Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle non-invasive yet powerful hands-on treatment. A technique of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the physiological body system -comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This therapy involves the manipulation of the skull bones (the cranium,) and the sacrum to relieve pain and a variety of other ailments.
Craniosacral therapy was developed by osteopath William G. Sutherland in the 1930s. He discovered natural movements of the bones in the head, revealing different rhythms in the body. Another osteopath, John Upledger, is the leading proponent of this treatment today. Like other holistic therapies, this one emphasizes concepts such as energy, harmony, balance, rhythm and flow.
Using a skilled touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, the therapist detect a craniosacral “thythm” in your body-mind system to release restrictions to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. The balance and flow of this rhythm is considered essential to good health. The rhythm is measured by the therapist’s hands. Any needed or effected changes in rhythm are also detected only by the therapist’s hands.
During the treatment, the client is usually supine on a table. The therapist assesses the patterns of energy in the body through touch at several “listening stations” and then decides where to start that day and how to focus the treatment.
Craniosacral therapy complement the body’s natural healing process as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective to assess and treat a broad range of conditions such as:
Migraine Headaches
Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Colic and digestive problems
Sciatica
Autism
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Scoliosis
Infantile Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Chronic Fatigue
Emotional Difficulties
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-
Tissue Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
It is also very effectively used for common infant problems such as colic, sleep problems, distressed crying or feeding issues.
The craniosacral methods are based on:
The human brain makes rhythmic movements at a rate of 10 to 14 cycles per minute, a periodicity unrelated to breathing or heart rate.
Small cranial pulsations can be felt with the fingertips.
Restriction of movement of the cranial sutures (where the skull bones meet) interfere with the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) and cause disease.
Diseases can be diagnosed by detecting deviation in this rhythm.
Pain (especially of the jaw joint) and many other ailments can be remedied by pressing on the skull bones
Craniosacral therapy helps increase physical vitality and well-being not only effecting structural change but also having wide implications, emotionally and spiritually. The resulting increased sense of well-being can help with many aspects of life from strengthening the immune system to improving interpersonal relationships.
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