Many of you in your journey of healing have heard about the discipline of Cranial Sacral Therapy. Some of you may have even had a rudimentary exposure in your massage school training. Let’s talk a bit about about the origins of this splendid work. Cranial Osteopathy was first introduced by William Garner Sutherland D.O. (1873-1954) over a century ago. His journey began when he noticed that the cranial sutures of the temporal bones were “beveled like the gills of a fish” indicating the ability to allow for expanding and contracting movements with the parietal bones. His conversations about this discovery with his mentor, Dr. Andrew Stills, the founder of the first osteopathic school in America, began the odyssey that we now call craniosacral therapy. Both men believed the system was “designed to breath”. He called this breathing movement, the primary respiratory mechanism. The idea that the bones of the skull could move, was contrary to contemporary anatomical belief then, as it is today by some scientists and medical practitioners. Dr. Sutherland was a deeply spiritual man and later described the origin of the wave inherent in the cranial sacral system, the “Breath of Life”, from the Book of Genesis 2:7. This was an acknowledgement of the vital force as a fundamental aspect of osteopathic philosophy.
The cranial system is a semi-closed, hydraulic system comprised of the spine, the skull, its cranial sutures, diaphragms, fascia of the body and the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) which flows through the spinal cord and then exists the foramina of the vertebrae and into the interstitial fluid. By coming into contact and awareness in a reflective manner, the therapist is able to create a homeostatic response within their client’s nervous systems.
There are three approaches to craniosacral therapy that have evolved since Dr. Sutherland first began investigating the cranial system. They are called the mechanical, functional and biodynamic models. Each refers to the amount of intervention on the part of the practitioner. Dr. Sutherland’s own journey moved from the intervention of the mechanical model to the softness and listening approach of the biodynamic model. My studies also began 21 years ago in the mechanical model with the Upledger Institute, and has moved to the biodynamic approach.
The most important tool for the therapists who are practicing cranial work, is the cultivation of their state of mind, or what we call the practice of holding stillness. It is a reflective practice by nature. In cranial work we are asked to change our focus to an internal place of quiet, so that the system we are holding feels safe and willing to reveal the its story/history held with the fluid of the body. I was taught in the Biodynamic approach that we project and hold three distinct fields and follow three tides and the combinations of both. One of those will be the most conducive for the therapeutic process. Its an intention which allows us to be in deeper relationship with the membranes and connective tissue of our clients. First, the therapist must establish a center. This is accomplished by imagining the spine rooted to the ground and up through the top of the cranium. We light the spine up with our imagination. This establishes what is known as the practitioner fulcrum. It becomes the anchor that grounds the work. Our breath is the bridge! Naturally everyone’s mind wanders. But, the more powerfully you can control your thoughts, the more profoundly you can be involved in the therapeutic process with your client. Inhale in and slowly exhale out visualizing the field you are holding while your hands hold and “listen” to the cranial tide with various hand positions. This allows the space which facilitates an interpretation of what “intervention” should be deployed. Eventually, if you practicing patience and not needing to know anything, the system you are palpating will often communicate its needs, which is in contrast to the mechanical model that intervenes, even if the practitioner isn’t really aware of the system’s needs. Its more of a doing mindset and opposed to a listening/witnessing mindset.The beauty of the biodynamic approach is the transformation to the practitioner that transpires over time, because of this practice of stillness. It is the practice of becoming the witnessing presence which is life changing. You create great listening skills, which often transfers into your daily life interactions with others. Watching your thoughts, using the breath to still the mind, and allowing the deep connection between practitioner and patient, begins to transform who we are as humans. The tools can be employed in our garden of consciousness that we are given a lifetime to cultivate.
My students journeys have been a delight to watch unfold, as their practice deepens with time and their ability to help their clients with a number of challenges unfolds naturally through the quieting of the mind coupled with the practice of technique.
Craniosacral therapy is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraine headaches
•Motor-Coordination Impairments
•Central Nervous System Disorders
•Scoliosis
•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
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