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What is craniosacrial
What is Craniosacral?
CranioSacral Therapy is now one of the fastest growing practices within alternative
medicine and is a global movement. Based on the theory that just as the heart has a
pulse and the lungs have rhythm. The spinal fluid encasing the brain and spinal cord has
movement. (CNS) There are many regions within the body to measure and perform a re
set or “Still Point” for your optimal health. A skilled hand measures Symmetry, Quality,
Amplitude and Rate, referred to as (SQAR).
This is a very new school of holistic modalities, when compared to Traditional Chinese
Medicine, for example. For many years running TIME Magazine, has published articles
praising, CranioSacral Therapy as, America’s “Next Wave of Innovators” as per proven
clinical applications.
Craniosacral therapy history.
In the early 1900’s, while attending osteopathic school, William Sutherland came to the
conclusion that skull bones are capable of shifting – an unorthodox medical view, at the
time. The movement of the bones of the cranium is completed accepted today.
Dr. John Upledger, 1932-2012, both an osteopath and Professor of Bioenergetics at
Michigan University developed Craniosacral Therapy. Also, believing that skull bones are
capable of shifting and as well as the bones of the CNS – spine and cranium.
Dr. Upledger, authored Your Inner Physician and You.
His treatment addresses an astonishing range of ailments by using gentle manipulation
to restore normal circulation in the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes and nourishes the
brain and spinal cord throughout life—a point many medical doctors still dispute. His
clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, a facility which has now trained over 60,000
CranioSacral Practitioners.
I’m proud to be a skilled practioner and use the methods taught to me at the Upledger
Institute, as an additional benefit for the people I serve.
Natural forces are the healers of disease.
During a CranioSacral session, the therapist may gently lift a person’s head to allow the
bones of the skull to shift and resume the normal flow of fluid to the brain and spinal
column.
How well does it work? Upledger says the treatments have relieved conditions ranging
from headaches and chronic back pain to autism and learning disabilities in children.
Dr. John Upledger
What can craniosacral therapy (CST) do for you?
CranioSacral can help with a plethora of conditions:
Facilitating emotional healing, enhancing immunity by stimulating lymphatic flow. CST is
a gentle, non-invasive form of massage that involves applying light touch to the head,
spine,
and
pelvis.
CST, can reduce overall pain, reduce stress, anxiety and provide emotional stability, with
the releasing of emotional blockages, improved sleep ; hence, creating a better sense of
overall well being.
to
On a physical level is used to treat back, neck, joint pain, headaches and migraines.
Helping
balance
the
central
nervous
Enhancing improved flexibility and range of motion to your bones and joints.
system.
Research is still ongoing to learn more about how effective CST is to treat many
different medical conditions.
There is no shortage of testimonials for this treatment.
History of CranioSacral Therapy: A Journey of Innovation and Healing
In the early 1900s, a groundbreaking idea emerged from the mind of Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopathic student who dared to challenge conventional medical wisdom. He proposed that the bones of the skull are not rigidly fixed but can subtly shift—a concept that was, and still is, considered unorthodox in mainstream medicine. This bold hypothesis laid the foundation for what would later become a revolutionary approach to healing.
Building upon Dr. Sutherland’s pioneering work, Dr. John Upledger, an esteemed osteopath and Professor of Bioenergetics at Michigan State University, took the theory to new heights. Through extensive research and clinical practice, Dr. Upledger developed CranioSacral Therapy (CST), a gentle yet powerful modality that focuses on the rhythmic movement of cerebrospinal fluid within the craniosacral system. In his acclaimed book, Your Inner Physician and You, Dr. Upledger eloquently explains how the subtle motion of the skull bones facilitates the ebb and flow of this vital fluid, which is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
A decade after his groundbreaking discovery, Dr. Upledger established the Upledger Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This institution became a hub for both practice and education, where Dr. Upledger and his team trained countless practitioners in the art and science of CranioSacral Therapy. Today, the Upledger Institute has expanded its reach globally, with branches across Europe and its headquarters in Canada, solidifying its role as a leader in the field.
CranioSacral Therapy has since emerged as one of the fastest-growing practices within the realm of alternative medicine, gaining recognition as a global movement. Its impact has been so profound that Dr. Upledger and his work were featured on the cover of TIME Magazine, and he was honored as one of America’s “Next Wave of Innovators.” This recognition underscores the transformative potential of CST and its ability to address a wide range of physical, emotional, and neurological conditions.
Despite being a relatively new school of thought compared to ancient healing traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, CranioSacral Therapy has carved out a unique niche in the world of holistic health. Dr. Upledger once beautifully encapsulated the essence of his work, stating, “What we do is take away obstacles, like removing stones from the road.” This simple yet profound analogy speaks to the therapy’s ability to clear blockages and restore the body’s innate capacity for self-healing.
The word spread quickly among practitioners and patients alike: “It works!” Today, CranioSacral Therapy continues to gain momentum, offering hope and healing to those seeking a gentle, non-invasive approach to health and wellness. Its legacy, rooted in the visionary work of Dr. Sutherland and Dr. Upledger, stands as a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring quest for holistic healing.
How CranioSacral Therapy Works: Unlocking the Body’s Innate Healing Intelligence
Dr. John Upledger’s groundbreaking discoveries revealed that the human body operates like a finely tuned hydraulic system, with a subtle yet vital pulse coursing through the fluids surrounding the craniosacral system. This rhythmic pulse, cycling approximately six to ten times per minute, generates tiny, almost imperceptible movements within the cranium. As Dr. Upledger eloquently explained, “It’s a hydraulic system. There has to be an optimal circulation, which depends on constant mobility.” When the membranes and lubricating fluids within this system lose their ability to glide freely, the body’s natural balance is disrupted, leading to the manifestation of ailments and dis-ease.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) works by gently assisting the body in re-establishing this unobstructed wave, thereby alleviating unhealthy symptoms and restoring harmony. Dr. Upledger developed a remarkably gentle, hands-on technique to evaluate and enhance the functioning of this physiological system. By creating a “still point” in the fluid that encases the central nervous system—comprising the brain and spinal cord—the therapy helps reset the body’s natural rhythms. The pressure applied during CST is incredibly light, equivalent to the weight of a nickel resting on the body, making it a non-invasive and deeply soothing experience.
As the practice of CranioSacral Therapy continues to evolve, its profound benefits are being understood more fully. The therapy incorporates shamanistic and meditative elements, which have been shown to amplify its effectiveness, making it a powerful tool for healing on multiple levels. Dr. Hugh Milne, who has carried forward Dr. Upledger’s work following his passing, offers a deeper perspective on the craniosacral wave. He suggests, “The craniosacral wave isn’t just a physical phenomenon. It’s also a field of information and intelligence. In the tiny movements of the system, and in the still points in between, is consciousness.” This insight highlights the profound connection between the physical body and the subtle realms of awareness and intelligence.
Dr. Upledger often referred to this innate intelligence as the “inner physician,” a concept that lies at the heart of CranioSacral Therapy. He believed that the body possesses an inherent wisdom that knows exactly what is wrong, why it is wrong, and how to correct it. “The inner wisdom knows what is wrong, why it’s wrong, and how to correct it,” he explained. “The body tells the therapist what needs to be done.” This principle underscores the collaborative nature of CST, where the therapist acts as a facilitator, tuning into the body’s subtle cues and allowing its innate healing intelligence to guide the process.
CranioSacral Therapy is more than just a physical treatment—it is a holistic approach that honors the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. By restoring the free flow of the craniosacral rhythm and tapping into the body’s inner wisdom, CST empowers individuals to achieve profound healing and well-being. It is a testament to the brilliance of Dr. Upledger’s work and the enduring potential of this transformative therapy.
