What is CranioSacral Therapy?
Sometimes less is more, and sometimes the gentlest approach can achieve the most profound and lasting effects. CranioSacral Therapy, which is based on findings about the body’s subtle physiology by osteopaths in the USA over 70 years ago, is a very gentle “hands on” non-invasive technique which evaluates and enhances the body’s physiological functions by the use of sensitive and gentle mobilisation of the craniosacral system.
This system extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, to the sacrum at the bottom of the spine, and also extends to every cell of the body via the connective tissue. It also comprises the cerebrospinal fluid, situated at the core of the body, which bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord in a tide-like ebb and flow. When this fluid is allowed to move freely around the central nervous system it promotes a state of health and balance.
How does it work?
This rhythm is very subtle, but can be palpated by trained therapists anywhere in the body, although it is easiest to detect via the bones surrounding the system, which include the bones of the skull and the sacrum as well as the bones of the spine and pelvis. The gentle techniques used assist the body’s own healing mechanism and help to release restrictions which in turn allow the fluid to flow more freely. Because mobilisation of the system works on the deep structures and organs of the nervous system, it influences motor, pain and co-ordination mechanisms, the endocrine system, the digestive system, the respiratory system and heart function.
These restrictions and stresses can be ‘stored’ in the body, having an effect on its functioning, perhaps becoming evident years later in the form of physical or emotional problems. We all react differently to stress and trauma, and we therefore present with our own unique set of problems. The number of treatments required will therefore vary: some symptoms may resolve immediately, whilst other deeper patterns may take longer to release. For example, many sessions may be required to move unresolved emotional issues which are inhibiting well-being.
Treatment
Treatment is carried out with the person fully clothed, and can last from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the condition being treated, the age of the person, and also the therapist. During treatment you may experience a feeling of deep relaxation, and possibly be aware of sensations such as heat, pulsing or tingling as the body lets go. The therapist ‘listens’ to the body via the hands. Treatment is client-led so you will feel in control, the body setting its own comfortable pace. The hands follow the patterns of movement the body is ‘holding on to’ which then allows a release of the restrictions or congestion. This can happen at a physical level, and you may be aware of this ‘letting go’, or it can happen at a deep subconscious level, both resulting in a feeling of well-being.
CranioSacral Therapy is practised by a wide variety of healthcare professionals including doctors, acupuncturists, doctors of oriental medicine, chiropractors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, dentists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists and members of other professional bodies.
What can it help?
Because of its holistic approach CranioSacral Therapy has a very wide scope, and some of the common conditions that can be helped include: chronic pain, including neck and back pain, reduced mobility, low energy, headaches and migraines, temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ)problems , motor co-ordination disorders, fibromyalgia, emotional difficulties, stress and tension related problems, menstrual and menopausal problems.
Its gentle approach is very safe and can be used for all ages, from the newborn to the elderly. In the newborn, conditions that may be avoided or improved are extensive and include colic, feeding and sleeping problems and faulty development. It is safe to be used throughout pregnancy, improving comfort by assisting the body to adapt to the growing foetus and helping to normalize hormonal imbalance.
Another area in which CranioSacral Therapy has shown to be effective and extremely comfortable and relaxing for the patient, is in the treatment of post-mastectomy complications. Complications can vary from pain, stiffness or restriction surrounding the shoulder and/or scar area, especially if axilla (under arm) surgery or radiation therapy has been carried out. Sometimes as few as one or two treatments can be enough to ease the discomfort and improve the quality of life of these patients, although the more complicated cases may take a few months to reach full potential.
CASE STUDY
Because of its use in self-correcting connective tissue restrictions, CranioSacral Therapy can also help post-surgical complications. Recently Julie was referred to me from a nutritionist following a history of severe endometriosis which she had suffered since 1999. Surgery was carried out and consisted of 3 laparoscopies and 2 laparotomies, the second of which perforated her bowel and caused septicaemia. A colostomy also had to be performed which has since been reversed.
As a result Julie had extremely debilitating adhesions which ‘pulled’ on movement, were worse on the right side but which also caused pain in her left leg and into her left buttock. This was thought to be bowel related as once the bowel movement was regulated, following advice from the referring nutritionist, the pain eased. On a scale of 0 to 10 the pain on the right side was 7. Following three sessions of CranioSacral Therapy the pain had reduced to nil at rest, and occasional pain on movement only. Julie felt much better in herself, both physically and mentally, reporting that she ‘felt great – the relief was unbelievable’. A check one month later confirmed that this relief was maintained, indicating that the results can be long lasting.
Alexandra Gilmartin is a chartered physiotherapist working part time in the NHS treating patients with post mastectomy complications and mild lymphoedema. She is also a Traditional Acupuncturist and a member of the British Acupuncture Council with a busy private practice in Ayrshire. Her CranioSacral training was undertaken at The Upledger Institute U.K., completing CSTI and II and SERI of the programme.
To find a CranioSacral therapist in your area contact: The Upledger Institute UK, Tel: 01738 444404, or The Craniosacral Therapy Association, Tel:07000 784 735.
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