Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a form of evaluation and treatment that focuses on the skull, sacrum and coccyx along with the dural tube. The dural tube surrounds the spinal cord and is continuous with the inner membranes of the skull. The dural tube is attached to the inner lining of the skull, the opening in the bottom of the skull, the foramen magnum, the second cervical vertebrae, C2, the second sacral segment, S2, and has attachments with the coccyx. The dural tube contains cerebrospinal fluid which bathes the spinal cord and brain and offers them protection and nutrition.
Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopathic physician, developed cranial osteopathy in the early 1900's after he became aware of the interrelationships of the bones in the skull and of their movements. For many years osteopaths were the only practitioners working in this area. In the early 1970's Dr. John Upledger, also an osteopathic physician, began his own research into cranial bone movements and the function of the craniosacral system. Seeing the need for this type of therapy, Dr. Upledger taught physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists and others the principles of craniosacral therapy. In 1985 he established The Upledger Institute in Florida and has trained thousands of practitioners worldwide.
The craniosacral system has an inherent rhythm or motility to it. This rhythm has two phases to it. In the expansion phase also known as flexion, the skull widens and flattens, the dural tube glides in the direction of the sacrum and the sacrum glides inferiorly as well. This rhythm is very small but definite. In the contraction phase also known as extension, the skull narrows, the dural tube glides toward the head, and the sacrum also glides toward the head. The flexion phase is the active phase and the extension phase is passive or simply a return to a more resting state. This is similar to the idea that breathing in is active but breathing out is more passive. With training, a therapist can not only feel this movement but discern whether or not it is a full vibrant healthy movement or if it is restricted or weak in some way. This rhythm has been called the craniosacral rhythm or the primary respiratory impulse. Some people feel this is a very deep important rhythm that can be used to determine the overall vitality of the person. The craniosacral rhythm has been felt for up to 30 minutes after the death of a person.
Many factors affect the craniosacral rhythm. Restrictions anywhere along the craniosacral system can hinder the motion or vitality. For example a restricted coccyx from an old fall can fix the inferior end of this mechanism and cause problems anywhere up the chain. A restriction in the skull can likewise cause problems in the head or anywhere in the body. Remember, the skull protects the brain and the spine protects the spinal cord; so nerves from the brain or spinal cord can be affected causing problems anywhere in the body. Also, joints and muscles along with visceral organs, if restricted, can cause tugs and pulls on nerves and decrease the vitality of the craniosacral rhythm. Quite complicated, as you can see.
Craniosacral treatments consist of very light pressures to the bones of the skull, sacrum and coccyx. With trained hands, a practitioner can determine where treatment is necessary and which techniques are needed. Many times treatment to other areas of the body are needed and reassessment of the effects on the craniosacral rhythm can lead the practitioner to other areas to treat. Evaluation is the most important part of the treatment. By working on the primary restriction, treatments are more effective and efficient.
Luckily for us, Drs. Sutherland and Upledger, along with Drs. Barral, Weiselfish-Giamatteo, Gehin and many others have developed evaluation methods and systems which work to find the most important or primary problems in the body, including the craniosacral system. I personally find it useful to have many different ways to look at the body and evaluate it. I think anyone that tries to tell you that there is one system for everyone or that he or she can fix everyone with one method is thinking too simplistically. The craniosacral system is yet one more part of the body which needs evaluation and when affected could benefit from specific treatment.