Craniosacral Therapy…
is a medical modality derived from Osteopathy and is a way of working deep restrictions and strains in the central nervous system and connective tissue. The cranial system includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial bones (head, face, mouth) and spine (from the top of the neck to the bottom of the tailbone). The cranial fluid protects the brain and spinal cord and its movement creates a rhythm practitioners use to palpate restrictions, encourage the body’s innate healing process, and remedy restrictions in the body from the inside out. Craniosacral Therapy is light touch and can be very relaxing. It can help with the mind body connection through emotional growth and energy work, pain management, stress reduction, and more cohesive nervous system function.
The structures of the craniosacral system:
Dural membranes in blue within the cranium and vertebral column
The bones to which the membranes attach
The cerebrospinal fluid within these membranes that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Because Craniosacral Therapy is working with the body’s innate healing function, it is helpful for almost every condition. Here are some examples of conditions that Craniosacral Therapy can be beneficial for:
Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
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*
Trauma recovery*
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
*Depending on the severity of trauma issues/dissociation, working in tandem with a mental health counselor may be necessary to receive treatment.*
There are a few cases in which Craniosacral Therapy is not appropriate (aka contraindicated). A few examples of this are: any condition that would be negatively affected by intracranial pressure change, acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders. Some cases may require a doctor’s release before treatment can start.