CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a manual modality that has made its way into the chiropractic clinic as an effective adjunctive therapy. It focuses on normalizing the craniosacral system, which extends from the skull, face and mouth down to the sacrum and coccyx.
The craniosacral system consists of a compartment formed by the dura mater membrane, the cerebrospinal fluid within the membranes, the systems regulating fluid flow, the bones that attach to the membranes, and the joints and sutures interconnecting these bones.
The system operates like a semi-closed hydraulic system based on the rhythmic rise and fall of cerebrospinal fluid volume and pressure in the dura mater. According to research1-8 performed at Michigan State University, the bones directly relating to the dura mater must be in continual, minute motion to accommodate the constant fluid pressure changes within the membrane compartment.
Through gentle palpation, the CST practitioner uses the craniosacral rhythm as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The rhythm is produced by the craniosacral system and its attached bones as they move to accommodate the filling and emptying of cerebrospinal fluid.
The changing volume and pressure cause corresponding changes in dura mater membrane tensions, which induce small accommodative movement patterns in these membranes. When the natural mobility of the dura mater or any of its attached bones is impaired, sensory, motor or neurological disabilities can result.
CranioSacral Therapy can effectively release those restrictions and allow the membranes and bones to assume normal mobility.
Applications of CST
My interest in CST was piqued by its ability to affect soft tissues that, when contracted, can pull on bones. One patient came to me complaining of headaches. I found muscle contraction in the left leg from a previous ankle sprain. When I released the muscle and fascia, the structure easily went back into place and the headaches went away.
Another patient had sustained a mid-thigh blow. I worked to release contraction in the belly of the muscle and fascia, which allowed the leg and pelvis to release.
The effects of CST on the dural tube is especially impressive. Sometimes a manipulation won’t completely release a dural tube restriction. But, if I release the dural tube first, the manipulation can become easier to achieve and more comfortable for the patient. CST also gives me another view to consider if the vertebrae isn’t holding the manipulation.
The beauty of CST is how you can influence cranial nerves by releasing membrane restrictions inhibiting their function. This has been helpful in addressing tic douloureux, head injuries or Bell’s palsy.
I once saw Tom, who was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. He woke up one morning to find his face paralyzed. After one office visit, he reported about 50 percent relief. About three weeks of visits later, he considered the problem solved. His emotional outlook was better, too—he had been told he might suffer the effects of Bell’s palsy for months or more.
Other conditions that respond to CST include TMJ syndrome, chronic back pain, central nervous system disorders, migraine head-aches, orthopedic problems and chronic fatigue. It can be used with children to address cerebral palsy, motor-coordination impair-ments, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders.
Contraindications include conditions adversely affected by subtle changes in intracranial fluid pressure: acute intracranial aneurysm with threat of rupture, acute cerebral hemorrhage, acute subdural or subarachnoid bleeding, and situations in which increased intracranial pressure that could precipitate a medullary or brain stem herniation through the foramen magnum.
CST vs. Other Cranial Methods
While CST has been compared to Cranial Osteopathy or Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), the methods are quite different.
Cranial Osteopathy focuses on skull-bone sutures. CST focuses on the motion of the dural tube and meningeal system, with the attached bones used only as “handles” to access the motion of the system.
The hand pressure used in CST is slight (about 5 grams) while other methods may use more force. The positive effects of CST rely on the hydraulic forces within the system to contribute to the corrective process. The CST practitioner focuses on removing obstacles that the body’s normal self-correcting abilities have been unable to overcome.
Unlike SOT, in which a specific protocol is followed, the CST practitioner follows cues from the body to determine how corrections should be made. When the therapist uses this gentle approach, CST is extremely safe and effective.
Dr. Lisa Upledger has been a staff therapist and instructor with The Upledger Institute since 1991. Prior to that she earned her doctor of chiropractic degree cum laude from the Palmer College of Chiropractic and ran successful private practices. To learn more about CranioSacral Therapy call 1-800-233-5880 or visit www.upledger.com.
References
1. Retzlaff E.W., et al, Nerve Fibers And Endings In Cranial Sutures Research Report, Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 77:474-5, 1978.
2. Retzlaff E.W., et al, Possible Functional Significance Of Cranial Bone Sutures, report, 88th Session American Association of Anatomists, 1975.
3. Retzlaff E.W., et al, Structure Of Cranial Bone Sutures, research report, Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 75:607-8, February 1976.
4. Retzlaff E.W., et al, Sutural Collagenous And Their Innervation In Saimiri Sciurus, Anat. Rec., 187:692, April 1977.
5. Retzlaff E.W., Mitchell FL Jr., The Cranium and its Sutures, Germany: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 1987.
6. Upledger, John E., The Reproducibility Of Craniosacral Examination Findings: A Statistical Analysis, Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 76:890-9, 1977.
7. Upledger, John E., Relationship Of Craniosacral Examination Findings In Grade School Children With Developmental Problems, Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 77:760-76, 1978.
8. Upledger, John E., Mechano-Electric Patterns During Craniosacral Osteopathic Diagnosis And Treatment, Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 1979.