What is CranioSacral Therapy?


CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases and relieves pain and tension in the body and nervous system to bring about wellness and health. As a Doctor, I have been working with the cranial bones, sutures and the craniosacral system of my patients for many years. More recently, I have taken Upledger's CranioSacral Therapy and have been drawn to diving deeper into this system and the potential it offers to help people get well.

Many people believe that the skull/cranium is one solid bone and structure. Actually, the cranium is made up of multiple and separate bones connected by sutures. These bones/sutures can shift and cause tension in the meningeal membranes, which consist of the dura mater, arachnoid mater and the pia mater. These membranes surround the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is found in the meningeal membranes, and its proper flow is essential for immune, brain and nervous system function.

The craniosacral rhythm is a cyclical motion that produces 6 to 12 cycles per minute in healthy individuals. It is separate from respiration rate, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Craniosacral motion is most commonly felt as a widening and narrowing, and an internal and external rotation of individual body parts. It is most readily palpated on the head.  A low amplitude of craniosacral rhythm correlates with a low level of proper immune function and wellness. High amplitude also correlates to dysfunction in the body. The craniosacral rhythm can be asymmetrical between one side and the other. Ideally, there is symmetry between both sides. A CranioSacral Therapy practitioner works to help balance and mobilize the craniosacral system so that all its parts are functioning optimally.

The pressure that is used to facilitate the balancing of the craniosacral system is approximately 5 grams. If you take a nickel and hold it in your hand, you can get an idea of what 5 grams feels like. Sustained light pressure is what helps to mobilize and facilitate healing of the craniosacral system.

CranioSacral Therapy can help with the following:

  • Brain injury
  • Migraines and Headaches
  • Stress and Tension disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Tinnitus
  • Back pain 
  • Neck pain
  • Weakened Immunity
  • TMJ syndrome
  • Nervous system disorders
  • Sleep issues
  • And more

Sessions of craniosacral tend to be relaxing and often there is a feeling of being blissed out after a session. As a practitioner, the use of CranioSacral Therapy techniques are tools that I have to help people with structural imbalances. Combining CranioSacral Therapy with Applied Kinesiology and muscle testing, I can quickly figure out what part of the craniosacral system is off balance. I use muscle testing to determine the specificity of the part of the craniosacral system that needs to be worked on. I can also be specific in determining the amount of time that a specific suture or cranial bone requires attention and the exact vector of treatment.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about CranioSacral Therapy or have any questions about your health, please don't hesitate to get in touch.



About the Author

Learn more about the healing modalities offered by NY Holistic Chiropractor, Dr. Louis Granirer by visiting his website at HolisticChiropracticCenter.com
Location: Kingston, NY, USA

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