What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Developed by John E. Upledger, DO in the 1970s, craniosacral therapy or CST is based on cranial osteopathy. This therapy was discovered by Dr. William G. Sutherland in the 1930s. “Cranio” is a referral to the head and “sacral”, the base of the spine. The craniosacral system includes the spinal cord, bones of the spine and the skull and cerebrospinal fluid. As a variant of osteopathic and chiropractic medicine, the therapy focuses on applying a gentle pressure to the bones of the head, spine and pelvis.

Craniosacral Therapy is used for a Variety of Ailments

Therapists believe that increasing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which is a clear fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord, can relieve or cure certain problems being experienced. A few of these ailments include:

• Headaches
• Chronic fatigue
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Depression
• Hyperactivity
• Eye problems
• Problems with the TMJ or hinge of the jaw
• Problems with the endocrine, immune and central nervous systems
• Attention deficit disorder

Research in this field is currently ongoing, but therapists believe the cerebrospinal fluid can become unbalanced or blocked. Researchers say a rhythm that is similar to a pulse can be detected in the spinal fluid that flows between the head and the lower back. Craniosacral therapy focuses on removing obstructions and re-balancing the fluid so the body can function normally.

It is also believed to be beneficial when used to prevent health problems by enhancing the body’s ability to resist disease. Additionally, craniosacral therapists claim that certain problems experienced by infants are due to birth with the cartilage surrounding the skull becoming misshapen.

How is Craniosacral Therapy Performed?

A therapy session generally lasts about an hour and is started with the patient lying flat on their back. The therapist places their hands lightly on the patient to detect the rhythm or pulse. The imbalances and restrictions are detected during this period by feeling for areas where there is a weak flow of fluid.

Once they are identified and traced to the source, the therapist uses certain techniques to relieve these restrictions. The therapy includes lightly touching the bones in the skull, the spine and the pelvis to free the body of tension.

Training for Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is typically performed by osteopaths, massage therapists, physiotherapists and chiropractors. Although there are no current regulations on craniosacral therapy schools at state or federal levels, certain professionals must be licensed or acquire certification. Many states do require massage therapists, chiropractors and others in this field to be licensed.

Those who choose to do so can receive Registered Craniosacral Therapist certification for the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America. School for craniosacral therapy includes the study of the skeletal system as well as the neuro-endocrine system, fluid movement and the correlation of the physical and energetic systems of the body.

In addition, theoretical concepts of this therapy are studied. The student learns the specific observational skills that are necessary. Certification generally requires approximately 700 study hours for the complete training program.

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