I recently added Craniosacral Therapy to my treatment modalities, studying through the Upledger Institute from the States, and a whole new world of treatment has opened up to me! The effects of craniosacral treatments are both subtle, and at the same time, have a potentially much broader impact on our bodies and on our well-being.
Basically speaking, the craniosacral system deals with the layering of tissues and enclosed cerebrospinal fluid, both of which protect our brain and spinal cord. These layers of tissue are fascia, another type of connective tissue, that runs throughout our bodies. Fascial tissue binds and separates our muscles, internal organs and all structures within the body. It is like an internal 'body stocking' with pockets, within pockets, within pockets. Fascia allows physical support to the functioning of all our various body systems. And because fascia is all continuous throughout the body, tension within the craniosacral system can affect the external body, and tensions within the body can affect the craniosacral system. Ultimately, the ability of our nervous system to operate at peak performance is affected.
Craniosacral Therapy was created in the late 1970's by Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic physician from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. Over time the techniques have been refined, and it has been found that this system of deep tissue responds to very gentle techniques. Craniosacral Therapy has a very light-touch approach that coaxes and stretches this deep fascial tissue to release restrictions that are affecting the healthy functioning of the body.
Clients will first receive a craniosacral evaluation for the therapist to assess areas of restriction, and then will be treated with a variety of very light techniques to release tensions in the tissue that surround both the cranium (head) and sacrum (tailbone). The techniques are extremely relaxing and allow the client time to reset their nervous system and release stress.
Because the fascial tissue is all connected, a fall on your tailbone could eventually affect your head or jaw (TMJ). Releasing these fascial restrictions also allows for increased fluid exchange in the body of lymph and blood. Cranial nerves that serve the functioning of things such as our hearing and eye motor control are housed in the cranial meningeal layers, and the "master gland" in our body, the pituitary gland is supported in it's physical position by the same tissues. Each of our peripheral nerves that leaves the spinal cord to serve the body has a 'dural sleeve' of this fascial tissue. It is not hard to imagine how restrictions within the craniosacral system could cause any number of issues within the body.
Craniosacral work has the potential to unlock old patterns of holding or injury from the body, allowing us to return to a more natural state. While it there is no guarantee that release of stuck tissues within the craniosacral system will relieve specific symptoms, our bodies have an innate sense of healing and can be the guide to this healing process. Through a series of treatments, we are allowing the "Inner Healer" within you to surface and bring about change for an overall healthier, well-balanced being.
