Cranio Sacral Therapy

Curious about the history and science underpinning Cranio Sacral Therapy and its potential

benefits for your well-being? This article takes a deep dive into the origins and advantages of this

gentle healing approach, shedding light on its fascinating journey through time and offering

insights into how it can positively impact your health.

The gentle method of craniosacral therapy (CST) focuses on analyzing the fluid movement

inside and around the membranes that surround the central nervous system. The release of

tension in the central nervous system adds to a feeling of well-being by reducing pain, enhancing

general health, and enhancing immunity. It was originated in the nineteenth century and has its

roots in Andrew Taylor Still's osteopathic medical system; however, it owes much to future

technique pioneers, such as William G. Sutherland, who developed Still's approach to cranial

osteopathy. Harold Magoun improved and formalized a therapeutic approach in the 1950s. This

approach was then passed on to Dr. John E. Upledger in the late 1960s. Dr. Upledger took this

method and expanded it into what he named 'CranioSacral Therapy' (CST). CST is a simple yet

effective therapeutic system that doesn't require extensive medical knowledge to be successful. It

is distinct in its emphasis on the cranial aspect and its potential to improve health. Andrew

Taylor Still, born in 1828, introduced a groundbreaking approach to healing. This was influenced

by his experiences as a doctor during the American Civil War. He developed osteopathy, which

involved spinal manipulation to correct misalignments known as "subluxations." Still believed

that by removing these subluxations, the body's innate healing abilities could be unleashed,

improving nerve function and circulation. He advocated for holistic medicine and manual

therapy over drugs. Despite initial skepticism, Still gained recognition for his successes. He went
on to found The American School of Osteopathy in 1892. His principles emphasized the body as

a unified entity with self-healing capabilities. After his death in 1917, osteopathy evolved in the

United States to incorporate drugs. However, in Europe, it stayed closer to Still's original

teachings. Dr. William Sutherland's journey towards developing Craniosacral Therapy began

with his observations of the human skull during his osteopathy studies. He challenged the

conventional belief that cranial bones fused during adolescence. Conducting experiments on

himself and patients, Sutherland's research led to the foundation of Craniosacral Therapy, with a

focus on cranial movement. In the 1940s, he directed a course on "Osteopathy in the Cranial

Field." This course attracted medical professionals interested in his cranial methods. It laid the

groundwork for CST, which Dr. John Upledger later pioneered. Upledger's focus was on the

cranial aspect's significant impact on health. Dr. John E. Upledger simplified complex research

and techniques in craniosacral therapy. His journey began when he observed unusual spinal cord

membrane motion during surgery. He confirmed the movement of cranial bones in adults from

1975 to 1983, establishing the craniosacral system's existence, including cranial bones, dural

membranes, spinal cord, sacrum, and cerebrospinal fluid. Upledger expanded therapy using

various techniques aligned with quantum physics principles. His research focused on children

with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), revealing tighter cranial membranes as a prevalent factor.

He also developed techniques to relax these membranes, improving behavior and emotional

responses in ASD children. These techniques enabled caregivers to assist their children, giving

rise to craniosacral therapy. Moreover, he pioneered Somato-Emotional Release, recognizing

that emotional issues could manifest physically and devising methods to release stored negative

emotions from the body's soft tissues. Establishing The Upledger Institute, he aimed to train non-

medical health professionals in CST, making it accessible to a broader audience. His teaching
and writings simplified complex subjects for the general public. Despite retiring from active

teaching in 2008, Upledger continued research to expand the reach of his life's work, impacting

over 100,000 individuals globally through The Upledger Institute.

Transitioning from the historical overview of Craniosacral Therapy (CST), it's time to

delve into the tangible benefits it offers to individuals seeking relief and improved well-being.

Among many other problems, craniosacral therapy (CST), a mild hands-on therapy, may offer

relief from headaches, neck discomfort, and side effects of cancer treatment. As well as,

fibromyalgia, migraines, complex regional pain syndrome, fascial adhesions, and multiple

sclerosis, have also been observed to experience positive effects from Craniosacral Therapy. The

central nervous system is examined with CST by lightly touching the membranes and tracking

the flow of fluids within and around the brain. By removing pain and improving health and

immunity, releasing tension in the central nervous system encourages a sense of well-being. The

main goal of CST is to release the body's fascia by gently placing the hands in certain locations.

Organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood arteries, the brain, and the spinal cord are all covered by

fascia, which is a Latin term meaning "band" in the body. The only difference between CST and

massage treatment is that you remain fully covered. The first part of the therapy session is a

consultation with your qualified therapist to pinpoint problem areas. Low lighting and soothing

music are frequently utilized to promote relaxation. The therapist evaluates your fascial system

for any potential disturbances and/or limits using light pressure methods. Your muscles and

organs may be able to spontaneously release tension with the use of light touch and fascial

release, which enhances function. Many other patients claim to experience profound relaxation.

Even though CST offers potential benefits for a wide range of individuals, there are certain

situations where it may not be suitable, requiring a discussion with both your CST practitioner
and physician. It's essential to postpone your session if you have experienced any of the

following conditions and have not received clearance for treatment from your physician: recent

concussion, cerebral swelling, structural defects in the cerebellum such as Arnold-Chiari

malformation, brain aneurysm, traumatic brain injury, blood clots, or any disorder leading to

instability in cerebral fluid pressure, flow, or accumulation.

In conclusion, Craniosacral Therapy (CST) offers a gentle approach to address various

conditions. By focusing on the central nervous system's fluid movement and surrounding

membranes, CST aims to enhance well-being. It may benefit conditions like headaches and

fibromyalgia. However, for specific medical conditions such as recent concussions or brain

swelling, consultation with both a CST practitioner and a physician is essential to ensure safety

and suitability for treatment.

 References

(2023, January 4). Craniosacral Therapy: Does It Work, What Are The Benefits?

https://www.westendwellness.ca/blogs/craniosacral-therapy-does-it-work-what-are-the-

benefits#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Craniosacral%20Therapy,%2C%20neck%2C%20and

%20nervous%20limitations.

The history of craniosacral therapy. History of Craniosacral Therapy. (n.d.). https://iacst.ie/history-

craniosacral-therapy#:~:text=Craniosacral%20Therapy%2C%20or%20CST%20as,Stills

%20system%20into%20cranial%20osteopathy.

professional, C. C. medical. (n.d.). Craniosacral therapy technique: What is it, benefits, risks &

technique. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17677-

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