Cranial-Sacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, hands-on technique, developed by an American osteopathic physician, William Sutherland (1873–1954), almost one hundred years ago, which mainly involves manipulation of the synarthrodial joints of the cranium (skull).
CST theory and practice is based on understanding the continuous subtle movements of the cranial bones, which result in a rhythm of approximately 6 to 12 cycles per minute. This rhythm is understood as a response to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fluctuations within the spinal cord and brain environment. The subtle movement extends outward to the entire body, in response to the fluid pressure changes around the CNS.
A therapist gently works with the spine and the skull, and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia. By using the hands as fine discriminating tools, Craniosacral therapists are able to detect disturbances in the rhythm to help them identify areas of dysfunction, such as cranial, sutural, membrane and other soft tissue restrictions in the body.
Patients remained clothed during a treatment and treatments generally are one hour long.
According to Cranial Therapy Centre from Toronto, ON, Craniosacral Therapy is beneficial for a wide range of conditions, like the followings:
✓ birth traumas and other perinatal challenges
✓ infant latching and feeding difficulties
✓ recurrent ear infections
✓ facial asymmetries and eye motor problems
✓ learning disabilities, A.D.D., A.D.H.D
✓ gross and fine motor problems
✓ developmental delays, autism
✓ headaches
✓ tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo
✓ TMJ syndrome
✓ stress disorders and insomnia
✓ muscle and joint pain or injury
✓ many neurological conditions and pain syndromes