What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on technique that involves listening with the hands to the subtle rhythms of the body and being directed by the patients own physiology to areas of restriction. Using gentle motion, following the lead of the body, this therapy aims to enhance self-correcting, self-healing mechanisms to release restriction and resolve underlying disease.

Craniosacral therapy began in the early 1900's when an Osteopath Dr William Sutherland, discovered movement in the cranial bones and a different rhythm in the body other than the cardiovascular pulse and the normal breathing rhythm. This he called the “breath of life” now termed the craniosacral rhythm. Craniosacral therapists follow the activity of this rhythm to  help determine and restore health to the Craniosacral system (comprised of the cranial bones, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, the cerebrospinal fluid and the sacral area) and to the whole body.

Craniosacral Therapy can work to address acute and chronic disease, physical aches and pains as well as emotional and psychological disturbances. Craniosacral Therapy is effective in the treatment of conditions such as:

Profound changes that you can expect from Craniosacral Therapy in some of the above-mentioned conditions include:

Craniosacral Therapy strengthens the immune system and increases resistance to infection. It enhances physical vitality and well-being and it is useful as a preventative to disease. This therapy helps people to better deal with everyday stress more positively and may help change behavioral patterns leading to an improvement in interpersonal relationships.

Who can receive Craniosacral treatment?

Craniosacral therapy is suitable for all ages, children to adults and including the elderly and those who are fragile and in acute pain.

What happens in a Craniosacral Treatment session?

The patient lies fully clothed on a massage/treatment table. The therapist places their hands lightly on the patient and they tune in by listening with their fingers to what is happening in the body.

What does Craniosacral therapy feel like?

Generally you will feel a deep sense of relaxation. You may feel tingling, heat or numbing sensations. Some people may experience momentary pain or emotions related to past events. When this calms they feel better and they have a feeling of resolution and relief.

How many sessions will I need and what is the time interval between them?

The number of sessions and how often depends on the condition being treated. For acute injury and illness 3-6 sessions would be beneficial usually a week apart. For chronic disease or severe injury, long-term treatment may be necessary for the patient to regain optimal health and symptom management. The frequency of sessions may be a week to a fortnight apart and then less often longer-term.