Cranio-Sacral Therapy
The concept of Cranio-Sacral System was developed by osteopathic physician William Sutherland centuries ago but the cranio-sacral therapy was developed by Dr John Upledger in 1970. Cranio-sacral therapy can be used for treating many conditions with out any negative side effects. It is a gentle, non-invasive treatment. Cranio-sacral therapy can be taken by patients of all age including small babies and children.
A cranio-sacral therapist identifies the areas of restrictions, compression and tension through body which may be causing problem in proper function of the body organs, muscles, nerves etc. This may be due to birth process’ compressive pressure, an injury, inflammation, infection or underlying pathologies. The membranes- surrounding the central nervous system, the bones of the cranium and sacrum attached to the membranes and the fascia which radiates out from the membranes to all parts of the body, all these comprise the cranio-sacral system. The cranio-sacral system is linked with each muscle, tissue and organ of the body, through the nerve paths and associated fascial connections. This path provides the path to locate the dysfunction in the body and restore the proper function. Any restrictions, blockages or dysfunctions in the body are reflected as disturbances of rhythm and symmetry in the cranio-sacral system. These restrictions are identified, traced to their sources, and diagnosed by the cranio-sacral therapist.
A cranio-sacral therapist places his hands very gently on the body of the patient, identifies the areas of restriction and tension. The therapist than follows the subtle internal pulls and twists manifested by the cranio-sacral system until he encounters the points of resistance and release them. This enables the body tissues to return to proper healthy function.
Cranio-sacral therapy is helpful for alleviating many conditions like traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic fatigue, migraine, central nervous system problems, back pain, chronic neck etc. Cranio-sacral therapy is particularly helpful for alleviating birth trauma. The length and sessions of cranio-sacral therapy varies from client to client. It depends upon the factors such as complex layer of injury and trauma and also upon the body’s defense mechanism. Response to the cranio-sacral treatment is generally fast but also depends upon the age of the client and chronicity of the conditions.
