by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: What can you tell me about craniosacral therapy?
A: Craniosacral therapy is a type of bodywork that focuses on the central nervous system.
Cranio refers to the cranium or head, and sacral refers to the sacrum or tailbone. Within the skull sits the brain and between the head and sacrum lies the spinal column, which together make up the central nervous system. The central nervous system is surrounded by a fluid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid, together with the skull and other structures called "vertebral bodies" and "meninges," helps to protect the central nervous system.
Like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the craniosacral system is thought to have a rhythm partially determined by the rise and fall of pressure within the CSF that occurs from movement of fluid in and out of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapists monitor these changing pressures, noticing any abnormal movements or areas of restriction, which they report may occur from injury within the system or dysfunction of organs even outside of the system.
The maneuvers, known as manipulations, used in craniosacral therapy are rooted in osteopathic medicine, but are now practiced by qualified massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors as well.
There are different methods of craniosacral treatments, but what youll feel in any of the approaches is gentle, hands-on contact from the practitioner who is sensing the abnormalities, followed by subtle traction and unwinding of any restriction detected in the skull and vertebral bodies in order to restore balance and well-being.
Although the validity of the practice is somewhat controversial, many of my patients find craniosacral therapy extremely relaxing and helpful for reducing stress as well as recurrent headaches, chronic pain, and pain from temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).
While studies have not yet confirmed this, experts in the field of craniosacral therapy say that the method can be helpful for conditions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), recurrent ear infections in children, and recovery following head or spinal trauma.
Hopefully there will be more conclusive research results in the future. In 1998, noted alternative medicine researcher and practitioner, Dr. Andrew Weil, and Dr. Fayez Ghishan from the University of Arizona were awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the application of alternative medical practices for children. One of their goals is to study the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulation for chronic, recurrent ear infections and spasticity from cerebral palsy. We now anxiously await the results of their research.
Q: What can you tell me about craniosacral therapy?
A: Craniosacral therapy is a type of bodywork that focuses on the central nervous system.
Cranio refers to the cranium or head, and sacral refers to the sacrum or tailbone. Within the skull sits the brain and between the head and sacrum lies the spinal column, which together make up the central nervous system. The central nervous system is surrounded by a fluid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid, together with the skull and other structures called "vertebral bodies" and "meninges," helps to protect the central nervous system.
Like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the craniosacral system is thought to have a rhythm partially determined by the rise and fall of pressure within the CSF that occurs from movement of fluid in and out of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapists monitor these changing pressures, noticing any abnormal movements or areas of restriction, which they report may occur from injury within the system or dysfunction of organs even outside of the system.
The maneuvers, known as manipulations, used in craniosacral therapy are rooted in osteopathic medicine, but are now practiced by qualified massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors as well.
There are different methods of craniosacral treatments, but what youll feel in any of the approaches is gentle, hands-on contact from the practitioner who is sensing the abnormalities, followed by subtle traction and unwinding of any restriction detected in the skull and vertebral bodies in order to restore balance and well-being.
Although the validity of the practice is somewhat controversial, many of my patients find craniosacral therapy extremely relaxing and helpful for reducing stress as well as recurrent headaches, chronic pain, and pain from temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).
While studies have not yet confirmed this, experts in the field of craniosacral therapy say that the method can be helpful for conditions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), recurrent ear infections in children, and recovery following head or spinal trauma.
Hopefully there will be more conclusive research results in the future. In 1998, noted alternative medicine researcher and practitioner, Dr. Andrew Weil, and Dr. Fayez Ghishan from the University of Arizona were awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the application of alternative medical practices for children. One of their goals is to study the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulation for chronic, recurrent ear infections and spasticity from cerebral palsy. We now anxiously await the results of their research.