In craniosacral Osteopathy The therapist senses the mobility of the individual skull bones, the rhythmic movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (fluid of the nervous system), and dural tensions (meninges). This approach originated with the osteopath William Garner Sutherland and was first described for the head (cranium) and sacrum. He named this branch of osteopathy craniosacral osteopathy.
Osteopathic therapists today can perceive the rhythmic fluid movements throughout the body in order to treat the restricted mobility of the entire organism.
Craniosacral osteopathy is of paramount importance in osteopathic therapy because, in addition to the central nervous system (CNS, spinal cord), several cranial nerves also exit the skull base, thus significantly influencing the entire body's statics. Only with functional mobility of the cranium is the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid and optimal functioning of the cranial nerves possible. Almost any pelvic misalignment can be positively influenced by craniosacral treatment. Thus, the entire spine is realigned as a result of the reorganization of the nerve-controlled muscle chains.
However, the key to the success of craniosacral osteopathy is an accurate diagnosis. This includes both the experience of the osteopathic therapist and the patient history. Most patients come to our practice with complaints that are multifactorial. Multiple primary lesions overlap, which is why an interdisciplinary approach is advisable.
Optimal adjustment of the craniosacral system often makes risky chiropractic interventions unnecessary.
Craniosacral therapy
After ruling out contraindications, the osteopath gently loosens the connections between the skull bones (saturates) and then realigns the individual skull bones into a symmetrical arrangement. Gentle craniosacral osteopathy techniques can improve the rhythmic pulsation of the dural tube. These techniques are applied to the skull as well as to all other body structures. The osteopath palpates all body regions to assess whether the pulsation of the craniosacral system flows freely throughout the body.
Science and Craniosacral Osteopathy
The effectiveness of craniosacral osteopathy is currently scientifically controversial. On the one hand, double-blind studies are virtually impossible, and on the other, it's hard to find sponsors willing to invest in complex scientific studies. Furthermore, there are no uniform training criteria, so therapeutic skills depend largely on the skill and experience of the individual therapist.
