CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Fundamentally, Cranio Sacral Therapy helps remove trauma from the body. This can be physical trauma, like a car accident, a fall on the back steps or a difficult birth. Trauma can also be emotional, like a deep shock, prolonged unhappiness or witnessing violence. Trauma leaves an imprint in the body which, over time, can inhibit normal function and cause pain.
How does Craniosacral Therapy work?
In the example of a car accident, the broken bones and lacerations caused by the accident will heal within a matter of months, but the physical after effects can go on for years. This is because the crash leaves a deep but subtle imprint in the body. Over time these imprinted patterns of restriction can inhibit the bodys natural function, causing an array of symptoms which progressively worsen.
The body tries to release these patterns of restrictions from the moment they are imprinted. Under the right circumstances it can spontaneously free itself of these restrictive patterns. However, if the imprint is too intense, it overwhelms the bodys ability to affect a release. Cranio Sacral therapists work with this naturally occurring release mechanism, inducing the ‘right’ circumstances under which a natural release occurs. With emotional trauma, the process of imprinting a restriction pattern happens in the same way. An intense emotional trauma can be imprinted in the body leaving restrictions which can cause significant physical problems.
Treatment
There are two aspects to the process of a Cranio Sacral treatment. The first is to locate the primary restriction causing the problem. The second is to encourage this restriction to release. The Cranio Sacral therapist uses highly refined palpatory skills to perceive areas of restriction. Palpation is defined as ‘listening with the hands.’ Rather than pushing or manipulating the body into a ‘correct’ position, a Cranio Sacral therapist uses techniques to assist the body to release its own restrictions. When restrictions are released in this way, they are gone for good. Once a treatment program is complete there is no need for follow up or maintenance programs, unless desired. A Cranio Sacral treatment program generally requires 8 – 10 treatments at weekly intervals. Each case is different and your therapist will discuss this with you.
What does your therapist actually do?
The Cranio Sacral therapist works on different areas of the body in a gentle and non invasive way. It is not necessary for the person to remove any clothing. The therapist uses their hands to listen closely to the persons body, assessing the integrity of internal structures. This thorough listening allows the therapist to discern patterns of restriction and most importantly the primary restriction.
A very light touch is required to clearly ‘hear’ the patterns of restriction, as a heavy touch will inhibit this information. On the first visit the therapist will take a comprehensive case history and create a progress diary which will be updated throughout your treatment program.
Conditions Treated
The cranium is sensitive to minute misalignments – as little as 10 microns. A sheet of writing paper is 100 microns thick. The Cranio Sacral system envelops the central nervous system which controls every function of the body. The reciprocal nature of the Cranio Sacral system means that a restriction in one part of the system has the potential to cause pain or symptoms anywhere in the body – not just at the site of the restriction. Consequently, the range of conditions that Cranio Sacral Therapy effectively treats is long and diverse. What follows is by no means an exhaustive list.
1) RESTRICTED DRAINAGE
Blood is pumped into the head by the heart, and it relies on clear drainage channels to leave the head freely. Drainage happens through a network of channels, including veins, lymphatic pathways and foramina.
When these drainage channels become restricted, fluid can build up, leaving the head feeling congested or “overfull.” This increased pressure can affect the brain and contribute to a range of symptoms, including, headaches, brain fog, dizziness, visual disturbances and fatigue. By addressing restrictions in the drainage pathways, blood and cerebrospinal fluid can flow more freely, reducing pressure and often alleviating symptoms.
2) BACK AND NECK
Neck and back pain are among the most common types of chronic discomfort. While many treatments can offer temporary relief, long-term improvement often depends on identifying the true source of the problem—which isn’t always straightforward.
In some cases, the issue lies not in the bones and muscles themselves, but in the membranes surrounding the spine. If treatment focuses only on the bones for example, relief may be short-lived. These deeper tension patterns can develop from a variety of things such as direct physical trauma, old injuries, emotional origins and long-standing restrictions. These can gradually tighten surrounding tissues and may compress nearby nerves. Surgical procedures, while sometimes necessary, can also introduce new layers of trauma without fully resolving the original issue.
The neck is particularly sensitive. It absorbs impact from head injuries and whiplash and is a common area where stress builds up. Restrictions in the neck can lead to headaches, digestive disturbances, tingling or numbness in the arms and even frozen shoulder.
In teenagers, uneven growth of the spinal membranes may contribute to scoliosis, especially if there’s a history of injury or imbalance in the back or legs. Understanding these deeper connections can help guide more effective and lasting approaches to treatment.
3) HEAD INJURIES
The after-effect of head injuries can be diverse and subtle, including migraine headaches, prolong confusion, depression, personality changes or simply a feeling of being not quite right. These symptoms often have their origin in restriction patterns caused by the accident and can be helped greatly by Cranio Sacral treatment.
4) HEADACHES
Trauma to the Cranio Sacral system such as whiplash, head injuries, meningitis, falls on the tailbone or accumulated stress, can all lead to prolonged head pain and migraine headaches. Dental work can also contribute. Braces, bridges, splints, poorly fitting dentures, or incompatible fillings may interfere with the natural movement of the bones & membranes in the skull and jaw. When this movement is restricted, it can create tension patterns that lead to persistent headaches. In some cases, poor drainage from the head—due to these restrictions—can cause sinus pressure and inflammation, which may trigger sinus-related headaches. Importantly, the source of the restriction isn’t always in the head itself. Areas like the spine, pelvis, or jaw can influence the Craniosacral system and contribute to head pain, due to the reciprocal nature of the system.
6) DEPRESSION
Compression of one of the central joints the cranium can lead to depression. When depression is caused by compression of this joint, its release has been described as “a great weight lifted off”
7) BIRTH
Birth is a powerful and intense experience—not just for parents, but for babies too. As a baby moves through the birth canal, their body goes through a tremendous amount of pressure. The soft bones and membranes in their skull shift and adjust with each contraction to help them arrive safely. Even in smooth deliveries, this pressure can shape the way their skull develops. Some births are more complicated. Tools like forceps or suction caps may be used to assist, which can place extra strain on their body. In other cases, the umbilical cord might wrap around the neck, or the baby may become stuck in the pelvis for a long time before a caesarean birth is needed. That sudden change in pressure—like a deep-sea diver rising quickly to the surface—can be a shock to the baby’s system.
Thankfully, babies are incredibly resilient. Their bodies are soft and flexible, designed to handle the challenges of birth. After delivery, the skull begins to reshape naturally. But sometimes, restrictions or misalignments in the bones and membranes can remain. These may be apparent early, in the way of colic, reflux, sleep issues etc. Or, they may not be noticeable right away, but as your child grows, they could affect things like learning, behaviour, or coordination. Craniosacral therapy can help release these tensions and support your child’s development.
8) BABIES
Feeding challenges, persistent reflux, and prolonged colic in infants may arise as a result of restriction in the upper abdominal region, including around the pylorus. These restrictions can result from the baby being positioned awkwardly in the womb, the birthing process, falls and knocks to the head or from early clamping of the umbilical cord—a situation sometimes referred to as "umbilical shock." This early intervention may contribute to heightened stress responses or increased irritability in the child. Compression of the temporal bones in the skull can affect the vagus nerve. This type of tension is often linked to digestive disturbances as the vagus nerve plays a key role in digestion.
A difficult birth or fall on the head may cause a restriction in the cranium or the system, leading to sleeping difficulties. Interestingly, the vagus nerve also plays an important role in sleep regulation, due to its connection with the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your nervous system responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery. When vagal tone is optimal, the vagus nerve helps shift the body out of “fight or flight” mode and into “rest and digest,” creating the ideal conditions for deep, restorative sleep.
9) CHILDREN
The effects of Craniosacral therapy in children can be especially rewarding. Many challenges that impact a child’s health, behaviour, or learning may be linked to subtle restrictions in the craniosacral system. These restrictions may begin at birth—for example, compression of the skull during delivery can affect how blood drains from the head. Pressure on the temporal bones may interfere with circulation and has been associated with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Similarly, tension in the neck can affect ear drainage, making children more prone to recurring ear infections. When treated repeatedly with antibiotics, this can lead to a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, known as glue ear, which may affect hearing and speech development.
Behavioural concerns such as tantrums, hyperactivity, and emotional sensitivity may also be related to misalignments in the cranial bones. Additionally, physical injuries or emotionally stressful experiences can create patterns of tension that become stored in the body. Craniosacral therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive way to release these restrictions, helping children feel more balanced and supporting their natural development.
Would you like this integrated with your other content on sleep, digestion, and the vagus nerve for a complete child wellness page?
10) AFTER-EFFECTS OF MENINGITIS
Meningitis is an infection that affects the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While the acute infection may resolve, it can leave behind scarring in these delicate tissues. This scarring can create tension and restrictions within the craniosacral system, potentially impacting neurological and physical function.
The long-term effects of meningitis vary depending on the severity and location of the scarring. In some cases, residual tension in the membranes may contribute to conditions such as epilepsy, cognitive challenges, migraines, chronic back or neck pain, and even mood disorders like depression. These symptoms may stem from disrupted fluid flow, nerve irritation, or imbalances in the central nervous system caused by post-infectious restrictions.
While each individual responds differently, many find relief and improved well-being through this supportive therapy.
How Did Craniosacral Therapy Start?
Cranial work for healing has roots in many ancient cultures, but its modern scientific foundation began in the 1930s with Dr. William Sutherland, an American osteopath. He discovered that the bones of the skull are not fixed, but capable of subtle movement—and that restrictions in this movement can affect the entire body. His research led to the development of 'Cranial Osteopathy', a gentle approach to restoring balance through the cranial system.
In the late 1970s, Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic physician and surgeon, expanded on Sutherland’s work. He shifted the focus from the bones of the skull to the **membranes and cerebrospinal fluid** that surround the brain and spinal cord. This deeper understanding led him to develop Craniosacral Therapy—a gentle, hands-on technique that supports the body’s natural healing processes.
Today, Craniosacral Therapy is practiced across Europe, North America, and beyond by a wide range of healthcare professionals, including osteopaths, physiotherapists, dentists, and doctors. The approach continues to evolve, enriched by practitioners around the world who use this subtle yet powerful therapy to support physical and emotional well-being.
TISSUE MEMORY
Memory is not only stored in the brain. Our entire bodies are receptors for lifes experiences and every cell of the body has the capacity to store experiences as memory. It is known as tissue or cellular memory.
This invites a paradigm shift: memory can emerge from the collective intelligence of all our cells, not solely the synapses of the brain. For example, research into heart‐transplant recipients revealed that a portion developed preferences and behaviours mirroring their donors. These included changes in food cravings, artistic interests, and even dream content referencing donor experiences.
Cellular memories are often released during Cranio Sacral Therapy and can be vivid and complete. Complete, meaning there is no residue or trauma left in the person.
What remains is a window of opportunity for change and freedom.