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CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is founded on the work of an innovative osteopathic physician of the last century, Dr. William Sutherland, and has been given its name and modern form by John Upledger, D.O., founder of the Upledger Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Dr. Upledger performed research at Michigan State University in the 1970s and confirmed that the cranial bones, once thought immobile, do actually move, not with the breath or the heart-beat, but with their own, unique pulse, the craniosacral rhythm. This rhythm can be felt anywhere on the body. Ideally paired bones move in synchrony: the base of the cranium, or occiput, moves with the sacrum, which is the base of the spine, and if all is well, the spinal cord slides freely inside its bony casing.
Any trauma can disrupt the craniosacral rhythm: injury during delivery either to mother or infant, falls on the coccyx, blows to the head, are common examples. Trained therapists, using a very light touch, listen to the client’s body to determine the locations of connective tissue restrictions that can distort the craniosacral rhythm, and, using a variety of very gentle techniques, relax, free, or “unravel” these restrictions.
During a CST session, most clients experience a feeling of profound relaxation and peace. Some notice and become familiar with their own craniosacral rhythm, and feel they are being introduced to another dimension of their being. One does not need to have a specific problem to solve. Being “tuned-up” by a session can provide both the serenity and the extra energetic edge needed to face the challenges of everyday life. But this therapy also helps a host of pathological conditions. According to the Upledger Institute, the following are some of the conditions that respond favorably to the work they teach: migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, colic, autism, central nervous system disorders, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, TMJ syndrome, stress-related problems, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
On the internet: www.upledger.com
Therapists with training in CranioSacral Therapy: Darla Goddard
