Cranio Sacral therapy

What is a Cranio sacral therapy?

Cranio sacral therapy is a manual method for treating disorders like anxiety, asthma, slipped disc, high blood pressure, exhaustion or muscle tension.

The practitioner moves their hands gently over the skull area (cranium) and sacral bone (os sacrum) which connect with the spine as a combined functional unit. Cranio sacral therapy is closely linked to osteopathy (manual medicine).

The beginning of Cranio sacral therapy

The American osteopath, William Garner Sutherland (1873-1954), assumed that the skull bones and pelvis were connected through a rhythmic movement of fluid from the head through the spinal channel. Sutherland believed that diseases, organ dysfunction and psychological problems were caused by a disturbance to the craniosacral rhythm. He invented special techniques to restore the original rhythm. In the Seventies, John E. Upledger, who was a surgeon and an osteopath, reinvented and developed the treatment.

Cranio sacral therapy is based on the belief

that even in adulthood, the skull bones are not firmly connected but continue to move against each other. Independent to the heart beat and breath, it is assumed that this movement of the skull bones recurs between six and fourteen times per minute, moving the cranial fluid around the brain and spinal cord. This then transfers to the pelvis in small rotating movements. Even a minimal disturbance in the bone structure of the skull, spine or pelvis can disrupt the craniosacral rhythm.

Cranio sacral therapists are able to sense any blockages to the rhythm with their hands. They will then loosen tissue tension, improve blood circulation, sooth any discomfort and encourage self healing power through delicate touch. During the treatment, the therapist places their hands on the area where a blockage is felt and applies light pressure. They will keep their hands on this area until relaxation occurs. This process is repeated on different areas until the therapist feels the body’s movements are symmetrical in every direction. The therapeutically effectiveness of cranio sacral therapy has not yet been scientifically proven.