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Osteopathic Roots of CST

The concept began with an Osteopathic Doctor’s inquisition into the palpable motions of the body. Originally perceived by Dr. William G. Sutherland DO, the craniosacral rhythm is the movement of cerebrospinal fluid correspondingly resulting in a rhythmic movement of the bones of the cranium, spine and sacrum. Previous anatomy teachings presumed the sutures of the skull were immovable, however the inquisitive, medically trained and scientific method driven brain of Dr. Sutherland believed there was more to the joints than he had been taught.

Through his personal research and methods of restricting his own cranial bones he began to understand the neurophysiological effects on the rest of the body. After creating physical pains and physiological changes in his own body due to a contraption he built that allowed him to restrict his own craniosacral movements, he began to study the movement in others and thus began to train his palpation skills to a higher level. He directly influenced the founding of the Cranial Academy, and was teaching Cranial Osteopathy at the American School of Osteopathy, wrote a book called The Cranial Bowl and paved the way for many influential Osteopathic Doctors to follow.

Scientific Evidence of CST

Dr. John E. Upledger DO, was completing a surgical residency while he first felt the craniosacral rhythm. During a spinal surgery Dr. Upledger was tasked to hold the dural tube (a tissue sac that contains the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid) while the attending surgeon removed a calcification. Dr. Upledger reported having trouble holding onto the cord because of a cyclical motion. After having this experience Dr. Upledger was fascinated by cranial motion and began to study what Dr. Sutherland laid out in the Cranial Osteopathy classes.

Beginning in 1975 Dr. Upledger led the first clinical research on craniosacral motion while employed by the dept. of Biomechanics within the Osteopathic College at Michigan State University. He led a multi-disciplinary study involving anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers who performed and published the clinical research that formed the basis for Craniosacral Therapy. For decades they studied, recorded and treated patients in the use of Craniosacral Therapy before founding the Upledger Institute to train others in the discipline.

What is it?

The respiratory rate, and heart rate are palpable motions of the body as is the craniosacral rhythm. Craniosacral therapy utilizes the movement of the body due to the movement of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, spinal cord and sacrum. It is described as a fluid movement within a fluid. The movements of bones around their respective joints due to the cerebrospinal fluid pressures is very subtle and has a unique rhythm much slower than the respiratory and heart rate.

Physiologic systems including respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive and endocrine as well as anatomic systems like the tissues of the body, the bones and muscles all interrelate. The Craniosacral rhythm is palpable throughout the whole body and most prominent in certain areas within the skull and sacrum. A Craniosacral therapist will be able to palpate this subtle rhythm, and ascertain many characteristic qualities in order to judge and facilitate bringing the body back into balance.

What can be treated with CST?

Our bodies are in constant flux physiologically, emotionally, and energetically. Our bodies are fluid with excellent recycling/upcycling and adaptable systems that are all interdependent upon each other. When one system is overloaded then another can be called upon for temporary assistance, if that relationship is taxed beyond capabilities another may be called and so on until disease, discomfort and dysfunction follow. A craniosacral therapist follows this unique process for every body, and helps remove the restrictions within the body while the patient’s mindful presence relieves mental/emotional restrictions that may come up as well.

The basis of the work during a session is steeped in creating a safe space and willingness to be present with your body. A Craniosacral practitioner will be excellent at creating a clear, safe space so that the patient will be comfortable physically and emotionally and the practitioner is free of their own personal constructs so as to allow for healing to take place.

Common Complaints Treated with CST:

  • Physical pain in the body (acute due to injury or chronic)
  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain
  • Migraines or tension type headaches
  • Motor-Coordination Impairments
  • Digestive complaints
  • Central Nervous System Disorders
  • Problems maintaining or falling asleep, waking up unrefreshed
  • Anxiety felt in the body or mind
  • Cardiovascular complaints (high blood pressure, palpitations, autonomic dysfunction)
  • Infections (acute or chronic)
  • Auditory problems (tinnitus, hearing loss)
  • Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Scoliosis
  • Infantile Disorders
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Emotional Difficulties
  • Stress and Tension-Related Problems
  • Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
  • Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
  • Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Post-Surgical Dysfunction
  • Autism
  • Orthopedic Problems
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