Massage and Bodywork

Definition

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, noninvasive manipulative technique advanced by John Upledger, DO, OMM, in the 1970’s.  It's based on the theories of William Sutherland, D.O. (an American osteopath from the early 1900s). 

Dr. Upledger was a neurosurgeon who discovered that the cranial fluids that flowed from sacrum up around the brain was pumped by a hydraulic system in the body.  If this hydraulic system was turned off, it would create mental/emotional disturbances.  These disturbances could lead to a shock-like out of body feeling.  He took his early students into classrooms of mentally retarded children, and used his technique to turn the hydraulic system back on.  What he discovered was that 50% of all mentally/emotionally dysfunctional children became normal.

By using this gentle, hands-on method of evaluating the body,  enhancing the function of the craniosacral system (the physiological body system comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord), and rebalancing the cranial rhythms,  he encouraged the body to heal itself.

Practitioners today use CranioSacral Therapy to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, eliminate the negative effects of stress, and enhance overall health.

General Benefits of Massage

• Gives a sense of well-being

• Decreases stress

• Decreases aches and pains

• Speeds up healing time after injury or surgery

• Helps prevent sports or movement injuries

• Increases relaxation

• Increases circulation

• Increases cellular detoxification

• Increases range-of-motion

• Relieves tension headaches