What is Craniosacral?
Craniosacral is a gentle, yet powerful hands-on healing modality. It's the lightest pressure, just 5g, the weight of a nickel on your fingertips, and yet, it is the deepest work I do.
It was developed by Dr John Upledger, who was an osteopathic physician, in the '70s. He noticed rhythmic movement in the dural membrane of the spine during a surgery he was assisting with. He when on to study this and the cerebral spinal fluid and hypothesized this new system. He built off Dr. W.G. Sutherland's theories and researched the movement of cranial bones at the sutures. He realized that the Craniosacral System could be detected and affected by light touch.
He developed a series of techniques to encourage the releasing of restrictions in the central nervous system, so that the pulse could flow more freely, restoring the body's natural rhythm.
The practitioner places their hands on specific points and connects with the subtle wave like rhythms of the Craniosacral system. They work with the bones of the skull and pelvis affecting deeper layers of membranes, nerves, and fluids. The client remains fully clothed for the treatment. A full session lasts between one to two hours. There's also a multi-dimensional element to this work. The Craniosacral wave holds information and intelligence. Between the periods of movement and stillness, there's consciousness. This inner wisdom offers guidance. Understands the ailments, the root causes, and how to heal. The body guides the practitioner. It could be thought of as a deep embodiment meditation, in which the unknown can reveal itself.
There is anecdotal evidence that it can help with a wide variety of conditions. People have experience relief and reduced symptoms from chronic pain and fatigue, migraines, scoliosis, TMJ, arthritis, ADHD, dementia, Alzheimer's, spinal injuries, ear infections, anxiety, autism, the list goes on.
A wide variety of practitioners have noticed its benefits and apply it in their practice such as massage therapists, estheticians, nurses, acupuncturists, physical therapists, chiropractors, dentists, psychotherapists, etc.
In my practice, Craniosacral can be practiced alone, or in combination with massage, and/or Vibrational Sound Therapy. Book a Session here.
