FEATURE

Craniosacral Therapy Stimulates Healing, Relieves Pain and Stress

 

 

By Molly O'Leary, DC

 

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that affects your whole body. By treating the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes all your nerves, muscles, and bones, it stimulates your body’s natural ability to heal itself in the same way it naturally heals a wound or your immune system fights disease.

 

The craniosacral system includes the soft tissues of the spine and the cerebrospinal fluid that cushions and protects your brain and spinal cord – the central nervous system. The craniosacral system has a significant influence on the central nervous system. Daily stress can cause tightening of the fascia, the soft tissue that affects the central nervous system, which in turn can affect the entire body. Craniosacral therapy frees the central nervous system to perform at its best, and helps to naturally reduce pain and stress.

 

Fascia is the Key to Craniosacral Therapy

The fascia is made of collagen fibers. These are the body’s tough connective tissues that have been called the body stocking under the skin that helps to hold us together. For example, the fascia keeps our livers in place, and it envelops each and every structure of the body. Every nerve has its own fascial sheath or envelope, as even the largest bone has a sheath.

 

All body parts are interconnected by the fascia. This means that abnormal tension patterns, or pain, may be transmitted from one body part to another in what, at first glance, appear to be the most bizarre ways until you realize the comprehensive nature of the fascial system.

 

How Craniosacral Therapy Works

By gently manipulating the fascia, craniosacral therapy uses the bones to move the soft tissue.

 

Light pressure relieves the tension and stress of daily life on your central nervous system. This releases tensions deep in the body, relieves pain and dysfunction, and improves whole-body health, performance and overall well-being.

 

Conditions Treated

Craniosacral therapy is effective for many conditions, including:

 

· ADD/ADHD  .

· Bone and muscle disorders.

· Chronic fatigue.

· Chronic neck and back pain.

· Chronic stress and anxiety.

· Fibromyalgia.

· Learning disabilities.

· Migraines and headaches.

· Motor-coordination impairments.

· Orthopedic disorders.

· Post-concussion symptoms.

· Post-traumatic stress disorder.

· Scoliosis.

· Spinal cord injuries.

· Tinnitus.

· TMJ syndrome.

 

Your Craniosacral Therapy Session

In my office, I evaluate and treat the craniosacral system using gentle pressure on your head, mid-back, or lower back as needed. Fully clothed, you lie still on a comfortable massage table in a quiet, peaceful environment. Craniosacral therapy is deeply relaxing, and you may even sleep through your session.

 

You may have craniosacral therapy alone or in combination with chiropractic adjustment and acupuncture, depending on your condition. Your session will take about an hour.

About craniosacral therapy

John E. Upledger, DO, developed craniosacral therapy in the 1970s. Dr. Upledger was a clinical researcher and professor of biomechanics at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1975-1983. His research verified the existence, influence, and function of the craniosacral system. Craniosacral therapy is taught worldwide to healthcare professionals through Upledger Institute International’s educational programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molly O’Leary, DC, is an experienced craniosacral therapy provider in Kansas City who combines it with other therapies. A chiropractor since 1988, she has been a Missouri state-certified acupuncturist since 1994 and is a Diplomate through Acupuncture Society of America. Visit Molly’s Healingworks or call 816-444-4214.

Evolving Magazine