CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY - A gentle approach to imbalances from infancy to old age.

What is cranio-sacral therapy?

Cranio-sacral therapy is a form of cranial osteopathy which is comprehensive and extremely gentle. It is based on the art of sensing the subtle physiology of the membranes, fascia, fluids, and bones which together make up the cranio-sacral system. A disruption within this may be a result of injury, infection, emotional stress, or other underlying pathology. Cranio-sacral therapy can be effective in treating a wide range of conditions.

How does cranio-sacral therapy work?

Treatment consists of a gentle, ‘listening’ touch which is both diagnostic and therapeutic. The practitioner gently places his or her hands on the patient’s head or other appropriate part of the body, to sense the patterns of tension or restriction within the body. The practitioner encourages the body’s own healing resources to come into play, allowing subtle twists and tensions to release and enable the affected tissues to return to proper function.

Treatment is generally pleasant and comforting. The patient becomes deeply relaxed and may be aware of changes in fluid pressure, tissue tension release, tingling and heat, enabling the body to regain balance and create a sense of ease and wellbeing.

Can cranio-sacral therapy help me?

Cranio-sacral therapy is suitable for people of all ages and is often appropriate when other therapies are contraindicated. It is particularly effective in treating infants and children.

Cranio-sacral therapy for babies and children

Children and babies are assumed to have no tension or structural stresses in their bodies. Yet, birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives.

During the birth process, the baby’s head is forcefully compressed as it turns and twists through the birth canal. The baby’s head is a soft membranous ‘balloon’, which can absorb these stresses during the birth process. Many babies are born with odd shaped heads, which eventually remould as the compressed cranium eases back to its normal shape. This process is often incomplete, especially after a difficult labour, and may lead to a wide range of problems. These include:

  • sleep disturbances
  • asthma
  • ear infections
  • hyperactivity

Cranio-sacral therapy is a gentle and effective approach to many of these conditions that are common in children. Babies and children respond to treatment fairly rapidly, but it does depend on the age of the child and the chronicity of the condition. The younger the better. As the child gets older, restrictions within the cranium become more consolidated and usually require further treatments.

After treatment, occasionally the baby or child may feel unsettled for a short period of time; otherwise they often feel very relaxed and sleep well.

Cranio-sacral therapy later in life

Contrary to popular belief, the cranial bones do not become completely fused as we get older. A gentle rhythmical motion in the skull, and between it and the sacrum, should continue throughout life. This can become disrupted for various reasons, including those referred to above, and may contribute to problems such as migraine, intractable headaches, neuralgia, and jaw discomfort. Cranial osteopathy provides another way of assisting these disorders that is often effective.

The gentle, hands-on approach of cranio-sacral therapy is also particularly good for older people for whom more vigorous osteopathic treatment may be unsuitable. It combines well with the soft-tissue techniques in which we specialise.

Where can I get cranio-sacral therapy ?

Cranio-sacral therapy is available through The Newman Turner Clinic. Click here or call 01462 684232 for more information or to make an appointment.

Manjit Sehmby, BSc(Hons)Ost Med, ND.