Synonyms
Latin Cranium = skull and Os sacrum = sacrum: cranio-sacral therapy = “cranio-sacral therapy”; also craniosacral therapy or craniosacral osteopathy
Introduction
Craniosacral therapy (cranio-sacral therapy) is a gentle, manual form of treatment (performed with the hands), which is a branch of osteopathy. It is an alternative healing method to alleviate physical and mental illnesses. The craniosacral therapy (craniosacral therapy) was postulated in 1930 by the US-American osteopathic physician William Garner Sutherland.
It developed from osteopathy. John E. Upledger further refined Sutherland’s “Osteopathy in the Cranial Field” and developed a concept of 10 single steps combined with the alternative psychotherapy of the 70s. He called it “Somato Emotional Release” (physical-emotional solution), in which he presented so-called “energy cysts” that fixed themselves in the tissue after a trauma.
The boom in craniosacral therapy came in the last 20 years, when masseurs, physiotherapists and alternative practitioners tried their hand at therapy. The basic idea of craniosacral therapy is a disorder in the craniosacral system. This system includes the spinal column, sacrum, skull bones, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (liquor), which protects the brain and spinal cord.
The cerebrospinal fluid (liquor) is produced in the brain and flows around the brain and spinal cord in the so-called liquor spaces. Depending on the theory, it is assumed that 6-14 times per minute a wave is sent in this space from the skull to the sacrum. This so-called “craniosacral pulse” is regarded as “energy flow”.
Proponents of the theory assume that this pulse indicates the order and mobility of the cranial skeleton and has an influence on well-being. If there is a change in the cerebral fluid flow, certain diseases and symptoms can occur. In comatose patients, for example, the pulse rate is 2-4 times per minute due to brain lesions.
In hyperkinetic children or in acute fever conditions, on the other hand, it is abnormally high. Furthermore, it is assumed that the skull sutures on the head bones have not grown together firmly and can therefore easily shift against each other. This allows the craniosacral pulse to be felt on the skull and sacrum.
Disturbances in the cerebral fluid flow are said to be caused by tension in muscles, connective tissue or meninges. Movement restrictions of the bones of the skull, the spine or the pelvis also change the rhythm. In principle, craniosacral therapy is suitable for all ages and most complaints.
A deep healing process is initiated, which dissolves patterns of illness and restores health. The aim of the treatment is to regain a balance of the brain water rhythm. The patient lies on his stomach or back during the treatment and tries to relax completely.
The therapist now tries to feel the craniosacral rhythm of the patient by palpating (palpating) the skull and sacrum. A calm atmosphere is very important for this. The therapist must have patience and empathy, not least to promote deep relaxation in the patient.
From the skull, the therapist works his way up the spine to the sacrum and pelvis. Like a “precision mechanic”, he detects tensions and blockages in the life currents on this path and dissolves the sources of disturbance through gentle pressure, massages or other techniques until an even pulse can be felt again. Overall, the treatment is perceived by the patients as very pleasant, which is why many fall asleep during the treatment.
The techniques are very effective and are well tolerated, precisely because they are non-invasive (not injurious). During the treatment there is not only a decrease in physical tension, but also in mental and emotional tension. By dissolving the movement restrictions, the patient’s self-healing powers are used and promoted.
A treatment lasts about one hour. A craniosacral therapy for adults can consist of 2 to 20 individual treatments. There should be an interval of one week between the treatments.
Children can also have two treatments in one week, but they receive fewer treatments overall. In general, therapy is divided into two areas. The first is structural treatment.
This includes diseases of the bones, joints and vertebral bodies. Typical complaints are headaches, backaches, muscle tension, arthrosis due to malpositions of the jaw, etc. The second is emotional relaxation.
Mental stress and trauma cause tension, e.g. on the meninges, and can lead to learning problems, migraines, stress, etc. Relaxation of these areas leads to the solution of the mental problems. A craniosacral treatment is indicated in many cases.
Craniosacral therapy is particularly helpful in the newborn and infant, since disorders that already occur at this age (embryonic development and/or birth trauma/birth) can best be eliminated. Favourable disease progressions are documented for example in: People who rely exclusively on craniosacral therapy run the risk of serious diseases being overlooked or not being treated sufficiently. For this very reason, treatment should always be carried out in consultation with a doctor and an experienced therapist should be consulted.
Craniosacral therapy must not be used on people with brain damage, for example cerebral haemorrhages or increased intracranial pressure. When treating newborns, there is a risk that the brain may be injured by the special handles, as the gaps between the cranial bones are still far apart. Overall, however, the treatment is painless, very pleasant and involves very few risks. – Migraine, headaches
- Asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis
- Trauma (psychological and physical consequences of accidents)
- Shoulder and back complaints
- Tinnitus, inflammation of the middle ear
- Visual disorders
- TMJ complaints
- Disorders of the central nervous system
- Autism
- Digestive problems, e.g. colic
- Orthopaedic problems, e.g. scoliosis
- Learning difficulties, lack of concentration, chronic fatigue
- Emotional difficulties, stress management
- Baby treatment for abdominal pain, stenosis of the pylorus, difficulty in eating, apathy, lack of sucking reflex
- Developmental disorders of infants, children and adolescents
