Craniosacral Therapy is a very gentle hands-on body therapy that uses light forces and specific holds to release blockages within the bodily tissues.  The technique is based on the premise that unprocessed physical and emotional trauma is stored in the body’s tissues in an attempt to wall-off its harmful effects.  Craniosacral Therapy is a method whereby this trauma can be accessed and released in a controlled manner.

Dr. John Upledger, an American osteopath coined this term in the 1970’s and popularized the technique, however, the work’s roots lie in its inventor Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopath who lived in the earlier part of the 20^th century.  These men found that many health problems occurred in people who had inflexible bodily tissues and improper flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrospinal fluid baths the spinal cord and brain and is contained within the bones of the skull, vertebral column (back bone) and pelvis.  This fluid is produced in the head and is pumped throughout the system by a body rhythm.  By improving the balance and flexibility of bodily tissues, the soft tissues, skull, spinal column and pelvis pulsate and create the forces necessary to circulate the cerebrospinal fluid.

This fluid nourishes and insulates the sensitive neural structures of the brain and spinal cord and promotes increased vitality and enhanced health. 

Improving the function of the Craniosacral system has been known to greatly improve the condition of those suffering from:

• Autism
• Chronic Pain
• Cranial Trauma (head injury)
• Depression
• Enhanced joint mobility
• Learning Disabilities (ADD, dyslexia)
• Migraines
• Nervous disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Excess stress and tension
• Scoliosis
• Soft tissue injuries (especially from motor vehicle accidents and post-operative scarring)
• Sports Injuries

Craniosacral Therapy: TMJ Syndrome/Head-Neck Pain

Craniosacral Therapists work in conjuction with Dentists to manage TMJ Syndrome, head pain and neck pain.  The detailed assessment and treatment of tissue distortion in the neck, head and face/jaw complements dental care for these common complaints.  

Craniosacral Therapy and Infants

Craniosacral Therapy is an exceedingly gentle and effective approach to assessing and correcting birth trauma.

The birth process is demanding on both mother and baby.  If the forces exerted on the infant's head and neck exceed it's ability to recover, then delicate nerve structures can be interfered with. 

Craniosacral Therapy uses very light pressure (the weight of a nickel) to correct realign the skull and upper neck to alleviate  physical and emotional distress.  For example, distorted cranial (head) structures can impinge upon the delicate cranial nerves.  It can alleviate symptoms related to these nerves including digestive problems (i.e. colic; excessive spitting up), inability to latch or suckle, irritability (i.e. back arching, excessive crying, poor sleep patterns), reduced or unequal head and neck posture or range of motion, failure to thrive, failure to meet motor and sensory milestones and lethargy (low activity level).