Cranial therapy was originated by osteopathic doctor William Sutherland DO (1873-1954. While looking at a disarticulated skull, Sutherland was struck by the idea that the cranial sutures of the temporal bones where they meet the sphenoid bones were "beveled, like the gills of a fish, indicating articular mobility for a respiratory mechanism." Cranial Osteopaths were originally labeled "quacks" for identifying bones in the skull as being slightly "mobile" and the structures within as treatable. Today, scientists and many MDs, with the benefit of high tech diagnostic equipment, not only concur that cranial motion exists but that it is central to the function of the body.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST), was pioneered as a natural health and healing modality by osteopathic physician John. E. Upledger. It is a method of alternative medicine that assesses and enhances the functioning of the patient by accessing his or her primary respiratory mechanism. The craniosacral system comprises of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain. The system functions to protect the brain and spinal cord.

Practitioners use soft touch – generally no greater than 5 Grams, which is barely the weight of a Nickel – to release restrictions in the craniosacral system. This improves the functioning of the central nervous system.

Practitioners claim that by working with the body in this way they are able to remove restrictions in the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. This in turn helps to relieve stress, tension and pain and thus enhances overall health. By complementing the body’s natural healing systems, craniosacral therapy is increasingly used as a preventative health measure. This is because it bolsters resistance to disease and effectively solves a wide range of medical problems. These include conditions like:
- Migraine headaches
- Motor-coordination Impairments
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Autism
- Colic
- Orthopedic problems
- Stress and tension-related problems
- Fibromyalgia and other disorders of the connective tissue
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Neurovascular or Immune disorders

Practitioners claim that they are able to detect the craniosacral rhythm by the use of their hands. This rhythm is considered essential to good health. No instrument is used to detect the rhythm. The measurement and the therapy are totally subjective.

It is true that sometimes all that your body needs is the gentle touch of a knowing hand. The body has its own healing mechanism. Modern medicine largely ignores this internal healing system of the body. But Craniosacral therapy is a light-touch hands-on method that seeks to enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities. Craniosacral therapy is therefore used both as a primary treatment and is also combined with other traditional healing techniques to speed up the recovery process.

Craniosacral therapy is also now being used to help women prepare for the delivery process. It helps resolve any structural restrictions and fights the residue of past trauma. The effects of past birth experiences can often interfere with normal childbirth. In labor, therefore, craniosacral therapy is a useful tool that helps mothers overcome any impasse. Postpartum depression can also be held at bay by using this therapy as mothers are encouraged to integrate the birthing experience in a way that proves emotionally and mentally enriching.

While the main focus of Craniosacral Therapy is to uncover the source of the problem, symptom relief is also a natural by-product of the treatment process. The number of sessions needed and the length of the treatment depend on a number of factors including the depth of the trauma and the body’s defense mechanism that masks the problem. Due to its gentle and caring treatment techniques, many people include craniosacral therapy in their personal wellness and fitness programs.

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