Complementary Therapists > Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy

What is Craniosacral Therapy ?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on holistic complementary therapy that focuses on the flow of spinal fluids throughout the body. It particularly focuses on the of spinal fluids from the brain to the base of the spine. At the hands of a Craniosacral therapy this cerebro-spinal fluid washes through the brain and the spinal column and creates a rhythmic pulse called the cranial rhythmic impulse. Disturbances of the rhythm are used in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders.

Through the gentle touch of the head and areas along the spinal column, and unwinding movements of the limbs, the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid is promoted to restore balance, enhance mobility, relieve tensions and restore normal function to an affected area.

The Origin of Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy has it's origins in cranial osteopathy, developed by Dr William Garner Sutherland in the USA. Born in 1873, Dr. Sutherland based his theories on the premise that the bones in the head are not fixed and can move slightly. He demonstrated that these cranial bones are capable of small movements and gentle manipulation. Such manipulation could help to adjust the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. A consequence of this is the promotion of healing and re-balancing of the body's systems. The first osteopathic school was established during the 1940's. The first Craniosacral therapist to teach the skills to people who were not trained osteopath's was Dr. John Upledger in the 1970's. It was Dr Upledger that first coined the phrase Craniosacral therapy.

Why choose Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy as a complementary therapy has many benefits and can be used in tandem with conventional medicine. It can be used to treat the following conditions:

Craniosacral therapy is suitable for all ages, including babies and young children and is considered useful for treating dyslexia, learning difficulties, ADD, and other developmental problems.

A Typical Initial Craniosacral Therapy Session

A typical first Craniosacral therapy session may begin with the therapist or practitioner may ask you to fill out a form inquiring into your medical background including information about previous accidents and any medication.

For the physical treatment you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks, and to lie on your back on a plinth. The therapist will gently touch your feet and ankles. Following this attention shifts to the head placing hands on the top and sides of the head. The practitioner will pay particular attention to the alignment of the jaw which is often a problem for people due to extended or significant dental work. This can have an adverse impact on the alignment of the spine.

Following this your therapist may switch attention to the upper back and chest areas working down towards the lower back area. Following this the focus switches to the limbs with some gentle manipulation of the arms, hands, and legs. At the end the practitioner will discuss his / her assessment of your health and condition. Depending upon the degree of the problem it is likely that you will need to attend a number of Craniosacral therapy sessions - usually one week apart.

Irish Craniosacral Therapy Practitioners

To find a therapist in your area please follow this link - Irish Craniosacral Therapists

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