The CranioSacral System is a physiological system that exists in humans and all chordate animals.  The formation of the CranioSacral System begins in the womb.  Its functions continue until death.  The name is derived from the bones involved.  Included in the System is your cranium, which is composed of your skull bones, facial bones and the bones of your mouth.

The System extends from your cranium down your spinal cord to your sacrum.  It is connected by membranes which enclose a type of hydraulic system.  An imbalance in the CranioSacral System can adversely affect the development and function of the brain and spinal cord which can result in sensory, motor and intellectual dysfunction.

Because it has a major influence on so many functions of the body, CranioSacral Therapy is used by a growing number of health care professionals.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive manipulative tech-nique.  The therapist seldom applies pressure exceeding five grams, or the weight of a nickel.  Examination is done by testing for movements in various parts of the System.  Usually by the time that movement testing has been completed, the restricting obstacle has been removed.  The System is then able to complete its self correction.

A trained therapist is able to palpate the CranioSacral motion anywhere on the body.  Valuable information can be gained very quickly by palpating the Cranio-Sacral motion for rate, amplitude, symmetry and quality.

The parts of the CranioSacral System which can be easily palpated are the bones of the skull, sacrum and coccyx, because they attach to the membranes which enclose the cerebrospinal fluid.  This fluid is filtered out of the blood in a dynamic feedback loop. 

Acting like a semi-closed hydraulic system, pressure builds as the amount of cerebrospinal fluid increases, thereby bathing the brain and spinal cord.  When the fluid moves, the system membranes move, normally at the rate of six to twelve cycles per minute.

Palpation is possible with all of the other bones of the spine and pelvis, but because they have a lesser effect on the hydraulic system, it is more difficult to detect the rhythmic motion.  The same is true of the facial bones and the temporomandibular joints.

The positive effect of CranioSacral Therapy relies largely on your natural physiological functions.  The therapist's light approach assists the hydraulic forces inherent within the CranioSacral System to improve the internal environment of your body and to promote healing.