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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
HOW DOES CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY WORK?
CranioSacral Therapy works by helping the body's natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on
the central nervous system.
This is accomplished through utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which maintains the
environment in which the central nervous system functions. It consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround
and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down
to the tailbone area (or sacrum). The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord
is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.
Like the pulse of the cardiovascular system, the craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body.
Using a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a nickel, skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body
points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural
movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove
a restriction. Other times, CST may be combined with other complementary therapies to help restore the body to its optimum
functioning level
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY HELP?
Because of its influence on the functioning of the central nervous system, CranioSacral Therapy can benefit the body in a
number of ways -from bolstering overall health and resistance to disease to alleviating a wide range of specific medical conditions.
Among CST's largest patient groups are those suffering chronic symptoms that haven't been aided by other approaches. In
particular, CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from an accident -be it from a car, sports
or work mishap, or from a fall The extremely light touch involved in the application of CST makes it a safe approach as well
for children, infants and newborns with early traumas, including birth trauma. They especially can benefit from the timely
identification and release of restrictions in the craniosacral system, thereby preventing future difficulties such as learning
disabilities or hyperactivity.
Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related dysfunctions. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion,
anxiety and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction are just a few examples. CranioSacral Therapy works to reverse the debilitating
effects of stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. In fact, it's this capacity
to reduce stress that's leading an increasing number of people to include CST as part of their wellness routine.
Other conditions for which CranioSacral Therapy has shown to be effective are various sensory disorders. Among these are
eye-motor coordination problems, autism, dyslexia, loss of taste or smell, tinnitus, vertigo, and neuralgias such as sciatica
and tic douloureux.
IS THERE ANY CONDITION FOR WHICH CST SHOULDN'T BE USED?
There are certain situations where application of CST would not be recommended.
These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute
aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected
by small intracranial pressure changes.
HOW MANY CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
Response to CST varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. Your response is uniquely your own and can't
be compared to anyone else's -even those cases that may appear to be similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies
widely from just one up to three or more a week over the course of several weeks.
WHEN WAS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY DEVELOPED?
It was in 1970, during a neck surgery in which he was assisting, that osteopathic physician John E. Upledger first observed
the rhythmic movement of what would soon be identified as the craniosacral system. None of his colleagues nor any of the
medical Y texts at the time, however, could explain this discovery.
His curiosity piqued, Dr. Upledger began searching for the answer. He started with the research of Dr. William Sutherland,
the father of cranial osteopathy. For some 20 years beginning in the early 1900s, Sutherland had explored the concept that
the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. For decades after, this theory remained at odds with the beliefs
of the scientific and medical communities. Dr. Upledger believed, however, that if Sutherland's theory of cranial movement
was in fact true, this would help explain, and make feasible, the existence of the rhythm he had encountered in surgery. ,
It was at this point that Dr. Upledger set out to scientifically confirm the existence of cranial bone motion. From 1975
to 1983 he served as clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, where he supervised a
team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers in research and testing. The results not only confirmed
Sutherland's theory, but led to clarification of the mechanisms behind this motion -the craniosacral system. At the same time
fellow osteopaths Hugh Milne and Frankly Sills were adding to the body of craniosacral knowledge through their work with thousands
of patients in their own clinics.
For more information about how CranioSacral Therapy works, we recommend the book Your Inner Physician and You by John
E. Upledge1; D.O., O.M.M, The Heart of Listening by Hugh Milne, D.O. and The Holotropic Mind by Stanislav Grov, MD.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY FACT SHEET
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing
the function of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system -comprised
of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
CST enhances the body's natural healing processes and has been effective for a
wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraine Headaches, Chronic Neck and Back Pain, Motor-Coordination Impairments, Central Nervous System Disorders, Orthopedic
Problems. Scoliosis .Infantile Disorders, Colic, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries,
Emotional Difficulties, Stress and Tension-Related Problems. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) , Chronic Fatigue,
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Post- Surgical Dysfunction, Fibromyalgia and other Connective-
Tissue Disorders.
The technique is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease and
sustain overall good health.
Number of Ul-trained practitioners -more than 40,000 worldwide.
Healthcare practitioners using CST in their work include: osteopathic physicians, medical doctors, doctors of chiropractic,
doctors of Oriental medicine, naturopathic physicians, dentists, nurses, psychiatric specialists, psychologists, physical
therapists, occupational therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists and other professional bodyworkers.
A typical CST session lasts between 45 minutes and two hours.
CST was co-developed by osteopathic physicians John Upledger, Hugh Milne, and Franklyn Sills., in the 1970s. It builds
on the research of William Sutherland, D.O. (an osteopath from the early 1900s)and Dr. Upledger's research at Michigan State
University (1975-83)and extensive clinical application.
To find a CST practitioner, The International Association of Healthcare Practitioners@ (IAHP) Directory and website at
www.iahp.com list professionals, their telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and levels of training. Copies of the directory
are avail- able at 1-800-233-5880 or 561-622-4334.
Read about CST in Your Inner Physician and You by John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., and The Heart of Listening by Hugh Milne,
D.O. , and The Holotropic Mind by Stan Grov, M.D.
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