Craniosacral Therapy

Tap the top of your head and then your tail bone – you have just connected with your cranium to your sacrum. This craniosacral system comprises the bones of the cranium and sacrum and the meningeal layers of connective tissue connecting the two. The meningeal layers house the brain, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid baths nerves and tissues and has a rhythm just like your heart has a rhythm.

Few body structures have more influence over your health and well-being than your central nervous system which is protected by the craniosacral structures and bathed in the cerebrospinal fluid. A craniosacral therapist utilizes the bones of the cranium and sacrum to access this system and facilitate it’s balance. The lightest of touch is used to detect the pressures on the bones and gentle release blockages. The craniosacral rhythms can be palpated throughout the body, not only in the skull and sacrum. These treatments can be performed with the client in many positions and the client can wear clothes during the treatments. By helping the central nervous system to perform at its best, craniosacral therapy naturally eliminates pain and stress, strengthens your defense to disease, and enhances your health and well-being.

Craniosacral Therapy was developed from clinical trials at Michigan State University beginning in 1975. At that time, Dr. John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M. led a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers to test and document the influence of therapy on the body’s craniosacral system which includes the bones, membranes, and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Research on individuals with autism has shown brain inflammation and decreased flow of spinal cord fluid. This inflammation can result in abnormal pressures within the brain, causing brain tissue congestion and toxicity. Craniosacral therapy focuses on balancing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and restoring mobility to the membrane layers surrounding the brain. This fluidity helps the brain flush toxins and inflammation out of brain tissue increasing the function of neurons and neurological pathways. Happy brain cells are then able to better process and react to all sorts of information.

Parents of individuals with autism often report that after craniosacral therapy sessions their son or daughter is more relaxed, better to make eye contact, are more verbal, demonstrate improved socialization and interaction. Typical autistic behaviors such as head banging, thumb sucking and toe walking have also decreased.

Would you like to see if craniosacral therapy helps you or your child? Dr. Janet’s “magic hands” are waiting to facilitate more fluidity and balance of your or your child’s craniosacral system. Having provided hands-on therapy services for over 30 years, Dr. Janet has a keen, intuitive feel along with a sharp analytic mind for muscle, bone and soft tissue alignment and balance.