What is Craniosacral therapy and how is it beneficial?

craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a naturopathic remedy that employs moderate pressure to gently massage the cranium’s synarthrodial joints. A cranial sacral massage can help in alleviating the stress and anxiety effects. It is also found beneficial in realigning bones, restoring physical as well as mental balance. Craniosacral therapy is often recommended in healing various ailments.

The practitioners of cranial-sacral treatment have claimed that it can treat and alleviate the conditions of neck ache, backache, migraines, and fibromyalgia. Besides treating illness, Craniosacral therapy helps in relaxing the body, detoxification, and aids in restoring consciousness as well. This is a great alternative to improving the conditions without any painkillers or using drugs.

Origin of craniosacral therapy

William Sutherland’s study on the cranial bones established the groundwork cranial sacral therapy. Then, the American school of osteopathy officially established cranial osteopathy in the 1940s. After that, the Cranial Academy was founded in 1947 in the United States.

The massage was then developed by two neuro-parapsychologists named Dr. Linda A. Smith and Karen S. Zuckerman in the 1980s for the treatment of children with autism.

How does Craniosacral therapy work?

Craniosacral therapy is based on the technique that stimulates certain nerve receptors by controlling and the flow of fluids inside the body. As a result, the receptors act as mediators and assists the body in achieving normal functioning levels. Studies have shown that relieving the built-up strain in the body via physical and mental activities can reduce the harmful consequences of cranial movement.

The process of a Craniosacral therapy

Cranial sacral treatment is usually performed by a therapist. The process includes massaging the patient’s cranial, spine, intercostal muscles, and a layer of fascia that covers the muscles. Cranial sacral massage can be an hour-long therapy and includes the following steps:

  1. Examining the patient’s current cranial rhythm.
  2. Establishing a rhythmic stationery point in the skull’s base.
  3. Moving the sacrum.
  4. Stretching the spinal length in the sacroiliac joint area.
  5. Carefully analyzing the diaphragm.
  6. Releasing the hyoid bone from the throat area.
  7. Examining the cranial bones closely.

These are the general steps of a craniosacral massage or therapy but the sequence of the steps may vary for different individuals and it is decided by the experienced practitioner.

Different methods of Craniosacral therapy

There are different approaches to craniosacral therapy. A cranial massage can help in improving the overall health of the body but there are three specific approaches that work in a way to meet the individual’s unique requirement.

  1. Sutural– In this approach, the therapist focus on the sutures in the skull. Manipulating the sutures releases the tension and increases cranial flux.
  2. Meningeal – As the name suggests, this has to do with meninges. Blocked or tensed meninges can disturb the craniosacral system.
  3. Reflex – This approach stimulates specific nerve endings to stop the stress signals between sutures and the scalp.

Various benefits of craniosacral therapy

  • Releasing nervous tension.
  • Alleviation of depression and anxiety.
  • Internal cleansing
  • Boost in blood circulation
  • Relaxed muscles
  • Reduction in pain
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Increased immunity and more.

Craniosacral therapy is a proven, comprehensive, and time-tested therapeutic approach that focuses on the spine and cranium. A healthy brain means a healthy body and a healthy body means a healthy brain. Hence, healing both can help you stay actually healthy.

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