Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial sacral therapy (CST) is a form of bodywork used by chiropractors, osteopaths, naturopaths, and massage therapists. The practitioner works with a patient’s skull, spine, and its cranial sutures, fascia and diaphragms. Misaligned bones are restored to their proper place by the easing of the restrictions of the nerve passages. This optimizes the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord.

This modality is used to relieve migraines, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and mental stress. Any type of chronic pain condition can be addressed with this therapy. It has also been found effective addressing learning disorder and autistic symptoms.

Background

Dr. William Sutherland, DO (1873 to 1954) originated cranial osteopathy in the late 19th century. He began to teach this work in the 1930’s to other osteopaths. In the 1940’s the American School of Osteopathy began a post-graduate course called “Osteopathy in the Cranial Field” which Dr. Sutherland directed, and soon thereafter other schools followed.

The Cranial Academy was founded in 1947, and continues to teach the principles of osteopathy to DOs, MDs, and dentists. The core of the curriculum is an understanding of the central nervous system and primary respiration.

Toward the end of his life, Dr. Sutherland was sensitive to the energy of a person’s body, also known as Prana, Chi, or Qi. This enhanced his treatment by focusing on subtle touch and more of an understanding of universal laws and principles. This approach became known as biodynamic craniosacral therapy and biodynamic osteopathy.

This biodynamic approach places emphasis on the formative patterns of the embryological forces that direct the creation of the body by the embryonic cells. This produces maximum therapeutic benefit by enhancing the patient’s ability to connect with the original intention of their life.

Osteopathic physician John E. Upledger and neurophysiologist Ernest W. Retzlaff further studied Sutherland’s work at Michigan State University in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Their research supported his work in the areas of cranial bone movement and cranial rhythm. Check out the Upledger Institute International for more in-depth information on this therapy.

Cranial sacral therapy is an effective method in addressing both mental and physical conditions. Usually, but not always, cranial sacral therapists work more with a person’s psychological and emotional challenges than osteopaths that specialize in the cranial field. There are Cranial Sacral Therapy Associations in North America, Australia and the United Kingdom.

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