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CranioSacral Therapy Overview
The word CranioSacral refers to two structures of the body, the cranium (skull, head) and the sacrum, the large triangular bone at the bottom of the spine.
The cranium and the sacrum are the endpoints of the craniosacral system. Between these two endpoints lies the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain encased by the cranium, and the spinal cord housed and protected by the vertebral column (spine).
The other main components include the brain, the meninges (layers of membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord), the cerebrospinal fluid (a vital fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) , the ventricles of the brain (where this fluid is produced) and the cranial and facial bones.
There is a pulse through the cerebrospinal fluid which proceeds through the entire craniosacral system, like a tidal wave, from the sutures in the skull to the spinal cord, cycling about six to ten times a minute within humans. This pulse is known as the CranioSacral rhythm.
The interconnection between these structures was first discovered and appreciated by Dr. William Garner Sutherland, whose teacher was Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy.
Dr. John Upledger, a renowned osteopathic physician, noted how all the components work together to regulate the pressure of these fluids on the brain. “There has to be an optimal circulation, which depends on constant mobility,” he explains "when the membranes and lubricating liquids lose their freedom to glide freely, we hurt and symptoms start."
Dr John Upledger went on to be recognized as the innovater and one of the strongest advocates for the existence and effectiveness of the CranioSacral Therapy, as we know it today and the co-founder of the internationally recognized Upledger Institute.
How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
It’s easy to imagine how even the slightest impact, lesion or distortion can stretch or strain this delicate system. Any infraction causing nerve endings to alter their perception and signals can negatively affect our entire well-being. CranioSacral Therapy helps the body to re-establish an unobstructed wave, which is how symptoms disappear.
CranioSacral Therapy is a hands-on therapy, where the touch is gentle, non-invasive and usually subtle, with the aim to align fascia and surrounding structures enabling the free flow of the cerebrospinal fluid within the CranioSacral rhythm.The therapist will use their hands to apply very gentle pressure to head, neck, back (around your spinal column) or on areas of your body where you have symptoms.
It’s normal to feel a sense of deep relaxation during CranioSacral Therapy.
What are CranioSacral benefits?
The human body is interconnected, both structurally and functionally. This means that one area of your body can affect another. The goal of CranioSacral Therapy is tension relief (fascial clearance). This may help other connected parts of your body function better through:
CranialSacral Therapy can be used for people of all ages. It may be part of your treatment for conditions like:
What should I expect from CranioSacral Therapy?
Sessions are an hour, by appointment only, at a time most convenient for the patient in a friendly, professional clinic environment. A full assessment will be taken, past injuries, limitations and or pre-existing conditions will be noted. You’ll typically remain fully clothed during the treatment, so wear comfortable clothing to your appointment.
The therapist may begin at your head, feet, or near the middle of your body.
Where appropriate the therapist may gently press or reposition you to normalize the flow of the cerebrospinal fluids. They may use tissue-release methods while supporting one of your limbs.
During the treatment, some people experience different sensations. These may include:
The word CranioSacral refers to two structures of the body, the cranium (skull, head) and the sacrum, the large triangular bone at the bottom of the spine.
The cranium and the sacrum are the endpoints of the craniosacral system. Between these two endpoints lies the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain encased by the cranium, and the spinal cord housed and protected by the vertebral column (spine).
The other main components include the brain, the meninges (layers of membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord), the cerebrospinal fluid (a vital fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) , the ventricles of the brain (where this fluid is produced) and the cranial and facial bones.
There is a pulse through the cerebrospinal fluid which proceeds through the entire craniosacral system, like a tidal wave, from the sutures in the skull to the spinal cord, cycling about six to ten times a minute within humans. This pulse is known as the CranioSacral rhythm.
The interconnection between these structures was first discovered and appreciated by Dr. William Garner Sutherland, whose teacher was Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy.
Dr. John Upledger, a renowned osteopathic physician, noted how all the components work together to regulate the pressure of these fluids on the brain. “There has to be an optimal circulation, which depends on constant mobility,” he explains "when the membranes and lubricating liquids lose their freedom to glide freely, we hurt and symptoms start."
Dr John Upledger went on to be recognized as the innovater and one of the strongest advocates for the existence and effectiveness of the CranioSacral Therapy, as we know it today and the co-founder of the internationally recognized Upledger Institute.
How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
It’s easy to imagine how even the slightest impact, lesion or distortion can stretch or strain this delicate system. Any infraction causing nerve endings to alter their perception and signals can negatively affect our entire well-being. CranioSacral Therapy helps the body to re-establish an unobstructed wave, which is how symptoms disappear.
CranioSacral Therapy is a hands-on therapy, where the touch is gentle, non-invasive and usually subtle, with the aim to align fascia and surrounding structures enabling the free flow of the cerebrospinal fluid within the CranioSacral rhythm.The therapist will use their hands to apply very gentle pressure to head, neck, back (around your spinal column) or on areas of your body where you have symptoms.
It’s normal to feel a sense of deep relaxation during CranioSacral Therapy.
What are CranioSacral benefits?
The human body is interconnected, both structurally and functionally. This means that one area of your body can affect another. The goal of CranioSacral Therapy is tension relief (fascial clearance). This may help other connected parts of your body function better through:
- Self-regulation.
- Self-correction.
- Self-healing.
CranialSacral Therapy can be used for people of all ages. It may be part of your treatment for conditions like:
- migraines and headaches
- constipation
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- disturbed sleep cycles and insomnia
- scoliosis
- sinus infections
- neck pain
- fibromyalgia
- TMJ
- trauma recovery, including trauma from whiplash
- mood disorders like anxiety or depression
What should I expect from CranioSacral Therapy?
Sessions are an hour, by appointment only, at a time most convenient for the patient in a friendly, professional clinic environment. A full assessment will be taken, past injuries, limitations and or pre-existing conditions will be noted. You’ll typically remain fully clothed during the treatment, so wear comfortable clothing to your appointment.
The therapist may begin at your head, feet, or near the middle of your body.
Where appropriate the therapist may gently press or reposition you to normalize the flow of the cerebrospinal fluids. They may use tissue-release methods while supporting one of your limbs.
During the treatment, some people experience different sensations. These may include:
- feeling deep relaxation
- falling asleep, and later recalling memories or seeing colors
- sensing pulsations
- having a “pins and needles” (numbing) sensation
- having a hot or cold sensation
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