CRANIOSACRAL UNWINDING

What is craniosacral unwinding?
Cranio-sacral Therapy is a gentle non-intrusive, hands on therapy based on the principals of cranial osteopathy.

How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
CranioSacral Therapy works by helping the body's natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.

This is accomplished through utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which maintains the environment in which the central nervous system functions. It consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.

Like the pulse of the cardiovascular system, the craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Other times, CST may be combined with other complementary therapies to help restore the body to its optimum functioning level.

When was CranioSacral Therapy developed?
It was in 1970, during a neck surgery in which he was assisting, that osteopathic physician John E. Upledger first observed the rhythmic movement of what would soon be identified as the craniosacral system. None of his colleagues nor any of the medical texts at the time could explain this discovery, however. His curiosity piqued, Dr. Upledger began searching for the answer. He started with the research of Dr. William Sutherland, the father of cranial osteopathy. For some 20 years beginning in the early 1900s, Sutherland had explored the concept that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. For decades after, this theory remained at odds with the beliefs of the scientific and medical communities. Dr. Upledger believed, however, that if Sutherland’s theory of cranial movement was in fact true, this would help explain, and make feasible, the existence of the rhythm he had encountered in surgery. It was at this point that Dr. Upledger set out to scientifically confirm the existence of cranial bone motion. From 1975 to 1983 he served as clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, where he supervised a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers in research and testing. The results not only confirmed Sutherland’s theory, but led to clarification of the mechanisms behind this motion — the craniosacral system. Dr. Upledger’s continued work in the field ultimately resulted in his development of CranioSacral Therapy.

What conditions can CranioSacral Therapy help?
Because of its influence on the functioning of the central nervous system, CranioSacral Therapy can benefit the body in a number of ways — from bolstering overall health, emotional well being and resistance to disease to alleviating a wide range of specific medical conditions.

Among CST's largest patient groups are those suffering chronic symptoms that haven't been aided by other approaches. In particular, CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from an accident — be it from a car, sports or work mishap or from a fall. The extremely light touch involved in the application of CST makes it a safe approach as well for children, infants and newborns with early traumas, including birth trauma. They especially can benefit from the timely identification and release of restrictions in the craniosacral system, thereby preventing future difficulties such as learning disabilities or hyperactivity.

Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related dysfunctions. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction are just a few examples. CranioSacral Therapy works to reverse the debilitating effects of stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. In fact, it's this capacity to reduce stress that's leading an increasing number of people to include CST as part of their wellness routines.

Other conditions for which CranioSacral Therapy has shown to be effective are various sensory disorders. Cranial Unwinding has been known to help:  Chronic Pain Syndromes, Headaches, Arthritis and Joint Pain, Neuralgia, Fibromyalgia, Lower Back Pain, Traumatic Injuries, Strokes, Degenerative Disease of the Central Nervous System, Trauma from Surgery and Emotional Trauma to name just a few.

Is there any condition for which CST shouldn't be used?
There are certain situations where application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.

How does it feel while being treated?
The practitioner places a very light touch on your head, spine and sacrum examining the cranial rhythmic impulse and verifying the areas of the body where the impulse is restricted. The physician gently unwinds the membranous articular strains with his/her hands. When that happens, the patient may feel a slight sensation where the physician's hands are placed, otherwise, there is no sensation of pain or any other activities while he/she is performing these maneuvers on your body. There are also occasions when the practitioner works without the use of hands. Every treatment is as unique as the client.

What can I expect to feel during and after a treatment?
During a treatment, you can expect to feel subtle to moderate pressures on different areas of the body. After a treatment, you may expect to feel overCranial Unwinding allows the body to use its own natural way to unwind itself and the therapist helps the client move his/her body by following this movement.  While the body is in movement the mind replays thought processes that happened at the time of trauma and the client has a chance to rethink and put into perspective what thoughts are of current value for the here and now.  As the body unwinds itself it loosens the tissues and opens channels that allow the flow of fluid to move in areas that were too tight to benefit from the nourishment this fluid has to offer.  It then has a chance to flow through the body's tissues, spine and the cranium in a balanced way.  Loosening of the tissues also helps to free nerve endings, thus relieving the cause of pain.