Where did Craniosacral Therapy Come From? (Part 2)
This is part 2 of a 2 part article.
We shared in Part 1, that Craniosacral therapy (CST) has its roots in osteopathy, thanks to the genius of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century (if you haven’t read that one, take a minute…I’ll wait) but it was largely Dr. John Upledger who, beginning in the 1970s, developed Craniosacral Therapy as the treatment modality most of us now know: a non-invasive, gentle, hands-on approach that aims to enhance the body's natural healing processes that can be applied to the entire body.
Upledger, an osteopathic physician, became interested in cranial bone and membrane movement during a surgical procedure. Observing the subtle movement of the Dura Mater (the tough mother membrane covering the brain and spinal cord), he became intrigued and began extensive research, leveraging his position as an instructor at the University of Michigan medical school to conduct many experiments, often cross-disciplined (neuroscience, anatomy, biology, pathology, physical therapy, etc.).
In 1983, Upledger founded the Upledger Institute and began formal training programs for practitioners, which played a significant role in disseminating the principles and techniques of craniosacral therapy. His approach emphasized gentle touch stimulation and sometimes manipulation of the skull, spine, and sacrum to enhance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and promote the body's natural healing processes, often referred to as biomechanical craniosacral therapy. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy was developed initially by Dr. James Jealous and Dr. Franklin Sills in the late 20th century, during the 1980s. Dr. Jealous later expanded the practice of biodynamic CST, integrating aspects of consciousness and a more holistic approach to the therapy, techniques and philosophy. At the same time Dr. Hugh Milne was developing the Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Therapy, a form that leverages an energetic component to CST. There are many contributors to the science, all of them are evolutions of the original cranial osteopathy developed by Dr. William Sutherland in the early 1900s.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, craniosacral therapy gained recognition within complementary and alternative medicine. Since then, other physicians, practitioners and researchers have continued to expand our understanding of the fundamentals and applications of craniosacral therapy.
Though the therapy still experiences opposition, it has been shown to be beneficial for a wide variety of conditions and challenges, including joint and muscle pain, concussions, TMJ, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, anxiety digestive issues and more (See this list of studies). It encourages better alignment, balance within the body and improved circulation, which can lead to enhanced bodily functions and improved health outcomes, all of which make it a valuable complement to traditional medical treatments.
From a mental health standpoint, CST supports the body’s nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. By facilitating a deep state of relaxation, it can help decrease the symptoms of anxiety and stress-related disorders.
This calming effect can lead to improved emotional health and overall well-being as well as enhancing the function of the immune system. By improving the body's ability to manage stress and promoting relaxation, CST creates an environment conducive to healing.
Craniosacral therapy continues to evolve, as more and more physicians, practitioners and schools of oseopathy further research and develop their techniques and philosophies. While some remain rooted in Upledger’s foundational work and biodynamic craniosacral therapy, others integrate their own research or elements from various other therapeutic disciplines, such as myofascial release and energy work (like us!).
Today, craniosacral therapy is recognized by various healthcare communities as an effective complementary treatment. Ongoing research continues to explore its clinical applications and mechanisms of action, further establishing its place within holistic health practices.
For nonmedical folks who are interested in learning more, we recommend one of John Upledger’s first books Your Inner Physician and You: Craniosacral Therapy and Somato Emotional Release. This book was written for nonmedical and medical personnel alike. The style of writing is conversational and extremely down-to-earth. It is not all encompassing, but it gives you a good overview. Another book that is written in a way we can all understand was written by a doctor of osteopathy, Robert Fulford. It’s titled Dr. Fulford’s Touch of Life: The Healing Power of the Natural Force.
Dr. Fulford has since passed away, but a few years before he did he was featured on an episode of 20/20. It’s rough and grainy, but introduces you to the Good Doctor and Osteopathy:
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cSSVI1zf18
Most of the books on Craniosacral Therapy or Osteopathy that are written for the general public seem to be from this era of the 1990s. I’m not sure why there aren’t modern books trying to share these messages with the general public. Many books need a degree in biology to really make sense of what you’re reading. Not so easy for Dick and Jane to muddle through them—-or to learn what these incredible modalities have to offer.
