CranioSacral Therapy
The bones of the craniosacral system are those of the skull, face and mouth - which make up the cranium - and of the spinal column which extends down to the sacrum. Membranes enclosing the brain and its hydraulic system connect the craniosacral system.
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of this body system comprised of the bones, membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It is a whole body approach that focuses on the central nervous system and the enclosed membranes, as well as the fascia which is a specialized connective tissue covering muscles, organs and glands. The fascia is a covering that creates a type of “stocking” that keeps the body and its structures together and flowing in a smooth, continuous fashion.
Craniosacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger. He refined the work and experiements of Dr. William Sutherland (osteopath) who discovered a subtle movement in the network of these tissues and fluids that he felt is produced by the body's inherent life force, which he referred to as the "Breath of Life." This respiratory motion or craniosacral rhythm is an important measure of our state of health. When these rhythms are full and balanced health and well-being are optimized.
The intention of treatment is to release restrictions in the membranes of the craniosacral system and/or fascial restrictions within the body from previous injuries, physical holding or repetitive postural patterns. Once restrictions are released, the pulse of the cerebral spinal fluid (breath of life) can be felt throughout the entire body enhancing the body's own self-healing and self-regulating capabilities at the cellular level. The positive effect of CranioSacral Therapy relies to a large extent upon the patient's natural self-corrective physiological activies. The therapist's light, hands-on approach assists the hydraulic forces inherent in the craniosacral system to improve the internal environment.
Craniosacral therapy is suitable for people of all ages and can be effective in acute and chronic cases. It is ideal for the treatment of nervous and/or musculoskeletal disorders, chronic and acute injury and/or holding patterns, post concussive symptoms, ADD/ADHD, migraines, asthma and/or sinus conditions. TMJ (tempromandibular joint disorder) can also be treated with craniosacral therapy, since some of the fascial restrictions of the body can be released through intra-oral adjustments. It is also not uncommon for a fascial release in the hip or neck for example, to affect the jaw and vice versa. Since craniosacral therapy directly influences the parasympathetic nervous system, it is ideal for conditions of stress, anxiety and psychosomatic pain syndromes (emotional stress manifesting in physical form – pain without cause or diagnosis).
Copyright© Shauna Park, RMT 2024
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of this body system comprised of the bones, membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It is a whole body approach that focuses on the central nervous system and the enclosed membranes, as well as the fascia which is a specialized connective tissue covering muscles, organs and glands. The fascia is a covering that creates a type of “stocking” that keeps the body and its structures together and flowing in a smooth, continuous fashion.
Craniosacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger. He refined the work and experiements of Dr. William Sutherland (osteopath) who discovered a subtle movement in the network of these tissues and fluids that he felt is produced by the body's inherent life force, which he referred to as the "Breath of Life." This respiratory motion or craniosacral rhythm is an important measure of our state of health. When these rhythms are full and balanced health and well-being are optimized.
The intention of treatment is to release restrictions in the membranes of the craniosacral system and/or fascial restrictions within the body from previous injuries, physical holding or repetitive postural patterns. Once restrictions are released, the pulse of the cerebral spinal fluid (breath of life) can be felt throughout the entire body enhancing the body's own self-healing and self-regulating capabilities at the cellular level. The positive effect of CranioSacral Therapy relies to a large extent upon the patient's natural self-corrective physiological activies. The therapist's light, hands-on approach assists the hydraulic forces inherent in the craniosacral system to improve the internal environment.
Craniosacral therapy is suitable for people of all ages and can be effective in acute and chronic cases. It is ideal for the treatment of nervous and/or musculoskeletal disorders, chronic and acute injury and/or holding patterns, post concussive symptoms, ADD/ADHD, migraines, asthma and/or sinus conditions. TMJ (tempromandibular joint disorder) can also be treated with craniosacral therapy, since some of the fascial restrictions of the body can be released through intra-oral adjustments. It is also not uncommon for a fascial release in the hip or neck for example, to affect the jaw and vice versa. Since craniosacral therapy directly influences the parasympathetic nervous system, it is ideal for conditions of stress, anxiety and psychosomatic pain syndromes (emotional stress manifesting in physical form – pain without cause or diagnosis).
Copyright© Shauna Park, RMT 2024
