Craniosacral therapy: a gentle, hands-on technique

How does it work?

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of healing used to help the body's natural healing processes, treat a wide range of health problems, and maintain overall good health.

Although relatively new, CST has gained an enthusiastic following. It was developed in the 1970s by an osteopathic physician, John E. Upledger, DO, OMM. CST is based on the earlier work of William Sutherland, DO, and Upledger's scientific research and extensive clinical experience. In 1985, Upledger founded the Upledger Institute, which is the main source of professional training and public education for CST.

People who practice CST believe that an imbalance or defect in the craniosacral system can cause motor, sensory, or even neurologic disabilities. Since this system protects the pituitary and pineal glands, it also has an effect on the hormonal system.

According to Upledger, "CST is a manipulation of the craniosacral system, which is made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that enclose and protect the brain and spinal cord, as well as the majority of the skull bones and vertebrae down to the tailbone."

CST is based on the theory that the craniosacral system, including its related bones, is in constant rhythmic motion. It is a semi-enclosed biological hydraulic system, and it's believed that within this system, cerebrospinal fluid rhythmically pulses at a rate of about ten cycles per minute. The pulsation is independent of heart or respiratory rhythms and is purportedly caused by continuous changes in the volume of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Using a light touch, skilled practitioners of CST say they can feel this rhythm at key points in the body. They can detect points of restriction in the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid that could be causing problems in that area or other parts of the body.

Once a restriction is located, practitioners use more light touch to assist the natural movement of the fluid and related tissue and bones to help the body heal.

"Craniosacral therapists work on specific connective tissue and bones to deal with specific problems, but they also look at and treat the body as a whole system," says Steve Carter, LMT, a craniosacral therapist and licensed massage therapist in Belmont, Massachusetts. And CST can be used in conjunction with other medical and alternative treatments.

But not everyone thinks CST is so effective. In 1999, researchers from the University of British Columbia undertook a thorough review of available literature as it relates to craniosacral therapy. According to the researchers, "systematic review and critical appraisal found insufficient evidence to support craniosacral therapy. Research methods that could conclusively evaluate effectiveness have not been applied to date." And there is some question as to whether or not the cerebrospinal fluid does in fact have any kind of a palpable rhythm.

What types of problems can be helped by CST?

"Since CST enhances the function of the central nervous system and the ability of the body to heal itself, it can have an effect on almost every part of the body," says Upledger. CST is used to improve and maintain overall health and well-being, reduce the impact of stress, improve resistance to disease, and treat many different health problems. Many people who benefit from CST have chronic symptoms that were not helped by other types of treatment, including:

• migraine headaches
• chronic neck and back pain
• brain and spinal cord injuries
• motor coordination problems
• orthopedic problems
• chronic fatigue
• fibromyalgia
• immune disorders
• birth trauma
• temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
• stress and tension-related problem
• emotional problems
• autism
• learning disabilities

According to Upledger, "CST is a virtually risk-free treatment," and, as a result, probably poses no risk for newborns, infants, children, and adults.

What does treatment consist of?

During a treatment, you lie fully clothed on a comfortable treatment table. The CST practitioner uses gentle touch, mainly on the head and spine.

Experiences differ depending on the individual and practitioner. They also may vary from one session to another. Sometimes you may feel deeply relaxed or even fall asleep. Other times you might talk a lot, remember old memories, express feelings, or gain insights into problems in your life. Some people experience sensations like tingling, pulsing, shaking, or warmth as release occurs in their body.

The response after treatment also varies.

For example, some people feel very tired while others feel energetic. Improvement in function or decrease in pain may occur right away or gradually over a few days. Since CST assists the body in using its own healing processes, improvement can continue to occur for weeks after a session.

The number of sessions you may need depends on your condition. Even cases that look similar may need different amounts of treatment. Some problems can be resolved in one or two sessions, but some require a few weeks or even months to achieve significant improvement.

Who can perform CST?

A variety of health care practitioners use CST. More than 40,000 worldwide (mostly in the United States) are trained in CST. The most common are physical therapists, occupational therapists, and massage therapists. Others include medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, nurses, psychologists, acupuncturists, and dentists.

To find a CST practitioner near you, contact the Upledger Institute (listed below). The Institute also offers one-day seminars that teach people techniques they can apply at home.

* Names have been changed.