the idea that the body has an innate knowledge and ability to self-correct and heal, craniosacral therapy allows the practitioner/therapist to become a facilitator working in partnership with the body to achieve therapeutic results.
The roots of craniosacral therapy are found in osteopathy and cranial osteopathy. In the 1930s Andrew Taylor Still pioneered osteopathic medicine, which is dedicated to treating and healing the entire patient by evaluating anatomical structure and physiological function. Hands-on manipulations often are used to ensure that the body moves freely. This type of therapy is only practiced by licensed doctors trained in osteopathy. These may be DOs, MDs, DDSs or DMDs with osteopathic training.
Osteopathic physician William Garner Sutherland developed cranial osteopathy after determining that the bones in the cranium (skull) – along with the: 1) membranes lining them, 2) structures in the central nervous system, 3) cerebrospinal fluid and 4) sacrum – follow a rhythmic motion similar to a breath. Sutherland observed that if these rhythms were in balance, the system was healthy. He also observed that any restriction in this system adversely affected overall health. As a result, he developed a therapeutic system to manipulate soft tissues and bones of the cranium in order to restore balance to these rhythms and, in turn, health to the body. Cranial osteopathic therapy is only practiced by licensed doctors trained in cranial osteopathy. These may be DOs, MDs, DDSs or DMDs with cranial osteopathic training.
In the 1970s, osteopathic physician John O. Upledger coined the term “craniosacral therapy” when he developed a therapeutic system that could be practiced by both osteopaths and non-osteopathic practitioners. Dysfunction in the craniosacral system can occur because of inflammation, trauma, disease, neurological impairment or chemical imbalances. According to the Upledger Institute, “The body endures stresses and strains every day for which its structure compensates. Unfortunately, these changes often cause membranes to tighten, distorting components of the craniosacral system, which then can cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord which impacts cerebrospinal fluid flow. The result is a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous systemand potentially every other system with which it interacts.” This then can result in various health issues.
Craniosacral therapy has proved useful for a wide variety of dysfunctions including neurological problems such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, migraine headaches, coordination difficulties and stroke. It also has been useful for chronic disorders including fibromyalgia, neck and back pain, scoliosis, TMJ syndrome, autism and learning disabilities. Emotional issues that respond to craniosacral therapy include chronic stress and post-traumatic stress disorders. Many orthopedic disorders and sports injuries can be treated as well.
Although craniosacral therapy is beneficial in many instances, there are some contraindications or conditions that indicate that one should avoid this particular therapy. These include acute stroke, cerebral aneurysm, brain stem herniation, cerebrospinal fluid leak, acute cerebral hemorrhage, recent skull fracture, recent skull surgery or any concerns regarding slight changes in fluid pressures in the central nervous system.
During a craniosacral therapy session the client stays fully clothed. A craniosacral practitioner places his/her hands on the base of the client's skull in order to sense the subtle motion of cerebrospinal fluid rhythmically flowing in and out of its semi-closed system. This fluid moves the membranes, the tissues and the connecting bones. The practitioner uses a gentle series of hand placements on the base of the client's skull to cause soft-tissue releases. Clients experience varied sensations and often relate a sense of relaxation and release of tension and restriction.
Tad Wanveer, a certified craniosacral therapist and instructor with the Upledger Institute, explains that, “Craniosacral therapy is a light-touch therapy, using about five grams of pressure – roughly the weight of a nickel. The practitioner can detect and mobilize abnormal restrictions in the craniosacral system by feeling the motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid moving within the membranes. As restrictions are found and mobilized, the structure and function of the central nervous system is enhanced, along with the health and well-being of the body as a whole.”
Today, a continuum in craniosacral work spans from the mechanical approach of the osteopathic tradition to the Upledger system (which encourages energetic releases while incorporating some mechanical approaches) to the Biodynamic™ approach (which is energetically based). Practitioners trained in craniosacral therapy come from various backgrounds including medicine, nursing, social work, massage, physical or occupational therapies and chiropractic. Practitioners are certified in different levels. According to Wanveer, certification lends a certain legitimacy and respect, yet even a practitioner trained at level one can offer a 10-step treatment that can successfully assess and treat most patients and thus achieve remarkable benefits and results. (Note: Children under 7 years of age require a practitioner experienced and trained to work with pediatric clients.)
“The work is rewarding,” says Wanveer, “because it assists in the healing process. It helps to relieve pain, improve function and quality of life. It is an honor and privilege to be of assistance facilitating the inherent ability of the body to self-correct and balance itself.” In our high-tech world, we have almost forgotten our bodies' natural self-regulating ability. Too often, we tune out our bodies' innate wisdom. Craniosacral therapy, however, is one hands-on modality that allows the body to initiate its own healing process. An amazing partnership develops between the patient, the therapist and the innate internal healer inside of us all.
For more information, visit the Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America's website at www.craniosacraltherapy.org or call them at (505) 820-1335. Or contact the Upledger Institute at www.Upledger.com or (561) 622-4334.
Karen Ellen Fink, RN, BSN, LMT has a practice that includes on-site massage at individual residences, hospitals, assisted living settings and corporations using a holistic focus that includes energy modalities, visualizations, breath and intention to assist her clients with stress reduction, relaxation and healing. She is also the massage therapist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Center for Integrative Medicine Clinical Practice in Broadview Heights. As an instructor at The National Institute of Massotherapy in the Garfield and Akron areas, she teaches Massage and Anatomy. She is also the State Representative of Ohio for the National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists and provides continuing education for nurses. For more information, contact her at kneadedfingers@aol.com, finkk@ccf.org or call (216) 470-5925.
Photo courtesy of Real Bodywork, (888) 505-5511 or www.realbodywork.com.
