Cranio Sacral Therapy & Cranio Sacral Osteopathy

The concept of  Cranio Sacral Osteopathy was developed by the American Osteopath, William Sutherland (1873-1954), and other Osteopaths have gone on to develop Cranio Sacral Osteopathy since Sutherland’s discovery.

The American Osteopath, John Upledger, developed Cranio Sacral Therapy. He used the term “Therapy” as he taught the subject to non-Osteopaths.

Sutherland’s breakthrough came when he realised the Bones that form the Cranium are designed to move. They are not fused, as Anatomy of the day taught. Sutherland found that the Sacrum, which is the bone at the base of the spine, also moves in sequence with the cranial bones.

The Cranio Sacral System moves in a specific manner.

If this is not the case, pain and discomfort may arise, for example headaches, back pain, TMJ syndrome and problems with balance and hearing.

The Brain has 4 ventricles, or internal spaces, which produce cerebro-spinal fluid. There is a subtle pulse that is felt as the cerebro spinal fluid moves around the brain and central nervous system. This pulse is around 10 cycles per minute. With practice, this subtle pulse can be felt.

This is the basis of Cranio Sacral Therapy. Following the subtle, bony movements of the cranium and pelvis with specific regard to the slow, rhythmic pulse of cerebro-spinal fluid.

Cranial treatments can be used to treat most areas of the body, as all tissue is influenced by the cranio sacral rhythm.

Cranio Sacral Therapy is very gentle, suitable for people of all ages. It may help with stress and tension related conditions, chronic neck and back pain, migraine and tension headaches, jaw and facial pain, whiplash and brain and spinal cord injuries.

Cranial treatments are profoundly relaxing, and where a person is stressed, it can be of great benefit. Treatment appears to affect the areas of the brain that react to stress. As these areas respond to treatment the muscles relax, blood pressure and heart rate lower and pain decreases.

David has done various training courses in Cranio Sacral Therapy, and latterly has followed the curriculum at The Upledger Institute.