The Benefits Of Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is a type of alternative medical therapy or bodywork which employs gentle, light touch to palpate the cranium’s synarthrodial joints. It is believed to be a natural cure-all for various chronic health conditions and is generally based on fundamental misunderstandings about the anatomy of the skull. The theory of Craniosacral Therapy is that the ailments and discomforts felt in the face, neck, and shoulders are due to the “cranium sitting” or location in the head. By moving and shaking the body gently it can correct these aches. It is also believed that the body can heal itself by releasing energy from the afflicted areas.

The most common use of Craniosacral Therapy is for headaches and migraines. A trained therapist will place his or her hands on the face or scalp of a patient and gently stimulate each joint. Some practitioners also believe that cranial sacral channels linked to the brain are directly connected to the different emotions or feelings of a person. Therefore, by applying gentle hands-on pressure to the head or shoulders, they believe that a person can change their mood. Others have used Craniosacral Therapy to treat such everyday ailments as constipation, menstrual pains, backaches, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet.

In some extreme cases, severe headaches, chronic pain, and sinus problems have been addressed by trained therapists who have used Craniosacral Therapy. In one case, a seventy-year-old woman was being treated for chronic pain in her back and neck. The medical establishment did not think her condition was life-threatening and recommended surgery. However, the woman insisted on Craniosacral Therapy, which successfully helped her deal with chronic pain without any surgery. Further studies showed that the treatment had changed her life and she no longer required constant care from her physicians.

Craniosacral Therapy is also used as a complementary therapy for chiropractors and physical therapists. In fact, chiropractors and physical therapists are the most frequent users of this technique. They believe that the techniques provide an approach that does not focus on just one part of the body, such as the neck or back, but targets the entire central nervous system. When applied correctly, the therapy brings about a feeling of well-being, peace, and relaxation throughout the body.

Because the techniques are based on the Theory of Essential Craniosa, it is believed that there is a connection between the quality of sleep and muscular health, specifically the strength and endurance of the muscles in the craniosacral therapy sessions. For instance, when a patient has had herniated or injured disks, she will be encouraged to lie on her side to help open her ribs. When this is done, it triggers the release of a hormone called “CRNA”. This hormone is responsible for muscular contractions, such as when someone is asleep.

The theory behind the effectiveness of cranial sacral therapy lies in the belief that trauma and other physical ailments affect the production of collagen and fluid that surround bones. As the production of these substances diminishes, joint mobility is affected, as well as the flexibility of bones themselves. The symptoms caused by the joint and bone disease can be severe and may include muscle weakness, stiffness, lack of motion, pain, and loss of balance, all of which can contribute to a person’s general ability to remain mobile. As a result, they are encouraged to lie on their side during their daily sleep. This practice not only makes it easier for people to get proper rest, it is also less likely that they will experience muscle weakness or stiffness after physical therapy sessions.