CranioSacral Therapy was developed by Dr. John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M. an osteopathic physician who cared deeply about his patients and respected and honored the human body’s intelligence and natural ability to heal and make itself whole. Dr. Upledger’s discovery of the Dural Pulse and his pioneering work with other scientists at Michigan State University led to his development of this approach.
CranioSacral Therapy views the human body as an integrated, interconnected whole. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle manual therapy performed on the craniosacral system to promote optimal central nervous system function and can create powerful and profound improvements in your health and life.
CST helps to identify and treat the cause of your pain, illness and other dysfunctions, not just the symptoms. CST helps your body to release restrictions that prevent optimal function, even if you are not consciously aware that such restrictions exist.
When you and your body endure constant day-to-day stresses, strains and challenges, your central nervous system does its best to adapt to keep you going. When over time such stresses become too much for the body, or you have suffered physical or emotional trauma (e.g. contracting Covid-19, concussion and other brain injuries, loss of a loved one, surgeries, infections, medication effects, accumulated toxins), a strain on your central nervous system may occur and the system can loose its ability to adapt. This can result in illness, disease, pain, fatigue, anxiety, inability to concentrate and other dysfunctions. CranioSacral Therapy encourages your body’s central nervous system and natural healing processes to move towards balance; it works on a cellular level with all your tissues–nerves, skin, muscle, bone, connective tissue, organs, fluids; it helps your body to deeply relax, release accumulated tension and holding, and gently self-correct. This leads to naturally decreased stress and pain, a strengthened immune system and greatly enhanced health and well being.
In CranioSacral Therapy, I am a dedicated member of your health-care team. My job is to facilitate your body’s innate desire and ability to heal itself. Your CranioSacral Therapy session typically lasts one hour. All you have to do is lie down on a treatment table, in loose comfortable clothing, and relax. My delicate touch allows me to connect deeply with your tissues without activating your body’s defensive or protective mechanisms, such as sudden tensing from conscious or unconscious guarding. Through my educated and sensitive hands, I listen carefully to the quality of your craniosacral system rhythm and to the complex layers of your body to help discover potential patterns of strain, restriction and imbalance. Then I apply my skills to help your body to release those problem areas, encourage fluid exchange and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord. This promotes greater central nervous system function, which in turn improves total body function.
A unique quality of CST is that it is not a “fix it” approach where something is done to you. You get to actively participate in your healing process. I work with you as your guide and support as you awaken to deeper awareness of your wondrous inner landscape and its wisdom, within your own pace and capabilities.
CranioSacral Therapy is indicated for everyone, throughout life. For instance, CST is beneficial for a newborn who has endured strain on her neck from her journey through the birth canal; a college student struggling with mental health illness; a caregiver who has developed anxiety from juggling work, family and watching over an ailing parent; a middle-aged woman frustrated with the ups and downs of menopause; and a 92 year old looking for joint pain relief.
By freeing the central nervous system to work at its best, CranioSacral Therapy helps to relieve a broad spectrum of pain, illness and imbalance, both acute and non-acute including:
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Anxiety, Depression
- Migraines and Headaches
- Chronic Back or Neck Pain
- Chronic Fatigue
- TMJ Syndrome, grinding/clenching
- Emotional Difficulties
- Inability to Concentrate
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Ocular Motor Problems
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Bells Palsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Mysterious, unresolved pain
- Discomfort from Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Lordosis
- Motor Coordination Problems
- ADD/ADHD
- Sinus Problems
CranioSacral Therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture, physical therapy and other rehabilitation programs, medication, chemotherapy, psychotherapy, post-surgery recovery, as well as a stand-alone program to naturally reduce stress, relieve chronic pain and other conditions, and support and encourage your body’s capacity to heal itself.
To learn more about the positive impact CranioSacral Therapy can have on your health and life, please refer to Testimonials. Another great resource is www.upledger.com.
Sources: CranioSacral Therapy I, Study Guide, The Upledger Institute, Inc, John E. Upldeger, DO, OMM, ,UI Publishing, 1987, Rev. 2007; Discover CranioSacaral Therapy, The Healing Power of a Gentle Touch, The Upledger Institute, Inc., 1997, Rev. 7/07 and CranioSacral Therapy I, Study Guide, John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, UI Publishing, 1987, Rev. 2007; SomatoEmotional Release II, Study Guide, The Upledger Institute, Inc., John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, Lee Nugan, M.A., Susan D. Pinto, M.A., C F.P., additional contributions by Chas Perry, Ph.D., and Susan Steiner, O. T. R./L.UI Publishing, 1992, Rev. 2010.