Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a hands-on remedial manual therapy technique. The craniosacral system is made up of the soft tissue and bones of the head, the spine, and the pelvis. Craniosacral therapy addresses these areas as well as the membranes that surround them and the cerebrospinal fluid that encompasses the brain and spinal cord. In this technique, the therapist uses an extremely light touch — so light that the patient often will not notice it, although a sense of relaxation will be noticeable after the session.

A vital body rhythm is produced by the passage of spinal fluid within and around the central nervous system. This fluid carries a rich mixture of proteins, electrolytes, amino acids, and other essential nutrients for the brain and central nervous system. When traumatic injuries, ligament and joint strains, or dysfunctions occur, they create blockages that create health problems. This prevents the skull, its encasing membranes, the spine, and the spinal cord from expanding and contracting naturally and results in disturbances to the movement of cerebrospinal fluid. Craniosacral therapy is used to reestablish the natural flow of spinal fluid.

Outcomes of craniosacral therapy often include an increase in general health and energy, improvements in sleep quality, enhancement in organ functioning, and stress reduction. Some diagnoses that respond particularly well to craniosacral therapy include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic headaches.