Craniosacral Therapy
Therapists
About Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive technique
which manipulates the bones of the skull, spine, and pelvis.
This gentle technique includes light stretches and specific
movements to help clear the pathways for the cerebrospinal
fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The therapy, developed by osteopaths over 50 years ago, is
used to treat conditions ranging from headaches, ear infections,
spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. This therapy is
now being used by other health professionals around the world.
Craniosacral therapy uses non-intrusive and indirect methods
for treatment the majority of the time. The indirect techniques
encourage movement in the direction of ease whereas the direct
technique assists movement through the relaxation of an abnormal
restriction barrier.
A restriction in the craniosacral system is defined as an
impairment to normal physiological motion within the body.
A release occurs when there is a softening of the restriction.
Normal motion is able to return. A resistance barrier is a
perceptible point of resistance to normal motion. The body
has a hesitation or has to exert more effort to pass by the
barrier. The barriers can be rigid or elastic. Rigid barriers
result when bones are jammed together whereas elastic barriers
result from abnormal membrane tension which prevent normal
motion.
When a person's craniosacral system is assessed, a therapist
will palpate for the rhythm at several key points: the feet,
thighs, pelvis, ribs, shoulders, and head. From observations
based on the rate, quality, symmetry, and amplitude of the
movement, areas of restriction can be identified and located.
Specific treatment can then begin.
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