The Use of CranioSacral Therapy in Acupuncture
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
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Few structures in the human body have as much influence over its ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that comprise the central nervous system. And few systems have as much impact on the brain and spinal cord as the membranes and fluid that surround and protect them — the craniosacral system.
Every day the body endures stresses and strains and the structures compensate. Unfortunately, these compensations can cause fascia to tighten and distort the craniosacral system, which in turn can put pressure on the brain and spinal cord. The result? A barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system — and potentially every other system with which it interacts.
Nearly 30 years ago, osteopathic physician John E. Upledger developed a set of gentle techniques to release those restrictions and imbalances. After years of university research and testing, he named his new method CranioSacral Therapy (CST).
Practitioners use a soft touch — roughly the weight of a nickel — to evaluate the craniosacral system. Specific techniques are then used to release any restrictions or imbalances they find, creating the best possible environment for the brain and spinal cord. This naturally helps eliminate the negative effects of stress. It also strengthens resistance to disease and enhances overall health and well-being.
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Conditions & Applications for Acupuncturists
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Since the craniosacral system directly impacts the central nervous system, an imbalance or obstruction there can cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. CranioSacral Therapy helps correct those restrictions so the central nervous system can perform at peak efficiency, and the body can release the effects of stress naturally.
CST has proven effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including: migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, central nervous system disorders, orthopedic problems, scoliosis, autism, learning disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries, emotional difficulties, stress and tension-related problems, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), chronic fatigue, neurovascular or immune disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, post-surgical dysfunction, fibromyalgia and other connective-tissue disorders.
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CranioSacral Therapy Complements Acupuncture
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Many practitioners find CST an ideal complement to acupuncture. “Applying the points and pathways of acupuncture along with the energy, intention and wisdom of your own hands enhances the effectiveness of each treatment,” says Ken Koles, PhD, DSc, LMT, RAc, Dipl. NCCAOM. Ken is the developer of The Upledger Institute’s Applying Acupuncture Principles to CranioSacral Therapy workshop. “Personally, I like to do my needling first and then do CranioSacral Therapy on each patient,” he says. “This allows the energy to open up on the surface and deeper levels at the same time. The results actually come quicker, and they seem to last longer.”
Where most acupuncturists needle up to six people at once, Ken prefers to see just one person each hour, with each receiving a combination of acupuncture with CranioSacral Therapy. “I accomplish more when I focus on each person individually,” he says. “We’re able to work together on total body integration, so we get much better results. Patients love it when you spend time listening to them and enhancing their therapeutic experience at the same time. And happy patients are much more likely to return to your practice.”
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What Other Professionals Practice CranioSacral Therapy?
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Osteopathic Physicians
Allopathic Physicians
Doctors of Oriental Medicine
Naturopathic Physicians
Doctors of Chiropractic
Nurses
Psychiatric Specialists
Psychologists
Dentists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Massage Therapists
Other Healthcare Providers
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Sampling of General and Special-Interest Articles
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“A New Breed of Healers” by John Greenwald, TIME, April 16, 2001. TIME magazine profiles the most influential individuals of tomorrow, including Dr. John Upledger. Article #0401B. See in the Special Features/Innovators section.
“An Interview with Dr. John Upledger, DO, OMM, Creator of CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release” by Dennis Hughes, The Share Guide, Nov/Dec 2000. Dr. Upledger discusses the origins and applications of CranioSacral Therapy, physical descriptions of the craniosacral system and cerebrospinal fluid, tissue memory, energy cysts, and bodywork in the next century. Article #0011A. See or contact the publisher at 707-829-0260.
“CranioSacral Therapy keeps juices flowing” by A.J.S. Rayl with medical adviser Stephen A. Shoop, MD, USA TODAY, August 2, 2000. From the Health section of this widely read newspaper, Dr. Lisa Upledger, DC, and others discuss the efficacy of CranioSacral Therapy and the importance of this vital body system. Permission to reprint pending. For copies contact publisher at 703-276-3400.
“Gently Does It” by Victoria McKee, Harpers & Queen, June 1999. Actress Brooke Shields finds relief from TMJ through CranioSacral Therapy. Article includes interviews with Shields, her CranioSacral Therapist Karen Erickson, DC, who trained with Dr. Upledger, and Dr. Upledger himself, who explains how CST works. Article #9906. See
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Come to the Source: The Upledger Institute
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CST developer John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, founded The Upledger Institute (UI) in 1985. UI has since trained more than 50,000 therapists in 56 different countries in effective methods of complementary care.
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