By Dr. Fern Moreno
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a non-invasive hands-on therapy to help release restrictions in the cranial bones, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and fascia (1). Fascia is everywhere in the body (literally everywhere!); it sits on top of and around all of our muscles, bones, joints, organs, arteries, nerves, and underneath the skin. By opening up cranial bones and fascia, the practitioner is helping the body to naturally return to normal function. Craniosacral therapy shares a key principle with naturopathic medicine; the body knows exactly how to heal itself under the proper conditions (2). The role of the practitioner is to feel the body’s restrictions and facilitate the release of fascia, spinal fluid, and cranial bones specifically, to support normal movement and function of the body and improve overall health.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a type of connective tissue. It is a thin layer of a web-like network of fibers that connect every part of the body to each other. Because this thin layer of tissue wraps around muscles, bones, joints, arteries, veins, nerves, lymph, and organs, releasing fascia may help improve the function of almost every body part. Imagine a spider web and imagine plucking one of the fibers on the web and seeing the whole web wobble; one part of the body can affect many different parts of the body through this web-like tissue called fascia. A fascial restriction would prevent the body from moving properly, thus, causing restricted movement, decreased function, or pain. Fascial restrictions that affect every day movement can also alter our mood and emotions. The tiny fibers that make up fascia are filled with spinal fluid, which allows our muscles, joints and organs to glide over each other as we move our body. Spinal fluid also protects our brain and travels up and down our spinal cord constantly clearing out toxins and moving hormones and important chemicals through our body (3).
Fascia can become restricted from physical trauma, accidents, injuries (falls, broken bones, sprains, strains), surgeries, or lack of movement. Illnesses that cause fevers, chemical exposures, hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and dehydration may also impact collagen and connective tissue health.
What Happens During a Craniosacral Session?
During a Craniosacral session, the person is fully-clothed and the therapist will use very light touch (less than the weight of a nickel) to follow subtle movements of your fascia or connective tissue. The practitioner may work on specific areas for a few minutes at a time to help the body gently release those restrictions. People may feel very relaxed during therapy and even fall asleep. Some people may feel movement as the releases occur, some feel heat or tingling, some may feel emotional releases, and others may not be aware of these movements during the session. Sessions may last 30 to 75 minutes. The therapist will recommend how often to return based on their assessment. After treatment, people may feel more relaxed, more “open”, more clear-headed, and sometimes their head may feel “floaty” for about 30 to 60 minutes after session. It is important to stay hydrated before and after therapy.
Who Can Receive Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is safe for all ages. Let your practitioner know if you are pregnant, have increased intracranial pressure, a major head injury, or have a genetic malformation.
What Does Craniosacral Therapy Help With?
- Fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome
- Anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, panic attacks
- Irritable bowel, Crohn’s, diverticulosis, diarrhea, constipation, esophageal reflux, gallbladder problems
- Fibromyalgia, myalgias (muscle pain), injuries, frozen shoulder, scoliosis, sciatica, disk herniation, low back pain, arthritis
- Allergies, chronic infections, immune support, autoimmune diseases
- Migraines, headaches
- Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, central nervous system disorders
- Pediatric conditions: infections, allergies, otitis (ear infections), autism, colic
- Birth traumas, before, during and after pregnancies
- Post-surgical recovery
- Premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramping, endometriosis, menopause, hormone imbalances
- Addictions (ie. smoking cessation)
DISCLAIMER: It is recommended to work with a practitioner who will look at the bigger picture to assess if testing is recommended and what testing is best to start investigating your symptoms. Individualized support is recommended based on your unique symptoms, medical history, medications, test results, and lifestyle. Certain conditions may require care from a specialist. This is not medical advice nor does it replace care from a medical practitioner
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