Cranio-sacral therapy promotes the optimal movement between cranium (tiny skull bones) and sacrum. It is especially suited to infants and young children who have recently experienced birth trauma (that’s all of us as even the most straightforward birth is traumatic to some degree). The chiropractor works ever so gently work with the cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia. As with a more traditional adjustment, any compromises in the nervous system (subluxations) are released as the bones are aligned to a more comfortable position. This sounds severe, but the movements are, in reality, incredibly small and gentle.
History of Cranio-sacral technique
Cranial Osteopathy was originated by physician William Sutherland in 1898-1900 when he looked at a skull and realised the parietal bones were bevelled, allowing movement. He suggested that the dural membranes suspend the cranial bones under tension (reciprocal tension membrane system – RTM), the sacrum moving in sympathy with the cranial bones. He observed that these movements are inextricably linked with mental and emotional health and that restriction of these movements corresponds to a reduction of the natural capacity to self-heal.
Since this time the chiropractic and osteopathic professions have worked in unison to develop the techniques involved in cranio-sacral work. All over the world chiropractors use cranio-sacral techniques, especially with newborns to ensure they have a great start to life.
What cranio-sacral means to us
At Putney Chiropratic, we are proficient in gentle spinal and cranial techniques aimed to improve the function of your child’s spine, nervous system and cranial system. See the bottom of this page for an article discussing the many common childhood problems that chiropractic is beginning to show effectiveness in treating. Our chiropractors also use gentle cranio-sacral techniques to ensure that your baby is adjusted carefully and precisely allowing their nervous, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to work to their optimum. As babies grow so fast it is essential for their spines and cranial system to be balanced before compensation occurs.
Dr Luke on cranio-sacral:
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“It focuses on restoring optimal flow of the fluid that surrounds the brain and central nervous system. Fluid is pumped between the head and pelvis by the natural movement of the cranial bones and pelvic co-ordination, however, when this natural process is hindered the fluid can become static and have wide neurological implications. I’ve seen Cranio-sacral techniques work wonders on patients presenting with headaches, migraines, lower back pain, sinusitis, ear infections… the list goes on.”
Dr Bec on cranio-sacral:
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“As chiropractors, we often see newborns, children or even adults who require some cranio-sacral balancing due to the trauma of the birthing process, intervention, falls and accidents or sporting injuries. Your head is made up of many bones that fit together like pieces of a puzzle protecting your most vital organ, your brain. Cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, is a clear fluid which is gently moved around your brain and spinal cord through the subtle, pumping mechanism of your cranial bones and pelvis. Chiropractors are trained to detect this subtle movement and find any potential areas where this normal motion is interrupted. Using very gentle techniques, we can safely and effectively correct any restrictions to help enhance the flow of CSF, allowing optimal brain and neurological function. As a result people may experience relief from aches and pains- including headaches and migraines- through to colds, ear aches and jaw problems.”
Dr Edwina on cranio-sacral:
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“Cranial treatment is applicable to all ages, from the newborn through to old age. The primary respiratory mechanism is palpable in the cranium, and through the rest of the body, as we inhale and exhale. This is seen as fluctuations in cerebrospinal fluid, articular mobility of the cranial bones, and mobility of the sacrum. A lack of normal function in this primary respiratory mechanism can cause potential dysfunction anywhere in the body, as it compromises the nervous system – the communication pathway between the brain and the body. This disruption to the PRM can be caused by trauma, disease, exposure to pollution, medication or recreational drugs, stress or allergic substances, to name a few. Your chiropractor, by feeling the rhythmic motion of the cranio-sacral mechanism can gently, naturally, and effectively restore this balance between cranium and sacrum thus restoring normal function to the body.”
Further research and information
If you wish to find out more on the current level of research supporting the effectiveness of Chiropractic in treating ear infections, infantile colic, bedwetting, asthma, scoliosis, ADHD and headache, please read the comprehensive pdf file “Infant and Child Chiropractic Care”. Download PDF
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