Craniosacral Technique
Developed by John Upledger, DO. Craniosacral technique restores the mobility of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and its attachments to the bones of the skull, neck and tailbone. The part evaluated is called the meninges. Meniges is the tough, three-layered covering of the spinal cord.
The Anatomy
If you were to open the top of a skull to look at it, the outermost layer of the meninges would be stuck to the bone. The second layer would cover the whole brain and the third layer would travel in and out of the cracks and crevices of the brain. The spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that the brain depends on for life and health circulates between the second and third layer of the meninges. These three layers continue around the brain, anchor at the opening of the skull into the spinal canal and cover the length of the spinal cord. Finally, the meninges attaches at the tailbone (the second sacral vertebra). The spinal fluid is produced in the brain, circulated down the spinal cord and back up to the brain, where it drains into the circulatory system and is eliminated.
The Theory
The whole theory of the technique hinges on the controversial idea that the bones of the skull do not fuse together entirely as we age. Dr. Upledger has done research to show there are collagen fibers, elastic fibers, nerve cells and vasular plexes inside the cracks (sutures) of the skull. He claims this means they participate in the regulation of brain pressure. Because the bones are theoretically not fused, the practitioner is able to feel the slow wave-like motion of the spinal fluid as it exerts force on the cranium while it is filling and draining and make judgments about the quality of that movement.
Dysfunction in the System
Causes of dysfunction:
- Blow to the head, face or tailbone
- Traction injury such as whiplash or fall
- Infection of the nervous system causing scarring
- Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Trauma to the head or nervous system during birth
- Stress for prolonged periods of time
- Spinal or epidural anesthesia
- Grinding teeth
Symptoms of Craniosacral dysfunction:
- Headache or migraine
- Pain anywhere along the spine
- Inability to achieve flexibility of the spine, neck, or hamstrings despite consistent stretching
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Morning stiffness
- Ringing in the ears
Any of the above symptoms can be a sign of a serious medical problem. Your physician should be consulted first.
How it feels
The therapist uses a gentle touch at different points of the cranium:
- Temples
- Forehead
- By the ears
- Back of the head
- Tailbone
The client usually describes the treatment as deeply relaxing. The touch stays light to keep the sensitive neural tissues from contracting away from the touch. The practitioner uses the crania bones as "handles" to stretch the meningeal membranes. The result is improved mobility of the spine and decreased pain.
The neck bone is connected to the...
Dr. Upledger emphasizes throughout his books the interrelated quality of all the body's tissue and systems. Tight fascia in the floor of the pelvis or low back can change the ability of the tailbone to move freely. This in turn can alter movement through the whole chain of the meninges up to the skull. It takes a seasoned examiner to determine which (if any) of these disturbances are important and/or related to a person's symptoms.
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