Cranial Sacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork that addresses the bones of the head, spinal column, and sacrum. The goal is to release compression in those areas which alleviates stress and pain.
CranioSacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
But even before Dr. Upledger started his therapy, Doctor of Osteopath, Dr. William Sutherland, discovered the presence of subtle rhythms in the body over 100 years ago. At a deep level of our physiological functioning all healthy, living tissues subtly “breathe” with the motion of life – a phenomenon that produces rhythmic impulses which can be palpated by sensitive hands.
Contrary to popular belief, D.r Sutherland realized that cranial sutures were, in fact, designed to express small degrees of motion. He undertook many years of research during which he demonstrated the existence of this motion and eventually concludedthat it is essentially produced by the body’s inherent life force, which he referred to as the “Breath of Life.”
Furthermore, Dr. Sutherland discovered that the motion of cranial bones he first discovered is closely connected to subtle movements that involve a network of interrelated tissues and fluids at the core of the body; including cerebrospinal fluid (the ‘sap in the tree’), the central nervous system, the membranes that surround the central nervous system and the sacrum.
Using a soft touch, generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, Craniosacral therapy is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Colic
Autism
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
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
According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Often, migraines are triggered or exacerbated by stress and poor sleep. In a study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that participants who received bodywork like Cranial Sacral Therapy had better quality sleep and fewer migraines than participants who didn’t. Effects even lasted up to three weeks after therapy ended.
Another way to address pain in the head is through scalp massage, which can be extremely relaxing. Many people don’t realize we have muscles on our scalp and more than just the ones that move your jaw up and down. Take some time and take care of you.
References
https://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/Whatis.htm
http://www.upledger.com/therapies/index.php
http://www.massageenvy.com/types-of-massage/cranial-sacral.aspx
Learn about another type of massage offered at Creek Stone from the video below:
