What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Cranio Sacral Therapy, as a manual treatment form, uses body touch to activate the natural self-healing mechanisms of a body.

Developed in the first half of the 20th century from osteopathy, is it based on working with the craniosacral rhythm, which is manifested in the fine pulsation of the cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid protects and moves the nervous system.

The craniosacral rhythm can be felt throughout the body through the connective tissue, which is considered an information-processing system that protects our body and envelops all organs and vessels. Doctors, physiotherapists, speech therapists and masseurs can choose Cranio Sacral Therapy as an additional training. Craniosacral therapy can be seen as offer, which complements medicine.

The main goal of this type of body therapy is to support the human being in its entirety: the peace and rest of body and mind! For people of all ages, including babies and people in special situation e.g. for pregnant women: Craniosacral Therapy supports in case of complaints, illness and in stressful life situations.

How does craniosacral therapy work?

This treatment form was developed at the beginning of the 20th century and known by that time as “cranial osteopathy”.

The poles of the skull and sacrum form a unit with the brain and spinal cord membranes, in which the cerebrospinal fluid pulsates rhythmically. This rhythm, is transmitted to the body and influences the development and functioning of the whole person.

Changes in this system provide clues for therapeutic work with the affected anatomical and energetic structures. Craniosacral therapy works as gentle bodywork addressing the human being in its wholeness and is oriented towards the health. This enables the body to interact with its internal regulatory mechanisms. The positive change strengthens the natural ability to balance and self-heal. The focus of the therapy and treatment encompasses all levels of the human being: body, mind and soul.

Application of craniosacral therapy

There are a wide range of possible applications and situations, where craniosacral therapy is applied:

• In rehabilitation
• For headaches and neck issues
• For back problems
• For regulation of the organs as well as the vegetative and central nervous system
• For sleep problems, states of exhaustion, psychosomatic complaints
• For stress-related complaints
• In chronical pain conditions
• During pregnancy and birth support
• In case of hyperactivity of children

Stages of craniosacral therapy

During the initial consultation, the client’s concerns and issues are explored and discussed.

One of the main points during the stage of therapy is the treatment of the client’s personality with the utmost care. Key points here are attentiveness and the very gently execution of the work respectfully on the whole body. The client should wear during the therapy very comfortable clothes.

Trained Cranio Sacral practitioners work holistically and with great care on a physical, emotional and psychological level. A respectful linguistic accompaniment of the manual treatment supports self-awareness and can also provide space and at the same time support for emotional processes. The body is examined in its entirety. For this purpose, the Cranio Sacral practitioner places his hands on the client’s body and attunes himself to the client’s Cranio Sacral rhythm. Special techniques are always used to treat the head, spine, chest, pelvis, arms and legs individually.

The treatment takes place on a couch, usually in the supine position. The treatment lasts 50 to 70 minutes, for children it is slightly shorter. Plan enough time for a session to get in the mood for the treatment and also to allow it to take effect in peace, possibly in nature. The number and frequency of sessions are based on the healing process.

Effect of Cranio Sacral Therapy

If there are hardenings or blockages in the body, these are reflected in the cranio sacral system. Reasons for blockages are manifold and can stem from injuries, falls or malpositions, result from operations and scars or show mental stress. Cranio Sacral practitioners sense blockages and how tension affects the body. With mindful touch and the use of specific techniques, the client can be stimulated and supported in his self-healing, and states of tension can be released. The body’s natural regenerative powers are activated and the healing process is promoted.

Cranio Sacral practitioners sense the quality of the rhythmic movements and can support and harmonize them using manual, energetic and verbal techniques. Tension, pain or restricted movement can be relieved, the immune system is strengthened and vital functions stabilized. Chronic and acute complaints can be alleviated. Cranio Sacral Therapy works on the self-regulation of the human being.

Limitations of this treatment type

Contraindications to Cranio Sacral Therapy are injuries requiring emergency care, acute inflammation and also severe open head injuries. Cases of increased intracranial pressure, head tumors or severe vascular calcifications are other examples of situations, in which Cranio Sacral Therapy should not be used.

Further exclusion criteria are severe mental illnesses such as psychoses, schizophrenia or borderline disorders.

Contact your Wiener Privatklinik today for more information on the topic and beyond! Our medical core competences include Traumatology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Orthopedics and more! We have our focus set on providing our patients with outstanding care, while providing our affiliated physicians and staff with optimal working conditions through top notch medical care, competent healthcare and modern hospital management.