Other common name(s):
cranial balancing, cranial osteopathy, cranial
sacral manipulation, craniopathy
DESCRIPTION
Craniosacral therapy involves the gentle massage
of bones in the skull (including the face and
mouth), vertebral column (spine), and pelvis to ease
stress in the body and improve physical movement.
How is it promoted for use?
Craniosacral therapy is a variation of
chiropractic and osteopathic medicine (see Chiropractic
and Osteopathic
Medicine). Supports claim that gentle
massage of the bones of the head, spine, and pelvis
increases the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which can
cure any number of ailments. Craniosacral therapists
say that there is a link between the fluid in the
head and the sacrum (the base of the lower back),
and that the rhythm of the fluid that flows between
these areas can be detected like a pulse. They say
it normalizes, balances, and eliminates obstructions
(blockages) in various systems throughout the body.
By removing obstructions, they claim the body can
function in a healthy manner.
Promoters claim this therapy can be used to help
relieve headaches, neck and back pain,
temporomandibular joint (the hinge of the jaw,
sometimes called the TMJ) problems, chronic fatigue,
poor coordination, eye problems, depression,
hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, problems
with the central nervous system, the immune system,
the endocrine system, and many other conditions.
Practitioners also claim the birthing process can
have a negative effect on growth of the cartilage
and membranes surrounding an infant's skull and
offer this treatment to fix this problem.
What does it involve?
Craniosacral therapy is usually performed by
osteopaths, chiropractors, and massage therapists.
The treatment involves either gentle massage or
manipulation to the bones of the skull. Sessions
last from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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