CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the physiological system of the body comprised of membranes and the
Cerebrospinal fluid  (CSF)  that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch, generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the sacro/occipital system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

In complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CranioSacral Therapy, has been increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease. It has been shown effective in a wide range of conditions associated with pain and dysfunction including:

Migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, colic, autisim, 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, and post-surgical dysfunction.

CranioSacral Therapy and other similar techniques are used widely in the realm of holistic medicine to treat all aspects of the patient. Through holistic medicine and clinical research, medical science has gained a greater understanding of the cerebrospinal fluid, and the importance of the sacro/cranial system and it’s interaction with the other systems of the body for achieving optimal health.

FAQ’s for CranioSacral Therapy

What is the relationship between the sacrum and the cranial bones in the scull?

The bones of the scull (occipital, frontal, sphenoidal, temporal, etc.), have joints which are in constant motion. These bones, as well as the brain, are continually bathed by the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which flows continually, as we take each breath. Should these cranial bones become fixated or misaligned at their joints (called sutures), the spinal fluid will not flow correctly within the cranial vault. In addition, the sacrum, at the base of the spine, also must operate freely, without restriction, since it has a direct relationship to the flow of the CSF. This is called the cranial sacral pump. Literally, the sacrum and the occipital (cranial) bones pump the CSF up and down the spinal cord with every breath taken. This was proven through NASA experiments with astronauts.

Why is the Cerebrospinal (ser-ee’-bro spin-al) fluid so important?

There have been identified no less than 120 functions performed by the Cerebrospinal Spinal Fluid (CSF). The CSF constantly bathes the brain and spinal cord from top to bottom. It is responsible for everything from cognitive function and neurotransmission between the brain and nervous system, to the cleansing of the brain and nerves of waste from brain function and cell regeneration. It makes up what is known as the blood-brain barrier, without which, healthy reproduction would not be possible. While, a developing fetus is allowed to draw the nutrients needed from the mother’s body through her bloodstream, the blood-brain barrier prevents pathogens and toxins (in the mother’s body), from reaching the brain of the developing child. That is why, unlike every other system in the body (which relies on the circulation of oxygen and nutrients through the blood,) the brain and nervous system relies upon every aspiration (the taking in of oxygen) to circulate the CSF, it’s precious river of life. The CSF is completely sterile and separated from all other systems of the body. It’s job is to cleanse (usher out waste) and provide nutrients to the brain and spinal cord.

Medical science is only beginning to understand the intricacy of this dynamic system, and the importance of the structural integrity, upon which it relies, for proper function.

CranioSacral Therapy influences and corrects faults within this intricate aspect of the brain and nervous system, thereby restoring optimal function.