CranioSacral Therapy
John E. Upledger, D.O., F.A.A.O is the man credited with the development of this therapy system. He begins his book Craniosacral Therapy by stating:
The craniosacral concept is a potent therapeutic vision grounded upon certain anatomical, physiological and therapeutic observations. To utilize craniosacral therapy in diagnosis and treatment requires a particular point of view: that of seeing the individual as an integrated totality.
The craniosacral system includes the meningeal membranes, the osseous structures to which the meningeal membranes attach, other non-osseous connective tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and all structures related to production, resorption, and containment of the cerebrospinal fluid. "Osseous" refers to bones. The meningeal membranes and cerebrospinal fluid work together to nourish and protect our nervous system.
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the brain. There is a cycle of production and reabsorption which creates a rise and fall of fluid pressure, or expansion and contraction, forming a rhythm referred to as craniosacral motion: a rhythmic, mobile activity which persists throughout life. This rhythm is different from our rate of respiration or that produced by cardiovascular activity. The normal rate is between 6 and 12 cycles per minute. As with any function of our body, like blood pressure or heart rate, if our numbers are too high, or too low, this is indicative that there is an imbalance within our physiology and our body is having trouble maintaining homeostasis. Similarly, craniosacral motion can be slow or too fast which has been observed and studied in pathological cases. It appears to be a reliable measurement for the evaluation of pathological conditions because in non-pathological circumstances, the rate is quite stable and does not fluctuate in response to exercise, emotion, or rest.
Craniosacral motion is measured for rate, amplitude, symmetry and quality along with its reflection throughout the body via fascia.
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the brain. There is a cycle of production and reabsorption which creates a rise and fall of fluid pressure, or expansion and contraction, forming a rhythm referred to as craniosacral motion: a rhythmic, mobile activity which persists throughout life. This rhythm is different from our rate of respiration or that produced by cardiovascular activity. The normal rate is between 6 and 12 cycles per minute. As with any function of our body, like blood pressure or heart rate, if our numbers are too high, or too low, this is indicative that there is an imbalance within our physiology and our body is having trouble maintaining homeostasis. Similarly, craniosacral motion can be slow or too fast which has been observed and studied in pathological cases. It appears to be a reliable measurement for the evaluation of pathological conditions because in non-pathological circumstances, the rate is quite stable and does not fluctuate in response to exercise, emotion, or rest.
Craniosacral motion is measured for rate, amplitude, symmetry and quality along with its reflection throughout the body via fascia.
One may consider the body fascia as a slightly mobile, continuous from head-to-toe, laminated sheath of connective tissue which invests in pockets (between lamina [layers]) all of the somatic and visceral structures of the human body. With this model in mind, it is apparent that any loss of mobility of this tissue in any specific area can be used as an aid in the location of the disease process which has caused that lack of mobility.
Fascia, composed of elastin and collagen, is stretchy, tough, stable, has memory (it returns to it's familiar place) and breaks if pulled too fast. With sustained, light traction fascia will change and stay. It responds to movement and temperature with the ability to change from solid to more gelatinous state -- like coconut oil: when it's cold the oil is more solid, when warm the oil is more liquid. Fascia has this property and forms according to the stress placed upon it, similar to bone development. As John describes above, fascia encapsulates every structure within our body which provides a unique method of observation into how our body is functioning because it is the structure which connects and holds everything together. This means that if there is tightness in one area, that will not only affect that location, but it will also be reflected elsewhere in the body.
In this way, observation of the craniosacral motion and it's movement through the fascia provides information about where the body is holding tension. By releasing the tension in the fascia, cerebrospinal fluid is able to flow unhindered which is important for proper functioning of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, the vascular system, the lymphatic system, the endocrine system, and the respiratory system.
Any inflammation in our body, or stress, creates tension physically and mentally. Our bodies are designed to adapt and compensate; however, if these stressors are prolonged, becoming chronic, this leads to signs, symptoms, and disease.
CranioSacral Therapy is a wonderful, gentle, nurturing, therapeutic modality which is also incredibly powerful. Working directly with the parasympathetic nervous system, your body enters into "rest and digest" mode, allowing your body the opportunity to restore and heal itself.
In this way, observation of the craniosacral motion and it's movement through the fascia provides information about where the body is holding tension. By releasing the tension in the fascia, cerebrospinal fluid is able to flow unhindered which is important for proper functioning of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, the vascular system, the lymphatic system, the endocrine system, and the respiratory system.
Any inflammation in our body, or stress, creates tension physically and mentally. Our bodies are designed to adapt and compensate; however, if these stressors are prolonged, becoming chronic, this leads to signs, symptoms, and disease.
CranioSacral Therapy is a wonderful, gentle, nurturing, therapeutic modality which is also incredibly powerful. Working directly with the parasympathetic nervous system, your body enters into "rest and digest" mode, allowing your body the opportunity to restore and heal itself.