Overview

Craniosacral Therapy is an exceptionally gentle yet extremely powerful form of treatment which can be helpful to most people and in most conditions - from minor aches and pains to severe and persistent chronic health problems.

It is a profound healing process which can influence the deeply held patterns of disease - both physical and psychological - which accumulate throughout life as a result of injury and illness and become held into the body tissues, leading to ill-health and dysfunction.

It has the potential to transform these patterns of restriction and resistance in our lives at a very fundamental level, thereby eliminating disease and restoring health.

History

Dr William Sutherland, an American osteopath, discovered intrinsic movements of the bones of the skull around the turn of the century. His further research revealed different rhythmic tidal motions in the body. These movements, which can be measured with delicate scientific instruments, are a direct expression of the health of the system.

As research continued it became apparent that these movements are inextricably linked with not only physical health but also mental and emotional health. Palpation of these tide-like motions allows Craniosacral therapists to facilitate change in areas of restriction. This restriction of movement corresponds to a lack of the capacity of the life force to express its self-healing. This absence of health may result in disease or a sense of something missing or numbness.

Benefits

Craniosacral Therapy is primarily concerned with creating and maintaining a healthy, balanced state on all levels. This underlying state of well-being enables the body's own healing mechanisms to operate at optimum level, and therefore enables the body to eliminate disease and restore health.

Craniosacral Therapy works on many different levels and influences many different structures within the body. It influences the musculo-skeletal system, the nervous system, the cardiovascular-vascular system, the immune system, the organs, the connective tissues, the fluids and the energy systems of the body. It therefore has widespread and profound effects on conditions affecting all of these systems.

Because it treats the whole person it can influence all conditions affecting the whole person or any part of the person. Craniosacral Therapy therefore has a very wide range of applications.

It is suitable for all ages from newborn babies to the elderly, including all ages and stages in between. It is particularly valuable in babies and children since the establishment of healthy patterns at an early age sets patterns for the whole future of that individual, both in their health and in their abilities. It is also particularly renowned for its profound influence on the effects of Birth Trauma - the effects of which may range from learning difficulties, hyperactivity and ear-infections to epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

Procedure

Craniosacral Therapy is most often carried out with the client lying down, fully clothed in a quiet and peaceful environment. Treatment is usually experienced as a very profound relaxation which may pervade the whole person, physically, mentally and emotionally, often accompanied by a feeling of lightness and ease.

The gentle approach of Craniosacral Therapy is entirely non-invasive. The subtle interaction of two systems - brought together by this light contact - stimulates and enhances self-healing mechanisms within the body to respond, release and open up to a more balanced healthy state.

Source of information: The Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK | The College of Craniosacral Therapy