Your craniosacral system is a functioning physiological system of your body that includes the cerebrospinal fluid, the connective tissue membranes that contain the fluid and that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, the osseous (bone) attachments and the mechanisms that produce and reabsorb the cerebrospinal fluid. This core body system extends from the bones of your skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area. Your craniosacral system has a powerful influence on your nervous, endocrine and immune systems and has a whole-body effect.
As you know, your body has different rhythms. You have the heartbeat, at 60-80 pulses per minute; and you have the breathing inhale-exhale cycle at 15-20 cycles per minute. You also have the craniosacral rhythm, which, since birth, creates a gentle wave-like movement at your head and spine. This motion causes your head to slightly widen and narrow and your spine to slightly shorten and lengthen, at 6-12 times per minute.
Just like the heartbeat and breath, your craniosacral rhythm can be felt in many places on your body. With gentle touch, I can help encourage the craniosacral rhythm to operate more efficiently and effectively. When it does, the nerves throughout your body receive nutrition and signals to work better. This allows your body to rest, relax, become less painful and begin the healing process from within.
For this reason, CranioSacral Therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture, physical therapy and other rehabilitation programs, medication absorption, chemotherapy, post-surgery recovery, as well as a stand-alone program to naturally reduce stress, relieve chronic pain and other conditions, and support and promote your body’s ability to heal and make itself whole.
Sources: CranioSacral Therapy I, Study Guide, The Upledger Institute, Inc, John E. Upldeger, DO, OMM, ,UI Publishing, 1987, Rev. 2007; SomatoEmotional Release II, Study Guide, The Upledger Institute, Inc., John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., 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.