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The craniosacral system is a physiological system that exists in humans and all animals who have a brain and
spinal cord. It begins to form in the womb, and continues to function until death. The craniosacral system consists
of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid which surround and protect the brain and spinal cord from the cranium
(the bones of the skull, face and mouth) to the sacrum (the tailbone). In essence, it is a semi-closed hydraulic
system within which the fluid pressure and volume rhythmically rise and fall throughout life, at approximately
6 to 12 beats per minute.
Due to its core function and placement within the body, the craniosacral system can influence many body functions
from head to toe. When there is an imbalance in the system, the brain and spinal cord can be adversely affected,
resulting in a dysfunction of the senses, emotions, and motor functions.
According to Dr. John G. Upledger, the osteopathic physician and surgeon who has been the chief proponent of
CranioSacral Therapy the way it has been since the 1970s, today almost anyone can benefit from the work in terms
of general health function and sense of well-being. CranioSacral Therapy improves brain and spinal cord function
and restores autonomic nervous system flexibility and adaptability. It reduces accumulated physiological trauma
and stress levels. It enhances the flow of blood and other fluids through the body tissues, increasing resistance
to disease. It improves chronic pain, lowered vitality, recurrent infections, headaches and TMJ dysfunction.
Personal disorders and a myriad of other health problems make CranioSacral Therapy useful to a wide variety
health care professionals, ranging from osteopaths and MDs to massage therapists and reiki masters, including everything
else in between: chiropractors, acupuncturists, psychiatrists, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational
therapists, nurses and dentists.
A skilled trained clinician uses the craniosacral motion to evaluate and treat problem areas. Valuable examination
information can be gained quickly by palpating the craniosacral rhythm for symmetry, quality, rate and amplitude.
CranioSacral Therapy relies on the patient's self-correcting mechanisms which are inherent within the craniosacral
system. The therapist seldom dictates how the corrections should be, but rather assists the patient in making those
self-corrections with a minimal amount of pressure, 1/4 oz. or less (the equivalent of the weight of a nickel),
making this gentle approach very safe. There can be no serious error or side effects because the craniosacral system
itself decides how the correction should be made. The therapist is simply there to activate, empower and to remove
obstacles that the normal self-correcting physiological forces have been unable to overcome.
CranioSacral Therapy is a truly non-invasive approach, a technique which honors and respects the patient's body
and mind as an inherently intelligent system which under healthy circumstances is always striving to maintain optimal
being.
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