Cranial-sacral Therapy, also called cranio-Sacral Therapy, is a gentle treatment method that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms. This treatment works to free restriction in the body through the deepest fascial layers. The cranial-sacral system has a powerful effect on the entire body through the nervous system, and freeing up restrictions within the system can reduce the effects of stress on your body and strengthen your resistance to disease.

What is the "cranial-sacral system"?
     The cranial-sacral system consists of the cerebrospinal fluid and membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the skull bones through the spinal cord to the sacrum. The rhythmic expansion and contraction of this system is thought to be the primary respiration of the body, and occurs every 6-10 seconds. The practioner moniters this rhythm, testing for restriction. The therapist's touch helps correct restrictions and enhance the hydraulic forces of the cranial-sacral system.

What is cranial-sacral treatment good for?
     Cranial-sacral therapy can be beneficial to anyone. Most generally it improves the function of the nervous and endocrine systems by improving their environment. William Sutherland, the osteopath who discovered the cranial-sacral system, identified three types of trauma which may respond well to cranial-sacral therapy: the trauma of birth; physical trauma that interrupts the breath cycle; and psychological trauma.
     Specific conditions which have responded well to this treatment include, but are not limited to: headaches (any type); TMJ syndrome (tempromandibular joint syndrome); depression and anxiety; hormonal disturbances; digestive problems; chronic pain; chronic fatigue; stress-related problems; and orthopedic problems.

What can I expect during treatment?
The practitioner uses light tough to monitor the rhythm of the cerebralspinal fluid as it moves through the system. This feels like being held, and is generally applied on the skull, spinal column, or sacrum. Many people find this treatment deeply relaxing.