The Philosophy
The cranial-sacral system is composed of the, skull, vertebrae, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid and all the structures related to the production, reabsorption and containment of cerebrospinal fluid. The system has a rhythmic motion, normally between six-12 cycles per minute, which helps propel cerebral spinal fluid throughout the central nervous system. The 30 plus bones that comprise the skull and face fit together in such a way as to allow minute movement throughout life. This movement and relationship between the bones of the skull are essential to maintaining the normal pumping action of cerebral spinal fluid.
A normally functioning cranial-sacral system is essential to a healthy central nervous system. Because the nervous system affects all other body systems, manipulation of the cranial-sacral system can influence all parts of the body.
The Art
CranioSacral Therapy involves gentle manipulation of the skull bones, sacrum and other bony structures. CranioSacral therapists attempt to detect a "rhythm" in the fluid surrounding, nourishing and protecting an individual's brain and spinal cord. The manipulation is intended to release restrictions in the body that impede the flow of this fluid.
The Science
A search of PubMed, a free library of life science journals, on 02/12/2005 under “CranioSacral” found 30 citations. One of those was a randomized clinical trial that found that craniosacral therapy was at least as effective as orthopaedic treatment for tennis elbow.
For further reading visit National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The Practitioners
Craniosacral therapy training and certification is obtained through the Upledger Foundation. CIM practitioners have completed a minimum of Cranial Sacral I & II, Somato-emotional Release I and hold an active Ohio license as a massage therapist.
Practitioner: Berit Nilsson, LMT
