Craniosacral Massage

Craniosacral therapy is a method of complementary and alternative medicine used by some Holistic Health Providers, physical therapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors and osteopaths. A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands on the patient's skull and sacrum, which allows them to tune into what we call the craniosacral system. By gently working with the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages can be eased. The movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord can be optimized, and misaligned bones can be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Cranial Osteopathy was originated by physician William Sutherland, who studied under the founder of osteopathy, Andrew Taylor. While looking at a disarticulated skull, Sutherland was struck by the idea that the cranial sutures of the temporal bones where they meet the parietal bones were "beveled, like the gills of a fish, indicating articular mobility for a respiratory mechanism." This idea that the bones of the skull could move was contrary to contemporary anatomical belief, but as we now know, he was correct. Dr Sutherland also described the spinal fluis as having 'tides' with ebbs and flows.

Towards the end of his life Sutherland believed that he began to sense a "power" which generated corrections from inside his clients' bodies without the influence of external forces applied by him as the therapist. This contact with, what he perceived to be the 'Breath of Life' changed his entire treatment focus to one of spiritual reverence and subtle touch. This spiritual approach to the work has come to be known as both 'biodynamic' craniosacral therapy and 'biodynamic' osteopathy.

The craniosacral massage consists of placing one hand under the head and the other under the sacrum. The head and sacrum are gently massaged and thus are allowed to relax and restore themselves to their proper postion and shape. Many times while one hand is massaging the head or sacrum, the other will move to other areas of the body to direct healing energy where it best suits the client. In addition to massaging, the therapist can also raise and lower the head or sacrum in different cycles that can have a healing effect on the entire body.