An amazing contrast: how can such small movements shake so deeply? 😄
Craniosacral osteopathy: definition
Craniosacral therapy or cranial osteopathy was defined in the United States in the 20th century.
However, its origins go back to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
It is based on the mobility of the cranial bones and the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid.
This fluid has its own pulsation around the craniosacral system, which includes:
- The skull
- The backbone.
- The sacrum.
- The nervous system.
An imbalance in the cerebrospinal fluid is an indicator of a physical, emotional or energetic imbalance.
Through subtle cranial contacts, it is possible to restore balance, with the aim of favoring self-healing.
How does cranial osteopathy work?
Cerebrospinal fluids have several functions:
- To facilitate communication between the nervous system and the immune system.
- To protect the brain.
- To transport cells.
- To eliminate waste products.
The smooth circulation of this fluid is essential for good health.
Cranial-sacral therapy uses pulsation as a :
- A source of information about imbalances.
- A way of restoring harmony.
It is another tool at our disposal to detect blockages and release them.
How does a session take place?
The therapist will first ask about the reasons for the consultation and the state of health.
The patient is dressed, sitting or lying on a massage table.
The practitioner makes gentle touches or movements to different parts, particularly on the head.
The cerebrospinal fluid is subtly felt by light pressure from the fingers, hence the gentleness of the manipulations.
A session usually lasts 1 hour.
Several appointments may be necessary.
For which conditions?
Craniosacral therapy can be used at any age, as well as for infants and pregnant women.
It has shown interesting results in cases of :
- Headache.
- Stress.
- Depression.
- Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.
- Insomnia.
- Heart problems.
- Digestive disorders.
- Fatigue.
- Concentration problems.
- Respiratory problems.
It is a complementary therapy that does not replace medical treatment.
Contraindications
- Fever.
- Inflammation following injury or surgery.
- Recent stroke.
Conclusion
What is craniosacral therapy?
It is an ancestral Amerindian knowledge consisting of listening to the body via the rhythm of the cerebral spinal fluid.
Once the blockages have been identified, they can be released by gentle manipulation.