Craniosacral therapy is a relatively new technique, which, however, is becoming more popular every year. This practice is based on the assertion that all parts of the human skeleton are not only mobile (including the bones of the skull), but are also closely related. So when is it appropriate to apply craniosacral therapy? What is a similar technique? What problems can be dealt with by trusting a specialist? These questions interest many.
History of the creation and development of craniosacral therapy
The development of this technique began around the beginning of the twentieth century by the famous American osteopath William G. Sutherland. An outstanding scientist at one time was a student of Andrew Taylor Still, who developed the basic principles of modern osteopathy.
V. Sutherland in his works noted that the cranial bones can be divided without a fracture, which means that they are mobile. It was he who first transferred the biomechanical principles of classical osteopathy to the sutures of the skull. Over many years of work and constant research, the doctor has established that the body works according to a certain rhythm, which he called craniaosacral.
Sutherland was able to create the fundamental foundations of a therapy called cranial osteopathy. Later, the scientist found a strong physiological connection between the skull and the sacral spine - this is how craniosacral therapy appeared (cranium - skull, sacrum - sacrum).
What is called craniosacral rhythm?
The primary respiration mechanism was discovered by Sutherland. The osteopathic doctor found that the human body works in a certain rhythm - the volume of the skull increases or decreases, and at a minute such cycles can be from 6 to 10. The scientist suggested that such movements are associated with rhythmic contractions and relaxation of the brain, vibration from which is transmitted to the rest of the bones through the cerebrospinal fluid.
A new theory of what the craniosacral rhythm is, a little later. Its author is an American osteopathic doctor John Upleger. He suggested that the rhythms of movement of the bones of the skull are associated with cyclical changes in pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid. The rhythm has its own frequency, clear symmetry and amplitude, different phases.
In addition, in his works, Dr. Apleger points out that there is a connection between the craniosacral rhythm that occurs in the nervous system and all connective tissues in the human body. According to this theory, every organ, tissue and cell in the body works in cycles, in the same rhythm. Some practitioners compare rhythm with a breathing flower that either opens the petals or closes them, subject to an innate, natural cycle.
Naturally, if the crane-sacred rhythm is broken, then this affects all systems and organs. Craniosacral therapy today is used as a prophylaxis and treatment of almost any disease. It is believed that if you normalize the rhythm and cyclicity of the "respiratory" movements of the cranial bones, then this will not only improve your health, but also affect your well-being.
How is the massage going?
Craniosacral manual therapy is a long-term treatment process that helps to improve not only the body's work, but also the emotional state. As a rule, a massage session lasts about an hour. At this time, the patient lies on a comfortable couch, allowing the doctor to study the congenital craniosacral rhythm and detect abnormalities.
During the massage, an osteopathic doctor acts on the bones of the human skull and sacrum. The specialist’s movements are almost invisible and resemble light, soft strokes.
Such a procedure is not accompanied by discomfort and, especially, pain. Patients, on the contrary, claim that soft massage movements perfectly relax and tone at the same time, releasing energy, improving well-being and mood.
What diseases use craniosacral therapy?
In fact, a similar technique is used to treat almost all diseases. Naturally, first of all, massage sessions are designed to get rid of diseases of the spine and nervous system. In particular, people with osteochondrosis, curvature of the spinal column, cerebroasthenic disorders, pathology of the joint between the
temporal bone and lower jaw are often registered with an osteopath.
Craniosacral therapy is used to eliminate disorders in the nervous system, in particular, neuritis of the facial and trigeminal nerves. A massage session can eliminate a headache of any origin. An indication for such therapy is considered to be epilepsy, encephalopathy resulting from severe injuries, as well as increased intracranial pressure, vegetative-vascular dystonia, ENT organs diseases, fluid congestion in the body.
In the United States and Europe, this technique is widely used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, postpartum depression, some mental disorders, and emotional exhaustion.
When will the first results appear?
The first results appear already in the first hours after a massage session - patients feel light and relaxed, note the disappearance of headaches, stiffness and heaviness in the spine. The effect of one procedure lasts about 3-4 days.
If we are talking about treating some serious disease or general healing of the whole organism, then, of course, at least several months are needed to get the visible effect.
Contraindications for massage
Craniosacral therapy has practically no contraindications and can be used both according to the doctor’s indications and for general prevention of diseases. However, before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a full examination of the body.
Firstly, massage is not carried out in the presence of any infectious diseases - in this case, you must first undergo an appropriate course of treatment. Secondly, oncological diseases, as well as acute thrombosis and aneurysm are contraindications.
Can similar techniques be used to treat children?
Of course, craniosacral therapy for children will be no less useful than for adult patients. Using this technique, the correction of a variety of disorders and developmental abnormalities is carried out.
To begin with, it is worth noting that this technique is used to slow physical development, for example, if the baby cannot independently hold its head, sit or crawl. It is also effective with a weak sucking reflex. Regular massage sessions strengthen muscles, contribute to the normal development of the immune system, and also normalize the digestive tract. Statistical surveys have confirmed that children after such treatment become less restless, sleep well, and cry less often. The technique is effective if it is necessary to correct the shape of the skull, broken as a result of difficult childbirth.
Craniosacral therapy: reviews
Reviews about this technique are positive. Adult patients report almost instant improvements. For children, cranial therapy helps to develop the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Many people are interested in questions about where craniosacral therapy is performed. Moscow, and indeed any large city, as a rule, offers the services of specialized clinics. But it is worth paying attention to the choice of an osteopath, since a poorly performed massage will not only not improve your health condition, but can also hurt.
Naturally, craniosacral therapy is not a panacea for all diseases. But this practice really helps to improve the physical and emotional state, correct spinal defects and accelerate the healing process against the background of conservative therapy.