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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 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.
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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.
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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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