Take a moment, if you will and imagine an image of a brain and a spinal cord. Now, imagine that same image floating in a viscous fluid that supports, protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. This fluid, called cerebral spinal fluid, acts like a filtration system to absorb nutrients and flush out debris.
Picture this fluid contained by a multilayered membrane called the dura matter or intracranial membranes, which then have attachments to the skull bones and a few segments of the spinal bones, and pelvis. We call this the Craniosacral system, founded by the Osteopathic Physician Dr. John Upledger.
Suppose we hypothesize for a moment that every experience we have ever had since the moment of our birth until this moment, every trauma, injury or accident creates changes to this membrane. If we imagine this membrane damaged, twisted, torqued, narrowed or pulled, it would undoubtedly cause restrictions and compressions on the structures it attaches to. When there is an imbalance in your Craniosacral System, your brain and spinal cord suffer. When your brain and spinal cord suffer, You suffer!
Much like Cranial Osteopathy, Cranial Sacral therapy releases these changes in the dura matter, restoring the healthy flow of cerebral spinal fluid and the other nervous system structures.
The treatment itself is very gentle and relaxing. Typically no more than 5gr of pressure is used. However, it is also incredibly profound because it treats to release deep layers of trauma and restriction that may be in the body for years. Therefore, if you are experiencing chronic pain, migraine headaches, concussions, neck pain, back pain, anxiety, depression, TMJ and other injuries, Cranial Sacral Therapy will help reduce your pain and symptoms. You can find a therapist in your area by going to www.iahp.com
Written By: Andi Davidson RMT
Cranial Sacral Therapist
