Craniosacral Therapy: Everything You Need to Know

Craniosacral therapy is one of the popular methods of manual therapy that is gaining increasing recognition among patients and therapists. It is non-invasive, painless, and suitable for both adults and children.

When to consult a doctor (red flags)

Consult a doctor before undergoing therapy if you experience:

• Recent head or spinal injury
• Suspected intracranial haemorrhage
• Severe headache of sudden onset
• Neurological disturbances (numbness, weakness, visual disturbances)
• Active inflammation of the meninges

In these cases, a medical consultation is necessary first, followed by therapy if appropriate.

Who discovered the craniosacral technique?

Craniosacral therapy, also known as Craniosacral Therapy (CST), was discovered and developed by Dr William Sutherland at the beginning of the 20th century. Dr Sutherland, an American osteopath, was a pioneer in the field of cranial osteopathy, which is the foundation of craniosacral therapy.

Dr William Garner Sutherland (1873–1954) was a student of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy. Sutherland studied the anatomy of the skull and observed that the cranial bones are not rigidly fused, as had been previously believed, but possess a certain degree of mobility. He also discovered that gentle manipulations of these bones can influence the functioning of the entire body.

Sutherland identified a subtle movement of the cerebrospinal fluid, which he named the craniosacral rhythm. His research and observations led him to conclude that this rhythm plays a crucial role in human health. Through gentle manual techniques, Sutherland developed methods of working with the skull, spine, and sacrum that aimed to restore the balance of the craniosacral rhythm.

What does craniosacral therapy involve?

Craniosacral therapy involves gentle manipulations of the body's tissues, particularly in the regions of the skull, spine, and sacrum. The therapist works with the craniosacral rhythm, which is a subtle, physiological rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid flow that circulates between the brain and the spine.

The craniosacral rhythm

The craniosacral rhythm is produced through the production, circulation, and reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid is produced in the choroid plexuses of the brain and then circulates around the brain and spinal cord, protecting and nourishing these structures. The regular pulsation of this fluid is perceptible throughout the body and can be compared to a pulse.

Goal of therapy

The goal of craniosacral therapy is to restore balance and harmony in the body, which promotes the proper functioning of the nervous system, reduces tension in the body, and maintains an adequate flow of nutrients to the brain.

Understanding this rhythm is essential for the effective delivery of craniosacral therapy; therefore, it is important that the osteopath or physiotherapist has completed specialist training.

Applications of craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy is used to support the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Because it is a non-invasive and painless method, it is suitable for both adults and children (including infants). The most common applications include:

1. Sleep disorders — improvement in sleep quality and reduction of insomnia.
2. Headaches and migraines — alleviation of pain.
3. Stress and tension — reduction of stress levels and muscle tension.
4. Concentration difficulties — support for improving concentration and cognitive function.
5. Pain conditions — relief from chronic back, neck, and joint pain.

How does craniosacral therapy work?

During a session, the therapist uses gentle touch to assess the rhythm in various parts of the body, such as the skull, spine, sacrum, and even the feet. Sensing subtle changes in this rhythm allows the therapist to identify areas of tension and dysfunction that may require attention.

Craniosacral therapy, through gentle manipulations of the body's tissues, aims to restore the correct craniosacral rhythm. This process involves:

• Gentle manipulations — The therapist applies light pressure and movements to release tension in the tissues.
• Rhythm harmonisation — Through regular sessions, therapy helps to restore harmony and balance in the craniosacral rhythm.
• Improvement of cerebrospinal fluid flow — Enhancing the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which positively affects the functioning of the nervous system.

Factors affecting the craniosacral rhythm

The craniosacral rhythm, being a subtle, physiological rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid flow, can become disrupted for various reasons. These disruptions can affect general wellbeing, physical health, and mental health. Common causes of craniosacral rhythm disturbances include:

1. Injuries and surgical procedures — Severe injuries such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries can cause tension in the body's tissues, affecting the craniosacral rhythm. Surgical procedures, particularly in the regions of the head, neck, and spine, can influence cerebrospinal fluid flow.
2. Stress — Chronic stress, emotional tension, and trauma can lead to increased muscle tension and disturbances in the craniosacral rhythm.
3. Illnesses and infections — Inflammatory conditions can disrupt the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
4. Postural defects — Prolonged maintenance of an incorrect body position, such as sitting at a desk without adequate support, can lead to tension and rhythm disturbances. Acquired postural defects such as scoliosis or kyphosis can also disrupt the balance of flow.

Summary

Craniosacral therapy has become an important tool in manual therapy, used by osteopaths, manual therapists, physiotherapists, and other specialists. Thanks to its gentle and non-invasive nature, this therapy is used in the treatment of many conditions, from headaches and migraines to sleep disorders, stress, and chronic pain. It is an excellent option for individuals seeking natural ways to improve their health and wellbeing.