Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapists near you
How can craniosacral therapy nourish you?
Craniosacral therapy is a non-invasive manual treatment based on the premise of improving the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid[1] surrounding the brain and spinal column through very gentle touch. Consisting of the skull, spinal column, sacrum, and associated tissues[2], the craniosacral system protects the brain and spinal cord and is closely related to osteopathy.
Stresses on the body, caused by injury, illness, or simply normal activities of daily life are believed to cause tension and imbalance in the craniosacral system. By using very gentle touch, equivalent to just five grams of pressure[3], a practitioner aims to relieve these restrictions and support the body's natural abilities for self-healing.
Sometimes also referred to as ‘cranial sacral therapy’, this modality was developed by John E Upledger, an osteopathic physician, on the basis of research completed between 1975 and 1983[4]. Craniosacral therapy is closely related to osteopathy, and often performed as part of an osteopathic treatment program alongside other techniques[5] such as myofascial release, stretching and massage.
A leading form of the practice is Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy[6], which honours the origins of this work in osteopathic medicine yet presents a unique specialty field with a deeper understanding of energy dynamics within the therapy.
Craniosacral Biodynamics goes beyond more mechanical approaches in craniosacral therapy by emphasizing the energy dynamics and processes that organize body functions. A clear understanding of these energetic processes takes therapeutic work to profound levels.
Dr. William Garner Sutherland[7], the founder of cranial osteopathy, clearly described a primary energy impulse in the body that he called the Breath of Life. This primary energy expresses potency and an inherent ordering principle into the cerebrospinal fluid and structure of the body.
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Practitioners offering Craniosacral Therapy
Benefits of craniosacral therapy
Although there is debate about the mechanism by which craniosacral massage is believed to work[8], the therapy has been consistently reported to result in positive health outcomes. It continues to be a widely practised and respected modality, represented by industry associations in Australia[9] and worldwide.
Research suggests craniosacral therapy may offer effective medium-term pain relief[10], as well as possibly reducing anxiety levels, improving healthy sleep and quality of life[11] for people with fibromyalgia. There is evidence to suggest craniosacral therapy may alleviate problems of the urinary tract and improve quality of life[12] in people suffering from multiple sclerosis. The results of a randomised controlled trial suggest craniosacral therapy may significantly reduce chronic neck pain[13] and associated disability.
It has also been reported that craniosacral therapy may be an effective way to relieve migraine[14], although further research is recommended. Craniosacral therapy has also been studied as one of three modalities comprising a treatment program that may be effective in reducing the symptoms of post-concussive syndrome[15].
Craniosacral therapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a craniosacral therapy session
Check that the craniosacral therapy practitioner you wish to work with is registered with the Craniosacral Therapy Association of Australia. Members of this not-for-profit organisation are bound by a code of ethics ensuring the highest professional standards[16] and suitable qualifications for practitioners.
To begin, your craniosacral therapy practitioner will ask you about the health concern you are seeking treatment for, and might ask for an overview of your medical history. For the treatment, you will be invited to lie on your back on a massage table[17], and you will not need to remove any clothes.
If you are pregnant, or if you have any health condition that makes lying on your back less comfortable, you can lie on your side or receive the therapy in a seated position[18]. Your practitioner will lightly place their hands on or under your head, hips, back, and other parts of your body to tune into your cerebrospinal pulse.
During the treatment, which usually lasts about 40 to 60 minutes[19], your practitioner will give you a cranial massage and gently manipulate different areas around your neck, back and hips. This manipulation is intended to release tension or misalignment that might be impeding the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid, as well as support the fluid’s circulation. In some cases, for example, if you’ve suffered a concussion, your practitioner might put on a glove and massage inside your mouth. Craniosacral therapy is a very soothing, relaxing treatment, and you might fall asleep[20] while your practitioner is working.
Craniosacral therapy is intended to complement, not replace, conventional medical treatment, especially for serious conditions. As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing craniosacral therapy. If you have an injury or other health issue, or any concerns at all, also speak to your craniosacral therapy practitioner, who will be happy to address these and personalise the session to your individual requirements.
References
- About Craniosacral Therapy. Craniosacral Therapy Association of Australia [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- The Craniosacral System. Irish Association of Cranlosacral Therapists [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- What is CranioSacral Therapy? Upledger Institute International [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- Discover CranioSacral Therapy. Upledger Institute International [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- Craniosacral Therapy. Elemental Health [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- What is BCST? Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- The work of William Garner Sutherland, D.O., D.Sc. (Hon.). OSTMED.DR [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- Downey PA, Barbano T, Kapur-Wadhwa R, Sciote JJ, Siegel MI, Mooney MP. Craniosacral therapy: The effects of cranial manipulation on intracranial pressure and cranial bone movement. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy; 2006 Nov 1.
- Welcome to Craniosacral Therapy Association of Australia. Craniosacral Therapy Association of Australia [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- Castro-Sánchez AM, Matarán-Peñarrocha GA, Sánchez-Labraca N, Quesada-Rubio JM, Granero-Molina J, Moreno-Lorenzo C. A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of craniosacral therapy on pain and heart rate variability in fibromyalgia patients. Clinical Rehabilitation; 2010 Aug 11.
- Matarán-Peñarrocha GA, Castro-Sánchez AM, García GC, Moreno-Lorenzo C, Carreño TP, Zafra MDO. Influence of Craniosacral Therapy on Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; 2009 Sep 4.
- Raviv G, Shefi S, Nizani D, Achiron A. Effect of craniosacral therapy on lower urinary tract signs and symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice; 2009 Jan 31.
- Haller H, Lauche R, Cramer H, Rampp T, Saha FJ, Ostermann T, et al. Craniosacral therapy for the treatment of chronic neck pain. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2015 Sep 4.
- Arnadottir TS, Sigurdardottir AK. Is craniosacral therapy effective for migraine? Tested with HIT-6 Questionnaire. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice; 2012 Nov 9.
- Wetzler G, Roland M, Fryer-Dietz S, Dettmann-Ahern D. CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation: A new treatment intervention for concussion recovery. Medical Acupuncture; 2017 Aug 1.
- Craniosacral Therapy Association Of Australia - Code Of Ethics. Craniosacral Therapy Association of Australia [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- What is Craniosacral Therapy? The Craniosacral Therapy Association [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- What Is Cranial Osteopathy? Brisbane Osteopathic Centre [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- Benefits and uses. Healthline [cited 2024 Oct 23].
- Cranio Sacral Therapy Torquay. Surfcoast Massage [cited 2024 Oct 23].
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