Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy (synonyms: craniosacral therapy; craniosacral therapy; CST) is a form of treatment derived from W. G. Sutherland’s craniosacral osteopathy (1930) and belongs to the field of manual medicine (= manual therapy method). The method was developed in 1970 by the American J. G. Upledger and presented as a refinement of craniosacral osteopathy. Craniosacral therapy first gained acceptance in the USA before it became known in Europe. It is based on the assumption that the so-called craniosacral system, as a physiological independent system, can be influenced in the case of illnesses and that the complaints can be counteracted through targeted treatment. First, the body’s condition is determined and then gentle pressure and massage are used to correct the body’s disorders and complaints.

Indications (areas of application)

  • Apoplexy (stroke)
  • Chronic pain
  • Cephalgia (headache)
  • Depression
  • Birth trauma
  • Colic
  • Reading disorders or learning difficulties
  • Migraine
  • M. Meniere’s – malfunction of the inner ear that leads to attacks of vertigo (dizziness), nausea (nausea) and vomiting.
  • Skeletal and muscular system problems – pain or symptoms due to irritation of the musculature or skeletal system, including temporomandibular joint disorders, back pain
  • Ear infections
  • Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
  • Strabismus (strabismus)
  • Cerebral dysfunction – malfunction of the brain.
  • Cerebral palsy – paralysis resulting from early childhood brain damage.
  • Mental and physical consequences of accidents and operations.

Contraindications

  • Intracranial aneurysm (outpouching of a cerebral vessel that can rupture and lead to cerebral hemorrhage)
  • Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).
  • Subdural or subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the area of the meninges).
  • Increased intracranial pressure – increased pressure inside the skull, for example, due to cerebral edema (swelling of the brain).

The procedure

In its basic features or techniques, craniosacral therapy largely corresponds to conventional osteopathy, which is based on the palpation ability (ability to fathom and assess the human body through specific feeling and touch) of the osteopath. The basis of craniosacral therapy is the craniosacral system, which is particularly characterized by the functional unity of the cranium (bony skull) and sacrum (sacral bone). The craniosacral system consists of the following structures:

  • Meninges – meninges; these are structured layers of connective tissue that enclose the entire CNS , i.e., the brain and spinal cord
  • Bone structures to which the meninges are attached – e.g., the bones of the skull, the vertebral bodies, and the os sacrum (sacral bone)
  • Connective tissue structures in the immediate vicinity of the meninges.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid, the so-called cerebrospinal fluid – clear, cell-poor fluid that washes around the structures of the CNS (spinal cord, brain).
  • Structures involved in the production (choroid plexus), storage (cerebrospinal fluid space) and resorption (venous vascular networks) of cerebrospinal fluid

The central element of the therapy is the assumption that the CSF pulsates constantly and rhythmically with a basic frequency of about 6-12 cycles per minute. This craniosacral pulse is also called craniosacral rhythm and has a crucial effect on the body. According to Upledger, the rhythm changes significantly during illnesses. In comatose patients with a brain lesion (injury to the brain), the frequency of the pulse is decreased, while in acute fevers it is increased, he said. Moreover, a change in the amplitude of the pulse allows conclusions to be drawn about the vitality of the organism. This pulse can be palpated by the therapist similar to a peripheral pulse. It sets the pace for resting breathing and indicates the order and mobility of the cranial skeleton, whose freedom from disturbance must be ensured for well-being. The pulse is first palpated and provides information about where in the body there is an imbalance or disturbance. In general, craniosacral therapy is practiced by the following professionals:

  • Chiropractor
  • Osteopaths
  • Doctors who are active in naturopathy
  • Dentists
  • Physiotherapists

During the therapy session, the patient lies or sits. The therapist uses light pressure to touch bony structures such as the skull or sacrum and surrounding muscles to determine the underlying problem. The diagnosed or abnormal areas and zones are treated with gentle pressure, gentle massage and other techniques as part of craniolacral therapy to restore normal body movement and balance disturbances and imbalances. The first treatment usually lasts half an hour, while follow-up sessions are shorter.

Benefits

Craniosacral therapy can have an impact on your health and the natural functioning of your body. Disruptions to this system can be corrected to restore your well-being and vitality. Craniosacral therapy offers itself to you as a drug-free and gentle treatment method.