Cranial sacral therapy is often lumped with so-called “new age” therapies and that may cause some people to dismiss the idea out of hand. Proponents of this therapy claim that it is able to help or cure a variety of ailments and conditions. Among the conditions that this therapy attempts to aid are cerebral palsy, epilepsy, headaches, irritability, vision and hearing, respiratory conditions, and a weakened immune system. If even part of this is true, it would seem worthwhile to give it a go.
This therapy is also referred to as cranial osteopathy, somatic cranial work, and sacro occipital therapy(this term appears to be from the period of the 1940’s-1960’s). It can be performed by a variety of practitioners, including chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists and massage therapists.
What is cranial sacral therapy?
The craniosacral system is made up of cerebrospinal fluid and membranes or connective tissue (also called fascia) that surround the brain and spinal cord. The theory is that this fluid flows rhythmically (called the craniosacral pulse) and that this rhythm can be monitored and manipulated. Here is an easy to understand definition of the theory. http://members.aol.com/therapyctr/wellne...
This therapy is a physical manipulation of the bones of the cranium. It is often said that the pressure used holds no more pressure than the weight of a nickel. Some say that you may not even be able to feel the manipulation.
The technique was originally developed by Dr. William Sutherland in the early 1900’s. Dr. Sutherland, upon observing the sutures of the skull, believed that the bones of the skull move gently, rather than being fused together. Today the leading authority is Dr. John Upledger of the Upledger Institute. http://upledger.com/ He found what he considered evidence of the craniosacral pulse and developed the meningeal approach to CST. From the Upledger site, here is a good overview of the therapy. http://www.craniosacral.is/english.htm
This site explains the three types of cranial sacral therapy, the sutural approach, the meningeal approach, and the reflex approach. http://library.thinkquest.org/24206/cran...
The results of the treatments fade with time, they are not permanent. Therefore, repeated sessions are needed, usually on a biweekly or monthly basis. Sessions typically last from 30 minutes to one hour.
The price for sessions surely ranges, but one listing for California charged $30.00 per hour and one in Maryland charged $35.00 per half hour (both of these were from licensed massage therapists, not doctors).
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