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.