Developed originally by William Sutherland and developed further by Dr. John Upledger. Craniosacral therapy is a subtle, hands-on healing approach of evaluating and enhancing a physiological system called the Craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The system encompasses the bones of the skull, face, and mouth, which make up the cranium, or head, all the way down to the sacrum and coccyx, or tailbone. This physiological system begins functioning in the womb and continues its function until death.

The Craniosacral system has it's own unique rhythm. The rhythm can be detected in much the same way as the rhythms of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. But unlike those body systems, both evaluation and correction of the Craniosacral system can be accomplished through palpation. Just like the heartbeat (beating at 70 - 80 beats per minute) or the respiratory system (breathing at 14- 18 breathes per minute), the Craniosacral system has a rhythm of 6 - 12 cycles per minute. Much slower than the breath or heartbeat, but no less powerful. A practitioner is able to “listen” with their hands to the cranial rhythmic impulse, which runs throughout the body. For decades, various forms of Craniosacral Therapy have been used to improve overall body functioning.  

What should I expect?

Craniosacral is done on a table with loose clothing. The practitioner will check into your Craniosacral rhythm and make as assessment. You will spend 45-60 minutes becoming completely relaxed as the practitioner works with the diaphragm releases and the Craniosacral rhythm. During Craniosacral therapy, the practitioner lightly touches the skull and spine, often cradling the head or pelvis, listening to the rhythms of Craniosacral system, manipulating the bones of the skull in order to remove restrictions in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Craniosacral therapy helps to relieve stress, decreasing pain, migraine headaches, TMJ, tight upper neck and shoulders, lower back pain, and a range of other symptoms as well as enhancing the body’s overall well being.