Center for Health and Wellness

CranioSacral Therapy
Craniosacral treatment is now one of the most successful and fastest growing approaches to mind/body healing. The CranioSacral system deals directly with the body's inherent intelligence; not only the bones of the cranium, but the spine and lower back. The CranioSacral system is the structural aspect of the central nervous system.

Cranial Osteopathy had its origins in Dr. WIlliam Sutherland's research on how the bones of the skull articulate. Although it was unaccepted at the time, he researched this idea for more than 20 years. And when Dr. Sutherland published his first article on the subject in the early 1930's, he used a pseudonym.

American medicine has long disputed the movement of the bones of the skull. British textbooks, which are the basis for American reference books, assert that the skull bones are fused. However, in medical textbooks elsewhere in the world, such as an Italian medical text published in 1920, it states that "the bones of the skull continue to move in relationship to one another throughout life except under abnormal and/or pathological conditions."

Lisa G. McFarland
CranioSacral Therapist

"The CranioSacral system is
a core system in the human
body. In my view, it is the
place where the body, mind,
and spirit reside independently
and communally at the
same time."

Don Cohen, D.C.
"An Introduction
to CranioSacral Therapy"

The CranioSacral system is a physiological system dealing with the movement of cerebrospinal fluid up and down the spinal cord. Working with this system requires a delicate sensitivity. The therapist assists the body in its own natural self-corrective response to balancing the CranioSacral system.

Craniosacral Therapy differs from Cranial Osteopathy in that the touch in CranioSacral Therapy is generally much less invasive than the direct force technique of a cranial osteopath. Craniosacral Therapy focuses more upon the dura mater membrane system and the hydraulics of the CranioSacral system as a primary cause of dysfunction.

John Upledger D.O., developer of CranioSacral Therapy, began his study of the CranioSacral system when he became aware of the movement of the dural membrane while assisting in surgery. In addition to his research and work in CranioSacral Therapy, Dr. Upledger is also a pioneer in patient care and education. The Upledger Institute, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is also headquarters for HealthPlex Clinical Services.

Many people ask me how craniosacral work helps for children. Here is an excellent article from Body Sense magazine by Cathy Ulrich "Expanding Little Minds, Craniosacral Therapy Helps Youngsters Thrive."