Overview

Craniosacral therapy is explained by its practitioners as the detection and subsequent facilitation of the body’s inherent life force through gentle touch anywhere on the body, but principally at the cranium (base of the skull) or sacrum (the bony structure at the very base of the spinal cord, felt at the small of one's back). It is thought that this will allow the life force (also referred to as "The Breath of Life") to flow unhindered throughout the entire body, and therefore the body will regain its natural ability to heal itself. 

This “life force” is felt by the craniosacral therapist as an extremely subtle pulse, referred to as the cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI), and is very distinct from the pulse of arteries brought about by the heartbeat which can be felt at the wrist and neck. The CRI fluctuates between 8 to 12 cycles/minute, and is thought to be due primarily to a slight pulsation of cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Since no muscles have been identified which would cause the CRI (as the heart’s beating causes the arterial pulse), it is thought that its driving force is indeed the Breath of Life. The reason given that the CRI can be felt anywhere on the body is that this rhythmic motion issues forth from the craniosacral system into all the tissues of the body. This process is collectively termed "the primary respiratory mechanism," and refers to fluid exchange in the cells, not gas exchange in the lungs. 

The craniosacral therapist does not massage or manipulate the patient in any way to treat disease. Rather, he or she facilitates the body itself to release restrictions in the flow of life force by means of gentle touch. In fact, the remedial touch is the same as the diagnostic touch. Some of the most common ailments treated by craniosacral therapy include migraine headaches, back and neck pain, muscle pain, emotional problems, TMJ/jaw disorders, and chronic fatigue. However, some therapists also treat diseases such as asthma, infertility, sinusitis, and visual problems. 

Craniosacral therapy is very safe and has very few contraindications, which include: acute raised intracranial pressure, a recent cerebrovascular accident (stroke), or a recent fracture of the skull or pelvis.