Craniosacral

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a form of bodywork or alternative therapy that uses gentle touch to manipulate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium. A practitioner of craniosacral therapy may also apply light touches to a patient's spine and pelvic bones. Practitioners believe that this manipulation regulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and aids in "primary respiration".

History

Craniosacral therapy was developed by John Upledger, D.O. in the 1970s, as an offshoot discipline of osteopathy in the cranial field, or cranial osteopathy, which was developed in the 1930s by William Garner Sutherland.

Theory and practice

According to Upledger, the therapy is performed on a person clothed and is non-invasive. The practitioner examines the patient's craniosacral system by testing for ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.

Effectiveness and reception

Craniosacral therapy has been characterized as pseudoscience. One of the major criticisms is the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy beyond a placebo effect. The British Columbia Medical Association has denounced craniosacral therapy, stating, "There is no acceptable evidence that 'craniosacral therapy' provides any health benefit".

See also

• List of ineffective cancer treatments
• Energy medicine
• Manual therapy

External links

• Upledger Institute
• Craniosacral Therapy Association (UK)

Craniosacral Resources
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