Craniosacral therapy is a relatively new technique, which, nevertheless, is becoming more and more popular every year. This practice is based on the assertion that all parts of the human skeleton are not only mobile (including the bones of the skull), but are also closely interconnected. So when is it appropriate to use CranioSacral Therapy? What is such a technique? What problems can be de alt with by trusting a specialist? These questions are of interest to many.
The history of the creation and development of craniosacral therapy
The development of this technique began around the beginning of the twentieth century by the famous American osteopath William G. Sutherland. The eminent scientist was once a student of Andrew Taylor Still, who developed the basic principles of modern osteopathy.
B. Sutherland noticed in his works that the cranial bones can be divided withoutfracture, which means that they are mobile. It was he who first transferred the biomechanical principles of classical osteopathy to the sutures of the skull. Over many years of work and constant research, the doctor established that the body works according to a certain rhythm, which he called craniosacral.
Sutherland managed to create the fundamental foundations of a therapy called cranial osteopathy. Later, the scientist established the presence of a strong physiological connection between the skull and the sacral spine - this is how craniosacral therapy appeared (cranium - skull, sacrum - sacrum).
What is called craniosacral rhythm?
The primary respiration mechanism was discovered by Sutherland. The osteopathic doctor discovered that the human body works in a certain rhythm - the volume of the skull either increases or decreases, and there can be from 6 to 10 such cycles per minute. The scientist made the assumption that such movements are associated with rhythmic contractions and relaxations of the brain, vibration from which is transmitted to the rest of the bones through the cerebrospinal fluid.
A new theory about what CranioSacral Rhythm is came a bit later. Its author is the American osteopath John Upledger. He suggested that the rhythms of the movement of the bones of the skull are associated with cyclic changes in pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid. The rhythm has its own frequency, clear symmetry and amplitude, different phases.
Furthermore, in his writings, Dr. Upledger points out that there is a connection between the crniosacral rhythm that occurs in the nervous system andall connective tissues in the human body. According to this theory, every organ, tissue and cell in the body works cyclically, in the same rhythm. Some practitioners compare the rhythm to a breathing flower that opens and closes its petals in an innate, natural cycle.
Naturally, if the craniosacral rhythm is disturbed, it affects all systems and organs. Craniosacral therapy is used today as a prevention and treatment of almost any disease. It is believed that if the rhythm and cyclicity of the "respiratory" movements of the cranial bones are normalized, this will not only improve the state of he alth, but will also affect well-being.
How is a massage session?
CranioSacral Manual Therapy is a long-term treatment process that helps to improve not only the functioning of the body, but also the emotional state. Typically, a massage session lasts about an hour. At this time, the patient lies on a comfortable couch, allowing the doctor to study the innate craniosacral rhythm and detect abnormalities.
During the massage, the osteopathic doctor acts on the bones of the human skull and sacrum. The movements of the specialist are almost imperceptible and resemble light, soft strokes.
Such a procedure is not accompanied by discomfort and, moreover, pain. Patients, on the contrary, claim that soft massage movements perfectly relax and tone at the same time, releasing energy, improving well-being and mood.
For what diseases is CranioSacral Therapy used?
In fact, this technique is used to treat almost all diseases. Naturally, first of all, massage sessions are designed to get rid of diseases of the spine and nervous system. In particular, people with osteochondrosis, curvature of the spinal column, cerebroasthenic disorders, pathology of the joint between the temporal bone and the lower jaw are often booked to see an osteopath.
Craniosacral therapy is used to eliminate disorders in the nervous system, in particular, neuritis of the facial and trigeminal nerve. A massage session can eliminate a headache of any origin. The indication for such therapy is epilepsy, encephalopathy resulting from severe injuries, as well as increased intracranial pressure, vegetative-vascular dystonia, diseases of the ENT organs, fluid stagnation in the body.
In the US and Europe, this technique is widely used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, postpartum depression, some mental disorders, emotional exhaustion.
When will the first results appear?
The first results appear already in the first hours after a massage session - patients feel light and relaxed, note the disappearance of headaches, stiffness and heaviness in the spine. The effect of one procedure lasts about 3-4 days.
If we are talking about the treatment of some serious disease or the general improvement of the whole organism, then, of course, forit takes at least a few months to get a visible effect.
Contraindications for massage
Craniosacral therapy has practically no contraindications and can be used both according to the doctor's indications and for general disease prevention. However, before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination of the body.
Firstly, massage is not performed in the presence of any infectious diseases - in this case, you must first undergo the appropriate course of treatment. Secondly, contraindications are oncological diseases, as well as acute thrombosis and aneurysm.
Can these techniques be used to treat children?
Of course, CranioSacral Therapy for children will be no less useful than for adult patients. With the help of this technique, a variety of disorders and developmental disorders are corrected.
To begin with, it is worth noting that this technique is used when physical development is slowed down, for example, if the baby cannot hold his head, sit or crawl on his own. It is also effective for a weak sucking reflex. Regular massage sessions strengthen muscles, contribute to the normal development of the immune system, and also normalize the functioning of the digestive tract. Statistical surveys have confirmed that children after such treatment become less restless, sleep well, cry less often. The technique is effective if it is necessary to correct the shape of the skull, broken as a result of a difficult birth.
Craniosacral Therapy Reviews
Feedback on this technique is positive. Adult patients notice almost instant improvements. For children, cranial therapy helps to develop the musculoskeletal and nervous systems normally.
Many people are wondering where CranioSacral Therapy is performed. Moscow, and indeed any big city, as a rule, offers the services of specialized clinics. But you should carefully consider the choice of an osteopath, since a poorly performed massage will not only not improve the state of he alth, but can also harm.
Of course, CranioSacral Therapy is not a panacea for all diseases. But such a practice really helps to improve the physical and emotional state, correct spinal defects and speed up the healing process against the background of conservative therapy.
