CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle hands on manual therapy technique that was developed in the 1970's by an American Osteopath named Dr. John Upledger. Since then, research has continued to support the existence of the craniosacral system, and its far reaching impact on the human body and mind.

The craniosacral System is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the spine to the sacrum, or tailbone area to the bones that comprise the head and face. There is a subtle rhythm to this system, as the fluid flows around the enclosed sac, that is formed by the membranes. This important system influences the development and function of the nervous system, and so indirectly, every other system in the body.

The primary goal of CST is to identify and address restrictions, and aid your body to naturally correct any imbalance within the craniosacral system. The therapist uses subtle palpation skills, placing her hands lightly on different areas of the body, with particular focus on the low back, neck, and head area. Using these fine palpation skills, she can gently aid your body to reverse the effects of a chronic or past injury, returning it to its optimal CS rhythm.

Restrictions or imbalances may have been caused from injuries that occurred many years ago, but you are only now experiencing symptoms. Our bodies have the ability to adapt to minor stresses, but as the number of stresses or injuries accumulates over time, the body has less room to adapt. At this point, painful symptoms may arise, which appear to be slow to heal. Craniosacral practitioners have also had specialized training of myofascial release techniques, so we address the fascia, a membrane that covers organs and muscles, tendons and ligaments. Due to the interconnectivity of all soft tissue, myofascial restrictions can in turn put excessive stresses on the membranes of the CS System.

Craniosacral Therapy has been shown to be a safe, gentle, yet effective means of treating a broad range of conditions. This includes but is certainly not limited to chronic injuries such as neck and back pain, sinusitis, or headaches. Because the craniosacral system is directly related to the nervous system, it will have indirect benefits to other essential components such as the digestive, or immune system.

If you are already utilizing some of the health care alternatives offered at IMI, this therapy may be the perfect adjunct to your current regime.

In addition, the treatment is 1 hour in length, and can be both a profoundly relaxing and therapeutic experience.

Copied from the first newsletter of 2006. As part of our mandate to provide more information about integrative medicine we will highlight particular therapies from time to time. This month we look at Craniosacral therapy and its applications to many symptoms and illnesses.

Nancy Fletcher–MacCormac has joined the team of holistic practitioners at IMI. Nancy has been a physiotherapist since 1993. She graduated with First Class Honours, from the University of Wales, in Cardiff, United Kingdom, and worked for five years overseas before relocating to [Canada] in 1998. Prior to studying physiotherapy, Nancy had received a BA(Hons) in Physical Education, from the University of Western Ontario.

She is an accomplished therapist, with exceptional manual therapy skills, who has helped thousands of patients to achieve their wellness objectives. Since 1997, Craniosacral Therapy has been a part of her practice. She has received post-graduate training from the Upledger Institute, which is based in Florida.

She found that the gentle nature of Craniosacral Therapy was so effective in treating a variety of conditions, it has become the main focus of her practice.