Sometimes referred to as cranial sacral therapy, craniosacral therapy (CST) is a hands-on healing technique.
Craniosacral therapy is often confused with cranial osteopathy, a different procedure that is similar in some ways. Cranial osteopathy is a form of osteopathy where gentle manipulation is applied to the head and spine to stimulate healing, release stress, and enhance health. It is based on the concept that manipulating the bones and tissues of the skull can help improve a variety of health issues, including cancer, cerebral palsy, and asthma.
Since Cranial Osteopathy is a form of osteopathy, it will be covered here as a subcategory of Osteopathy.
Craniosacral therapy is intended to relieve compression in the bones of the head, the sacrum, and the spinal column, through gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis. The procedure is designed to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and balance the tension in the membranes, the idea being that releasing chronic tension patterns and enhancing fluid mobility will enhance the body's natural healing mechanisms.
According to practitioners, CST is a non-invasive therapy that can relieve pain and stress caused by compression, using the application of gentle pressure to the back, neck, and head, to promote overall health and wellness.
CST can be performed by chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists, or massage therapists. Depending on the techniques employed by the practitioner and the nature of the problem being treated, from two to ten sessions may be required, along with maintenance sessions.
The concept is that conditions such as stress, tension, and injuries can result in the tightening of the craniosacral tissues, placing a strain on the central nervous system, disrupting normal body functions, and blocking the smooth flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Using their hands, practitioners use light pressure to release stress and tension from the craniosacral system, thereby relieving the associated strain on the central nervous system. Through gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, blockages to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid are eliminated, restoring the normal flow, and enhancing the body's ability to heal itself.
CST is used to reduce symptoms related to a variety of conditions, including chronic fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and post-thrombotic syndrome. It may also be used to treat depression, asthma, and autism, and has been used to treat back pain, neck pain, jaw disorders, brain and spinal injuries, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, ADD/ADHD, learning disorders, grief, PTSD, and coordination problems.
Because the amount of pressure applied is low, craniosacral therapy is generally considered safe. Under some circumstances, side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, seeing colors, and diarrhea may occur.
It is common for patients to experience relaxation, relief, or drowsiness after a CST session. Avoiding strenuous exercise for a period of time after a session is often advised.
In some cases, a release of emotions may follow a CST session. Crying and other emotional releases, such as laughter, anger, frustration, and fear are not abnormal. CST practitioners refer to this as a somatic-emotional release, and it is viewed as ridding the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. Of course, emotional responses will differ widely between individuals.
Following treatment, most practitioners will advise patients to drink a lot of water in order to flush out any toxins that may have been released into the bloodstream.
People with diagnosed aneurysms, severe bleeding disorders, and those with a recent history of head injuries, including skull fractures and cranial bleeding, should probably not use craniosacral therapy.
Skeptics of craniosacral therapy argue that there is no significant evidence of health benefits resulting from craniosacral therapy, and some would refer to it as a pseudoscience, and its practice as quackery.
Recommended Resources
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America
BCTA/NA is made up of members with various backgrounds, including massage therapy, and other bodywork, holistic healing modalities, osteopathy, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, hospice care, psychology, social work, midwifery, doula support, and other professions and pursuits. Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is defined, and membership categories, benefits, and applications are featured, along with approved teacher criteria, training courses, requirements, and curriculum.
https://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/
Co-founded by Robert Harris and Alix McLaughlin in 1987, the Center is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The address, a map, and a phone number are posted on the site. An introduction to the facility and its services is provided, the therapists are introduced, and general information about craniosacral therapy is provided. The CTC also provides craniosacral training, and its courses are described here, with prices and other course information, and a link to a shopping page is provided.
https://www.cranialtherapycentre.com/
Craniosacral Institute Australia
Offering biodynamic craniosacral therapy training since 1995, the CIA teaches cranial osteopathy-influenced craniosacral and trauma-release work designed for beginners and advanced students, including massage therapists, kinesiologists, psychotherapists, general practitioners, and other practitioners, as well as some with no previous background. The coursework combines hands-on practice, lectures, discussion, and processes. Course dates, fees, online registration, and contacts are posted.
https://www.craniosacralschool.com/
Developed in 2009, the CST Alliance provides craniosacral therapy education and training, with members in the United States, Ireland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and other locations. CST classes, CST treatment sessions, and a calendar of other events are published on the site, along with the CST curriculum, its CP certification program, and a list of CSTA-CP-certified practitioners. An online shopping area offers the CST Handbook and other books, posters, guides, and a gift certificate.
https://www.cstalliance.com/
Dr. Kaminsky is an experienced craniosacral therapy practitioner and chiropractor providing hands-on patient care at his clinic in New York City. An introduction to craniosacral therapy is provided, along with the conditions it is used for, the kind of results that can be expected, and other techniques that may be used in conjunction with CST. Professional memberships, office hours, the office location, and appointment policies are published, along with contacts and an online contact form.
https://www.craniosacraltherapyny.com/
International Cranial Association
ICrA is a not-for-profit special interest group for health professionals in the cranial therapy practice, with full membership available to practitioners of any healthcare discipline with some formal training in cranial or craniosacral therapy. Associate and student memberships are also available. Headquartered in East Sussex, England, the organization is international, with contacts in Belgium, Greece, and France. Contacts, a member directory, and an overview of the organization are available.
https://www.icra-uk.org/
Irish Association of Craniosacral Therapists
Made up of craniosacral therapists and students of craniosacral therapy, the IACST offers professional recognition, networking, promotion, continuous professional development, preferential rates on all IACST events, access to a members-only area of the website, discounts on professional indemnity insurance, discount on accountancy services, and other benefits to members. Educational opportunities, research, event schedules, a newsletter, and contacts are posted.
http://www.iacst.ie/
Part of the UII Network, which includes Upledger Institute International, the Upledger Foundation, and others, the clinic is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where it offers group and individual intensive therapy, dolphin-assisted therapies, and craniosacral therapy. New patient instructions, patient testimonials, and an introduction to the practitioners are featured, along with research, informational articles, case studies on craniosacral therapy, and contacts.
https://www.upledgerclinic.com/
Upledger Institute International
Named for Dr. John E. Upledger, who pioneered and developed the practice of craniosacral therapy after extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983, the mission of the UII is to provide education and training in craniosacral therapy while supporting the overall therapeutic philosophies of its developer, Dr. Upledger. Available courses and certification programs and information about educational partnerships, teaching assistants, and sponsor programs are highlighted.
https://www.upledger.com/
