Craniosacral therapy

History of craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy has its roots in osteopathy, which was founded in the late 19th century by American physician Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. Still developed osteopathy as a holistic approach to health that focuses on the balance of the body's structures and their impact on overall health. In the early 20th century, one of his students, Dr. William Sutherland, made the revolutionary discovery that the bones of the skull were not rigidly fused, as had been believed until then, but had a gentle, natural mobility. This discovery led Sutherland to develop cranial osteopathy, which focuses on working with this fine mobility and its effect on health.

Over the next few decades, Sutherland developed his method and investigated how the movements of the bones of the skull affect the cerebrospinal fluid, the nervous system, and the overall health of the person. His work gradually became the basis for a new therapeutic practice, but it remained relatively unknown until the 1970s. At this time, Dr. John Upledger, an American osteopath and physician, stumbled upon Sutherland's discoveries, and during his own surgical procedures, he noticed subtle rhythmic movements that could not be explained by then-known physiological processes.

Dr. Upledger decided to explore these movements further and based on his findings, he created the concept of craniosacral therapy, which combined working with the craniosacral system with supporting the body's natural healing abilities. In 1983, he founded the Upledger Institute in Florida, where he began training therapists in this method. Craniosacral therapy continues to evolve dynamically and is enriched by new techniques and approaches. 

How the craniosacral therapy session works

In the initial interview, we'll talk about your history and the intention you're coming up with. Using craniosacral approaches, it is possible to work with topics both physical and psychological, emotional, etc. The beautiful thing about craniosacral practice is that you don't have to come in at all just to "solve a problem", but we can work just as well to strengthen your resources and what works. The treatment itself is done in clothing, usually lying on a massage couch. In craniosacral practice, we work through touch, but unlike massage, for example, this is more static. The emphasis is on the safety and competence of the client, where you are continuously informed and oriented to the movements and sensations of the practitioner, while at the same time being able to provide feedback yourself at any time. The treatment usually has no pre-determined framework, but the techniques chosen are based on your current needs and intentions. Each treatment is unique, as are the sensations you can observe in your body during it - so each session can also be seen as a voyage of discovery into your inner space:-). At the end of the treatment, the practitioner supports the ideal integration of the changes that have taken place in your body. In the final conversation, it is then possible to reflect on the processes that have taken place, to ask questions, and to settle from a state of deep relaxation back into normal functioning.

The craniosacral treatment and integration of the changes may linger for several days. Treat yourself to a more relaxed regimen after treatment, a relaxing activity that feels good to you. It is recommended not to drink alcohol on the day of treatment and to avoid major physical and mental stress after treatment.