What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral therapy is a gentle method of clearing tension and stress from the muscles and tendons, fascia and nervous system to support optimal health. Dr. John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., has developed and taught this system of healing to licensed practitioners of many specialties including Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Acupuncturists.
What is the CranioSacral System?
The CranioSacral system includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It ranges from the bones of the skull, face and mouth to the tailbone area. Restrictions or imbalances in these tissues can lead to neurological, sensory or motor disabilities. They can also negatively impact the internal organ systems.
What conditions can benefit from CranioSacral Therapy?
Many conditions can be helped including chronic back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, dizziness and vertigo, eye problems, motor coordination issues, learning disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder and other health issues. Chronic physical tension often has an emotional component. Unresolved emotional trauma can get stored in the soft tissue and cause pain later in life. SomatoEmotional Release techniques were developed to support the healing and integration of these emotional issues.
Historical roots of CranioSacral Therapy
In the early 1920’s osteopathic physician William Sutherland discovered that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. Over a period of 20 years he developed a system of assessment and treatment known as Cranial Osteopathy.
In 1970, Dr. Upledger noticed the movement of the CranioSacral system while performing spinal surgery. There was no medical explanation for this at the time. Combining his scientific background with tactile sensitivity, he developed a physiological explanation for this phenomena and successfully incorporated and refined Dr. Sutherland’s techniques.
In 1975, he became clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at the Osteopathic College at Michigan State University. There, with the help of a team of bioengineers, biophysicists, physiologists and anatomists, he set out to document the influence of therapy on the craniosacral system. They were successful in explaining in scientific and practical terms, the function of the craniosacral system. They also showed how this system could be used to assess and treat brain and spinal cord malfunctions. Dr. Upledger’s continued research led to his development of CranioSacral therapy and in 1985 the foundation of the Upledger Institute, Inc. Since then, the Upledger Institute has trained more than 40,000 healthcare practitioners in the use of CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release