By Dr. Cynthia Opp
(as defined by The Upledger Institute, Inc.)

CranioSacral Therapy

The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area. This system functions in the production, circulation and re-absorption of CSF. Cerebrospinal fluid maintains the physiological environment in which your brain and nervous system develop, live and function. In other words, CSF nourishes the brain and spinal cord.

Normally the production and re-absorption of cerebrospinal fluid produces a continuous rise and fall of fluid pressure within the CranioSacral System. The semi-closed hydraulic system expands and contracts to some extent with this rhythmical pressure fluctuation. Pressure is prevented from building up excessively within the CranioSacral System. Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. Any buildup of pressure could contribute to chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities and other health challenges.

CranioSacral Therapy is performed on a person fully clothed. Using light touch, the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. Delicate manual techniques release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord. It is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. You also benefit from better overall health and resistance to disease. The technique aims to correct abnormal cranial bone movement.

The existence of cranial-bone motion was established in the mid 1970’s by a team of researchers at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. This refutes conventional anatomical wisdom which taught that cranial bones were movable only in young infants, and were solidly fused in adulthood.

A CranioSacral Therapy session can last 15 minutes to more than an hour. It strengthens your body’s ability to take better care of you. It helps alleviate a range of illnesses, pain and dysfunction, such as migraines and headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, stress and tension-related problems, infantile disorders, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic fatigue, scoliosis, central nervous system disorders, emotional difficulties, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), learning disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, orthopedic problems and many other conditions.

Because of its incredible effect, many healthcare professionals practice CranioSacral Therapy, including doctors of chiropractic, osteopathic physicians, dentists, massage therapists and many more.