In a typical craniosacral session
You will usually lie (or sometimes sit) fully-clothed on a treatment couch. The therapist will make contact by placing their hands lightly on your body and tuning in to what is happening by ‘listening’ with their hands. Contact is made carefully so that you will feel at ease with what is happening.
The first thing you will probably notice is a sense of deep relaxation, which will generally last throughout the session. With subsequent treatments this release of tension often extends into everyday life. The work can address physical aches and pains, acute and chronic disease, emotional or psychological disturbances, or simply help to develop well-being, health and vitality.
Craniosacral therapy is so gentle that it is suitable for babies, children, and the elderly, as well as adults and people in fragile or acutely painful conditions. Treatment can aid almost any condition, raising vitality and improving the body’s capacity for self-repair.
Some of the conditions successfully worked with are:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Autism
- Back pain
- Birth trauma
- Bronchitis
- Cerebral Palsy
- Colic
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Drug withdrawal
- Dyslexia
- Exhaustion
- Fall or injury
- Frozen shoulder
- Hormonal imbalances
- Hyperactivity
- Immune system disorders
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Menstrual pain, PMS
- Migraine
- Post-operative conditions
- Problems during and after pregnancy
- Re-integration after accidents
- Sciatica
- Sinusitis
- Spinal curvatures
- Sports injuries
- Stress related illnesses
- Tinnitus and middle ear problems
- TMJ (jaw) disorders
- Visual disturbances
- Whiplash injuries
Sometimes the benefits are not immediately noticeable but become obvious on returning to a familiar environment. The work can involve resolution of past events and is often profoundly relaxing, deeply moving and exhilarating.
Craniosacral therapy developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. He discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and his further research revealed different rhythms in the body. As a result of detailed clinical observation it has become clear that these movements, which can be measured with delicate scientific instruments, are a direct expression of health and offer a way of working with the physical as well as the more subtle aspects of life.
Further observation showed that these movements are also inextricably linked with mental and emotional health. Restriction of movement corresponds to a reduction of the natural capacity to self-heal. Using the hands to feel these movements allows craniosacral therapists to facilitate change in areas of restriction. A limitation or absence of the movements implies a reduction in the expression of health which may result in, for example, numbness, a sense of something missing or disease.
Craniosacral therapy has developed from clinical experience, which shows that health is something active and not just an absence of disease. It is the expression of life, responsible for the organisation of the millions of things that are constantly happening in the body. Craniosacral therapy supports health in the body. It helps increase physical vitality and well-being not only effecting structural change but also having much wider implications, emotionally and spiritually. The resulting increased sense of well-being can help with many aspects of life life from strengthening the immune system to improving interpersonal relationships.
Finding a Craniosacral Practitioner
The CSTA publishes a register of qualified practitioners which is updated regularly.
Members are guaranteed to be qualified from one of our accredited schools and to be involved in further professional training. All members undertake at least one year’s supervision on qualifying.
To find a local practitioner in the UK: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or The Channel Islands please consult the list on our site which is organised by county.
If you live in the UK we can post a copy the complete register out to you. Send a medium sized self-addressed envelope, stamped with 42p if you want it sent first class, or 35p for second class, to:
The Secretary, Craniosacral Therapy Association, Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester Street, LONDON, WC1N 3XX
