On Point Acupuncture

craniosacral therapy Craniosacral therapy is a holistic healing practice that uses very light touching to balance the craniosacral system in the body, which includes the bones, nerves, fluids, and connective tissues of the cranium and spinal area. The movement of the bones of the skull affects the cerebrospinal fluid within our spine, increases and decreases in its volume within the skull and spinal canal thus pushing on the bones and tissues it touches. There is an important relationship between the cranial fluid and to the Autonomic Nervous System. Addressing the Craniosacral mechanism means also affecting the ANS and other aspects of human function including Somato-Emotional Release as the tissue movements affect neuropeptides and emotions. The American Dental Association has found craniosacral therapy to be an effective adjunct to orthodontic work. However, the conventional medical community has not endorsed these techniques.

The craniosacral system is based on the knowledge that:

  1. The bones of the skull are movable, flexible, and adjustable.
  2. The fluctuation of the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid can be felt and measured.
  3. Restrictions in this natural rhythm can be corrected by gentle manipulation.
  4. Restoring normal craniosacral rhythm enables the body to function optimally.
  5. Restoring optimum body function may alleviate a wide variety of painful and dysfunctional conditions within the body.

A Brief History

In the early 1900s, the research of Dr. William Sutherland, an American osteopathic physician, detailed the movement of the cranium and pelvis. Before his research it was believed that the cranium was a solid immovable mass. Sutherland reported that the skull is actually made up of 22 separate and movable bones that are connected by layers of tissue. He called his work cranial osteopathy. Nephi Cotton, an American chiropractor and contemporary of Sutherland, called this approach craniology. The graduates of these two disciplines have refined and enhanced these original approaches and renamed their work as sacro-occipital technique, cranial movement therapy, or craniosacral therapy.

Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic physician, and others at the Department of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine learned of Sutherland's research and developed it further. He researched the clinical observations of various osteopathic physicians. This research provided the basis for Upledger's work that he named craniosacral therapy.

Craniosacral therapy addresses the craniosacral system. This system includes the cranium, spine, and sacrum that are connected by a continuous membrane of connective tissue deep inside the body, called the dura mater. The dura mater also encloses the brain and the central nervous system. Sutherland noticed that cerebral spinal fluid rises and falls within the compartment of the dura mata. He called this movement the primary respiratory impulse; today it is known as the craniosacral rhythm (CSR) or the cranial wave.

Craniosacral therapists can most easily feel the CSR in the body by lightly touching the base of the skull or the sacrum. During a session, they feel for disturbances in the rate, amplitude, symmetry, and quality of flow of the CSR. A therapist uses very gentle touch to balance the flow of the CSR. Once the cerebrospinal fluid moves freely, the body's natural healing responses can function.

According to The Upledger Institute, Craniosacral therapy may address:

Integrating Acupuncture and Craniosacral Therapy

The "psychic energy system:" from Sacred Mirrors by Alex Grey The first written reference to the movement of the spinal nerves and its importance in life, clarity, and "bringing quiet to the heart" is found in a 4,000-year-old text from China. Craniosacral work was referred to as "the art of listening." Bone setters in the Middle Ages also sensed the subtle movements of the body. They used these movements to help reset fractures and dislocations and to treat headaches.

Kerry has received level four, advanced training from Dr. Nancy Soliven, DC, MD of Integrative Bodyworks Institute of Seattle, WA. She incorporates craniosacral therapy into her acupuncture practice by including acupuncture points at distal positions of the hands and feet while manually working with the skull. Having worked with the craniosacral system solely and with acupuncture, Kerry feels the integration of these two therapies often produces the best results.

Resources

For appointments please call On Point Acupuncture 802-244-8531

 

Home • Kerry Jenni M.S., L.Ac. • Acupuncture
Chinese Herbs • Food as Medicine
Meditation and Movement • Tui Na Medical Massage
Craniosacral Therapy • Pediatrics • Contact Us

On Point Acupuncture Waterbury, Vermont 802-244-8531
e-mail On Point Acupuncture

Craniosacral Therapy