This document provides an overview of craniosacral therapy, including its history, principles, techniques, and applications. It describes how craniosacral therapy involves gentle manual treatment of the cranial bones and spinal column to relieve restrictions and balance the craniosacral rhythm. Key aspects covered include the cranial motion patterns, assessment methods involving palpation of cranial structures, different treatment techniques, indications for its use, and contraindications.

1. R A D HI K A C H IN T A M A N I
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

2. CONTENTS
Cranial structures and their mobility
Cranial rhythmic impulse
Origin and history of craniosacral therapy
Principles of CS therapy
Assessment
Techniques-palpation and treatment
Indications
Contraindications
Applications
Summary
References

3. Cranial structures and their mobility
 Sutherland described primary respiratory mechanism-the motive force for cranial
motion.
 Cranio-sacral rhythm has a frequency of 6-12 cycles/min. sensed by means of
palpation over the whole body.

4. Major sutures and fontanelles

5. Role of reciprocal tension membranes
They are formed by
creases of cranial dura
hence comprise of double
thickness.
Plastic deformation of
these transmits tension
to others.
Provide 3-dimensional
internal support to the
cranium.
Limit motion of cranial
sutures.

6. Reciprocal tension membranes
Direct link via dura & cord between occiput & sacrum
Cranial motion
Force transmitted via dura to sacrum
Involuntary motion in sacrum
CRANIOSACRAL
MOTION
MECHANICS

7. Cranial rhythmic impulse
Falx moves posteriorly and inferiorly
Tentorium drawn laterally
Spinal dura moves superiorly
At anterior face of sacral canal at S2
Leading to spinal flexion
Flow
of CSF

8. Cranial motion patterns
Component Cranial Flexion Cranial Extension
Occipital base Anteriorly/superiorly Posteriorly/inferiorly
Sacral base Posteriorly/superriorly Anteriorly/inferiorly
Midline bones Flex Return to starting
position
Paired bones Externally rotate Internally rotate
Diameters Transverse increases; AP
decreases; vertex flattens
Transverse decreases;
AP increases; vertex
elevated
Tentorium cerebelli Flattens Domes
Falx cerebri Shortens from front to
back
Restored to normal
position
Spinal column Straightens Restored to normal
position
Ventricles Fill Empty

9. Craniosacral therapy
Gentle, hands-on treatment method that focuses
on alleviating restrictions to physiological motion
of all the bones of the skull, including face and
mouth as well as vertebral column, sacrum, coccyx
and pelvis.

10. Origin and history
 In 17th century, Italian
researcher discovered
rhythmic movement of brain
membranes and meninges.
 Further research conducted by
Sutherland.
 Techniques developed by John
Upledger.

11. Principles of CS therapy
Body is a unity.
Person is a unity, made up of body, mind and spirit.
There is an interaction between structure and function
in which each influences other.
Body is able to :
1. Regulate itself (self-regulation)
2. Heal itself (self healing)
3. Maintain its state of health.

12. Assessment
Cranial observation
Cranial structure palpation
Associate with signs and symptoms.

13. Cranial observation
Dysfunction
pattern
Head Forehead Eyes Paired bones Ears
Locked in
flexion phase-
extension
restricted
Increased
width
Wide/sloping Prominent Rotated
externally
Protrude
Locked in
extension
phase-flexion
restricted
Narrow Slopes
vertically
Recede Rotated
internally
Flat to head

14. Cranial structure palpation-
Types of holds

17. Sacral hold

18. Techniques-palpation and treatment
Types of techniques:
1. Direct techniques: engaging and moving the
bone/tissues directly towards the direction of
restriction.
2. Indirect techniques: moving the bones and
soft tissues towards direction of greatest ease.
3. Separation/disengagement techniques:
restricted articulation is separated using mild
force.
4. Moulding: done on infant skulls. External forces
are applied to alter contour of bone.

19. Meaning of release(signs)
Steady or stronger pulsation.
Greater warmth enters the area.
Definite change in palpated tone.
Lengthening or freeing up of tissues being held is
perceived.
Patient signs- flushing, change in skin color,
perspiration on lip or brow.

20. Treatment protocol
Between 6-10 of one hour sessions are usually
recommended.
Intervals between sessions- should be decided by the
practitioner and based on individual patient’s
condition and tolerance.

21. Still points
It is the point at which the Cranio-sacral rhythm stands
still.
Occurs as a part of dysfunction or can be induced
therapeutically.
Induced by either resisting the flexion or the extension
phase.
Uses:
1. balancing technique for the craniosacral system.
2. to release accumulated stress.
3. improves fluid exchange between the various
physiological compartments of the body, as well as
improving blood flow by reducing sympathetic nervous
tone.

22. Still point induction manually
Still point inducer
device-foam globe

23. Indications
Allergies
Birth preparation
Relaxation
Hyperactivity
Headaches
Painful menstruation
Sleep disturbances
Back ache

24. Contraindications
Absolute contraindications:
1. Acute inflammation (meningitis)
2. Severe or open wounds
3. Skull fractures
4. Cardiac arrest (acute phase)
5. Stroke (acute phase)
6. Unclarified infection

25. Relative contraindications
Acute severe pain
Concussion
Whiplash injury
Multiple sclerosis
Epilepsy
Psychological illnesses
Osteoporosis

26. Equine Craniosacral therapy

27. Infant Craniosacral therapy

28. Aqua cranio-sacral therapy

29. References
Upledger JE. Your inner physician and you: CranioSacral
therapy and SomatoEmotional release. North Atlantic
Books; 1997.