Alternative Medicine
Craniosacral Therapy – Healing Through Touch
The field of medicine and healing encompasses varied techniques that have a common goal — to alleviate suffering and facilitate healing. The last few years have seen a revival of ancient trends in healing — the traditional Chinese science of acupuncture, the holistic techniques of Ayurveda and Naturopathy. Many of the alternative medicine techniques provide an external stimulus to accelerate healing while tapping into and enhancing the body’s healing potential. One such technique is craniosacral therapy (CST) which may be utilized as an adjunct by chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists, and osteopaths. To an onlooker or to one who receives this therapy, it appears relatively simplistic –- the therapist places his or her hands on the patient’s body and begins to move the hands without excess pressure, in a seemingly random fashion. However, for the therapist, the process is complex and based completely on the dynamic messages that the patient’s body conveys (gauged perceptively through sensation of hand placement).
CST is based on the principle that the cranial bones, the vertebrae and sacrum share an intrinsic rhythm with the ligaments, muscles and fascia that surrounds them. This rhythm, when synchronized, facilitates smooth movement and circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. This in turn maintains good lubrication within the intervertebral and facet joints of the spine, and contributes to good health and functionality of the spine and other body systems. This rhythm is termed as the “Breath of Life” and is similar to the concept of “Prana” in Eastern medicine. What craniosacral therapists aim to do is “read” or tap into this rhythm and move their hands in sync with the body to normalize the system. Certain key points on the body –- such as the base of the skull, the area over the sacrum and diaphragm are given special importance to release the soft tissue or bony blocks, so that movement and flow are optimized.
As a physical therapist, I am able to relate to the importance of touch and hand placement to elicit optimal neuromuscular response. The theory of embryonic maturation also supports the principles of CST. During embryogenesis, the same dermal layer (ectoderm) that differentiates to form the skin also develops into the brain and nerves. So in a manner of speaking when we place our hands on any part of a person’s body, we are indirectly communicating with the nervous system. I would love to explore this avenue of treatment further and add it to my “toolbox” of techniques. Currently one can attend hands-on workshops and short-term courses to learn this technique; there are no degrees or certifications possible in CST. CST also gets its share of flak from skeptics. They question the very existence of a craniosacral rhythm and its link to health, and argue that there is lack of evidence to confirm efficacy of the approach. The hugely subjective nature of the entire process, with limited or no objective measurement also takes away points from the technique.
Detractors argue that CST is unscientific, and that it just poses a feel good effect. But so what if patients feel better based merely on the relaxing atmosphere and their faith in the healing process of CST? Isn’t that the ultimate goal of all healers? To send the patient home relaxed and in less pain? In an ideal world, a relatively low-risk technique that is non-invasive and offers relief from symptoms (subjective reports from patients) would be encouraged, even lauded. However, in a world where healthcare costs are constantly being contained, and where third party payers dictate number of visits for treatments; a process that lacks hard, in-your-face evidence will surely be frowned upon. It is important not to completely disregard techniques such as CST based solely on the lack of evidence. Opening our minds to other treatment forms and alternative medicine can only obliterate the boundaries that we set for ourselves and help us expand — professionally and personally.
Related Articles
2 Comments/Trackbacks
Alan
Detractors can argue all they want. My now 15 year old was 4 months old and crying intensely for long periods of time. One trip to the Uppledger Institute in West Palm Beach (and he cried all the way) and it only took about 2 minutes to banish the pain and discomfort that had hurt him for at least three weeks. It was amazing, a soft touch around the tummy and he seemed to tug imperceptibly in the palate area…. the crying literally vanished.
Incidentally, I found this site since I have a 13 month old that is starting to jerk around in certain discomfort and was trying to track down a practicioner in the Boston area… any leads appreciated…
Leave a Reply
Saturday, July 4, 2009
- Marijuana Withdrawal Syndrome
- Autism - No Need For A Cure?
- Are Humans Hard-Wired to Torture?
- Free Will and the Philosophy of Science
- Therapy and Medication - Where's the Breaking News?
- Emotions and the Brain
- Clearing the Haze - Is Marijuana Addictive?
- How Many Babies Is Too Many?
- Is Sugar the New Cocaine?
- What is Free Will?
- Reflections on Plasticity
- Recent Drug Warnings About Suicide
- Lithium as a Neuroprotectant?
- Logistical Barriers to Stem Cell Research
- Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Topical Morphine - An Experimental Approach to Chronic Pain
- Be a Doctor! The Hours are Great!
- Time for a Change - Gender Reassignment
- Is Obesity Contagious?
- The Hidden Dangers of Soy
- Why Do Schizophrenics Smoke Cigarettes?
- Prevention of Adolescent Depression
- Drugs and Pharmacology, Sixteenth Edition
- Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends
- Communication is Key to Appropriate Antibiotic Use
- Time for a Change – Gender Reassignment
- Common Treatment Ineffective for Autism
- Marijuana Withdrawal Syndrome
- NSAIDs – Prevention or Just Delay of Dementia?
- What is Proprioception?
- Who Should Decide the Survivability of Newborns?
- Reflections on Plasticity
- Death and Dying in Tough Economic Times
- Medicate or Educate? – Just Pop a Polypill
- Dressing for Success? – the White Coat Dilemma
- What is Free Will?
- Clearing the Haze – Is Marijuana Addictive?
- Migraine Uncovered – Interview with Dr. Cady, Headache Expert
- Brain Blogging, Forty-Fifth Edition
- Barriers to Emergency Contraception
- ??? ?? ???? ?? ????????? ????? ????.
???????? ????? ????, ?? ???????? ? ?? ????...
- Low blood sugar and high caffeine intake are also characteristic of many active ...
- As, I had a short 4-day trip to the mental hospital I can attest, almost all of ...
- How dare you tell me I experience no withdrawals? Who are you and what makes yo...
- Neither profession is more important than the other. I say this as a practicing ...
- I would imagine, to you....
- "You are also profiteering off of those who are “addicted,” and there’s usually ...
- I have been THC free for many years (after many years of daily use) and never ex...
- Please take a look at this article and see that we paranoid pro-pot-people have ...
- Bryan,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. If you are equating food or exercise ...
- Samantha, you're in a ridiculous state of denial about marijuana addiction. I wa...
- From my own experience it is very important to look into hormone disturbances. I...
- Hello, I am not at all opposed to the idea that marijuana can be addictive for s...
- I agree with Joseph's comment and many of the points that Samantha makes as well...
- Plasticity just makes me happy. You should read or hear what the program all in ...
- Great post, I have been studying depression also. But I took another approach.
...
- Cognative behavioral therapy for some adolescents in a productive enviornment wi...
- Not BS!!!!! I'm 24 years old and I never smoked Marijuana more than twice a year...
- The author is certainly taking a beating from those who seem a little defensive ...
- I left the personal anecdotes for last in a 3-part series, intending them to ser...
Brain Blogger's Historical Brain Illustrations









Sponsored Links
Home Care, Legitimate Online Jobs, Alcohol Rehab, Emergency Lighting, Online Criminal Justice Degrees, Tattoo, Health Insurance, Professional Resume , Buy House , Electronic Accessories , Credit Worthiness , About ID Cards , Displays for Show , Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication , Scalp Conditions , Heart Health , About Compression Garments , WellPath South Carolina , Whitening Toothpaste , Hydroxycut, Astrology compatibility.
Neuroscience & Neurology
June 09, 2009 | 2 Comments | By Sajid Surve, DO
What is Proprioception?
More In Neuroscience & Neurology
- Reflections on Plasticity
- Migraine Uncovered – Interview with Dr. Cady, Headache Expert
- The Many Facets of Addiction
- Objective Testing for Alzheimer’s Disease
- Free Will and the Philosophy of Science
Neuroscience & Neurology
Opinion
June 21, 2009 | 6 Comments | By T. A. McNamee, MD
Time for a Change – Gender Reassignment
More In Opinion
- What is Free Will?
- Medical Controversy – When Does Life Begin?
- Emotions and the Brain
- Relying on a Peripheral Brain
- How Many Babies Is Too Many?
Opinion
Psychiatry & Psychology
July 03, 2009 | 2 Comments | By Dirk Hanson, MA
Why Do Schizophrenics Smoke Cigarettes?
More In Psychiatry & Psychology
- Prevention of Adolescent Depression
- Common Treatment Ineffective for Autism
- Are Humans Hard-Wired to Torture?
- Cognitive Theories and Brain Damage
- Poor Outcomes for Older Adults with Depression


Hey if it works, who cares! People thought the world was flat for a very long time. It is not a bad thing to take the road less traveled! At Heart Failure Solutions we encourage anything that helps to reduce your tension level, because it helps to promote healing. Be open to alternative therapy, and don’t underestimate the power of a nice hot bath. Nurturing yourself isn’t hard to do, and you may find it is your favorite part of the week, then maybe you’ll be motivated to do it daily
Many blessing.