What is CranioSacral Therapy?
Robyn Walpert, MPT, CST-D and Kevin Rose, LMT, CST-D

CranioSacral Therapy is a very gentle, holistic approach to finding and treating sources of dysfunction. Alleviating dysfunctions allows the body to become balanced, which promotes integrated healing. CranioSacral Therapy helps to normalize the environment around the brain and spinal cord, as well as the fascial network of the body, directly improving the performance of all the body ‘s systems.

The CranioSacral System refers to the Membranes and Cerebrospinal F luid that surround, support and protect the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord). Circulation of cerebrospinal fluid pr6vides shock absorption, and transports neurochemicals, hormones and immune cells. Cerebrospinal fluid also removes waste products and toxins, and supplies nourishment for the growth, development and overall health of our brain and spinal cord.

The distribution and exchange of cerebrospinal fluid is contained within three layers of membranes. These membranes attach to the inside of the skull and to the tailbone, forming a ‘fluid circulation sac ‘ around the brain and spinal cord. Hence, the name: Cranio= Head; Sacral (sacrum) =tailbone.

The three membranes are composed of fascia (connective tissue). Fascia also encompasses all anatomical structures from the largest to the smallest including muscles, nerves, bones, and blood vessels. Fascia is one continuous piece that extends without interruption from the top of the head to the tip of the toes, and superficial to deep.

Injury, inflammation, disease, surgery, and postural strain can cause fascial adhesions (sticky spots). These may also develop from gestational and birth factors, chemical or environmental toxicity, and physical, mental, or emotional stress. Adhesions tighten, and create areas of adverse tension, compromising motion. Motion is the key to life on all levels.

When structures can’t move, they can’t function. Our body must adapt and compensate for these areas of restriction, which, in turn, depletes energy. These dysfunctional body patterns within the body may cause abnormal biomechanical or biochemical effects.

The effects of adverse strain may remain local or reach distant regions of the body because of this interconnected fascial network. Imagine tugging on the bottom of your shirt. You can see and feel the tug transmit up to your shoulders. Similarly, local restrictions in fascia can “tug” on other areas.

The body functions as an integrated whole, and all body systems interact with the Central Nervous system. We are constantly adapting to input from inside and outside of the body to maintain a steady state of balanced and healthy function. Thus every single function of the body, consciously or unconsciously , is affected by the condition of the Central Nervous System. The state of the Nervous system regulates: Pain modulation, Sleep, Behavior, response to Stress, Sensory Integration, Postural tone and Motor control, Digestion, Elimination, Breathing, and Organ and Immune function.

Each body system has palpable, inherent qualities. Some qualities are obvious and some are subtle. It is obvious that we can feel the rate and quality of our breath. Similarly, when we “take our pulse”, we are gathering information about our cardiovascular system.

As therapists, we evaluate and “listen with our hands” to the Craniosacral System, fascia, lymphatics, organs, muscles, bones, and energy systems. We look at how these systems are relating to each other. We are trained to look beyond the obvious to find the true origins, and facilitate release of restrictions that may not be found through other means of diagnostics.

CranioSacral Therapy is an effective modality for preventative health, as well as for any range of health concerns. It has proven to be helpful in puzzling conditions, and cases that have not responded well to other approaches. CranioSacral Therapy helps to shift the regulation of the body to a more balanced and optimal state restoring our natural abilities to heal and function.