Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy

January 2017 , ½ Hour

Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds, protects, and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. Modern medicine is still in its infancy with regard to fully understanding how this amazing system works. Usually when we think of health problems of the central nervous system and how to treat them, images come to mind of drugs and surgery. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a relatively new approach to treating the central nervous system (CNS). Rather than seeking to alter the chemistry or structure of the CNS, it helps to restore its supporting structures to their ideal functional state, thus giving the body a chance to “re-set” itself.

History Cranio (skull) sacral (sacrum) Therapy is a non-invasive osteopathic method of gently manipulating the bones and connective tissues of the skull, spine and sacrum in order to relieve stress and tension and restore the pulsating rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid to its natural state. Another definition: a system of gentle touch designed to enhance the functioning of the membranes, tissues, fluids, and bones surrounding or associated with the brain and spinal cord. The idea is that the human body is inherently geared toward self-healing, and that a properly functioning nervous system facilitates the process. Craniosacral therapy has its origins in Osteopathic medicine. Andrew Taylor Still was a physician during the Civil War Era. Three of his children died of spinal meningitis and Dr. Taylor felt that conventional methods of treatment were often ineffective and sometimes harmful. He believed that the musculoskeletal system was crucial to wellness and that misalignments of the spinal bones created blockages to healing. Releasing these blockages, he felt, improved the efficiency of nerve signals, improved the flow of blood and lymph, and allowed the body to restore itself. Dr. Still eventually founded the American College of Osteopathy. William Sutherland was a graduate of the school in 1900. At the time, physicians were taught that the bones of the skull are fused and do not move. Sutherland questioned this when he saw that where the cranial bones came together they were beveled “like the gills of a fish, to allow for respiration.” He did some experiments and found that not only did the cranial bones move, but so did the sacrum. Sutherland had success treating patients by gently adjusting these bones, and his work was published throughout the osteopathic world. John Upledger, D.O. (1932-2012) carried Sutherland’s work even further and more or less was the man who “discovered” Craniosacral Therapy. He happened to be assisting a spinal surgery when the surgeon asked him to hold the patient’s spinal cord still with two sets of forceps. To everyone’s amazement, the spinal cord kept moving on its own in a rhythmic fashion. This made Upledger curious, and he learned that the cranial bones, brain, spinal cord, dural membranes and cerebrospinal fluid comprise a sophisticated hydraulic system which can have a significant impact on health and illness. He developed ways to assess and treat this system to bring about beneficial changes to his patients. Upledger also began teaching others how to treat this intricate system, and he is largely responsible for the many seminars (and practitioners) available in Craniosacral Therapy today.

Since 1969, Milestone Centers, Inc. has provided programs and services to people with developmental and behavioral health challenges. Craniosacral Therapy | Page 2 HCQU Northwest

Physiology The brain and spinal cord are protected by the axial skeleton, consisting of the cranium (skull), the vertebrae of the spine, the sacrum, and the coccyx. Deep to the bones there are three membranes, called meninges, which serve to further protect the central nervous system (meningitis refers to an inflammation or infection of one or more of these membranes or layers). Continually circulating around the brain and spinal cord is cerebral spinal fluid, which bathes and cushions the central nervous system. The brain and spinal cord do not directly touch the bones, but rather “float” in a sea of cerebrospinal fluid. They are extremely sensitive to changes in this fluid. Ask anyone who has had a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap (in which the doctor removes some of the CSF with a large needle), and he or she will most likely tell you about a nasty headache following the procedure.

Craniosacral Treatment During a session of Craniosacral Therapy, the patient lies on a table while the therapist gently manipulates the bones of the skull and/or face with his or her hands. In some cases the therapist may place hands on the sacrum. There is no thrusting or forceful adjustment. The touch is very soft and the pressure is light, about the weight of a nickel. As the hands contact the patient, the therapist can sense the rhythm of the CSF and release restrictions that may be interfering with its normal flow. The process can take several minutes. The patient will often feel a deep sense of stillness and relaxation during the session, and sometimes for a while afterward.

Indications

CST has been known to have positive results with regard to many different physical and mental problems. It can reduce the severity and/or frequency of chronic neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint pain, migraine headaches, autism, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dementia, chronic fatigue, stress, emotional problems, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress, colic, motor coordination problems, and immune disorders. Not much information is available with regard to CST and seizures, although there have been claims that it has been helpful. More research needs to be done.

Contraindications Even though there is no evidence that it has ever directly harmed anyone, there are certain conditions in which CST is contraindicated due to potential risks. These include recent head injuries, blood clotting disor- ders, brain aneurysms, intracranial hemorrhage, and increased intracranial pressure (including hydrocepha- lus). Treatment may also amplify the effects of anticonvulsant, psychiatric, or diabetic medications. Also, children under the age of 2 should not be treated because their bones have not fully developed yet. As with any new therapy that has not been approved by the FDA and whose potential risks are not yet totally under- stood, anyone who is considering Craniosacral Therapy should always consult his physician first. HCQU Northwest Craniosacral Therapy | Page 3

Results

CST is a relatively new (and, admittedly, an under-the-radar) modality, so there is not a lot of statistical infor- mation available to indicate its success rate or failure rate with regard to certain specific conditions. There are, however, reports from patients and their families. And the reports are promising. For example:

I am SO happy to be able to share my success story with you. I was taking antidepressants (Paxil, Zoloft and Welbutrin, not all at once obviously!) for a couple of years for what was called "situational depres- sion." I hated every moment of it and I didn't get any real, consistent relief for my depression. I never knew what kind of day I was going to have depression-wise. But I continually felt that I wasn't "clinically" de- pressed--that there must be something else to it. While doing research about depression on the net, which led me to one of Dr. Weil's message boards, I read something about CranioSacral Therapy (CST). I was desperate to find an alternative to anti-depressants because of all of the side effects that I experienced-- memory problems, nonexistent libido, flat lined emotional state, etc.--so I looked into CST. The message on the message board specifically stated that if one had had an accident of some sort that may have compressed the spine from, say, a blow to the sacrum, or may have hit the back of the head or forehead that this could cause an interruption in the flow of vital fluids throughout the spinal column and that circulates around the brain. This circulation carries serotonin and other vital compounds to your brain. I had had an accident rollerblading and I fell and landed directly on my tailbone about 2 years prior to reading that message. After the accident it felt as if I was sitting on a grapefruit for about a month, then it suddenly was better. Some time later I began feeling depressed. I found a CST therapist through The Upledger Institute... and saw her for 5 sessions. I no longer have to take ANY antidepressants and have not had to do so for over a year! I cannot tell you how happy I am to not have to take any more meds or wonder what kind of day I was going to have the first thing when I awoke each morning. I would love to tell everyone about my experience! ... Thank you so much for your work and your techniques. I hope you can feel even a smidge of how grateful and happy I am that you have given me back my life. Yours truly, Susan Demander From http://www.upledger.com/therapies/testimonials.php

I came to cranio-sacral therapy with Deepak to correct a dance-based pelvic misalignment that I had carried for about 5 years. I soon realised that cranio-sacral therapy works at the deepest level of being where one's soul meets the body. After each of my 10 sessions I felt I was being helped through a com- plete deconstruction and reconstruction of not just my body but also my life. (I 'happened' to be also going through a major life transition and I felt deeply supported by this therapy and by my body to transition with much ease and grace). My pelvic realignment happened almost as a happy side-effect. I feel 95% im- provement at the end of 10 sessions and I hope a few more will bring 100% alignment. Nilima Bhat From http://www.biodynamic-craniosacral.com/testimonials.html

References: http://iacst.ie/history-craniosacral-therapy?pmsession=9b72664645dd90ce53f36df92d586842 http://www.upledger.com/therapies/index.php http://www.neurologycare.net/craniosacral-therapy.htmlhttp://www.iahe.com/images/pdf/ Seizure_Disorder_and_CranioSacral_Therapy.pdf HCQU Northwest MilestonePA.org

Craniosacral Therapy Test

Name: ______Job Title: ______Agency: ______Date: ______

Please provide contact information (email address, fax number, or mailing address) where you would like your certificate to be sent: ______You must submit your completed test, with at least a score of 80%, and evaluation to receive ½ hour of training credit for this course.

 To submit via fax, please fax the test and evaluation to 814-728-8887.

 To submit via email, please send an email to [email protected]. Please put “Craniosacral Test” in the subject line. In the body, please put your agency and your job title/role, followed by the numbers 1 - 5 along with your answers to the test and evaluation questions, i

 To submit via mail, send the test and evaluation pages to Milestone HCQU NW, 247 Hospital Drive, Warren PA 16365.

Knowledge Assessment: 1. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) was developed by a(n) a. Chiropractor b. Scientist c. Osteopathic Physician d. M.D. 2. CST has been used to treat all of the following except a. Pneumonia b. Chronic Pain c. ADHD d. Immune Disorders 3. Which of the following persons should not be treated with CST? a. People with arthritis b. People with recent head injuries c. Criminals d. People with food allergies 4. Why should a person consult with his physician before receiving CST? a. More clinical studies need to be done to establish its safety b. It is expensive c. You need a doctor’s referral d. It is highly addictive 5. True or False: The brain and spinal cord are extremely sensitive to changes in the cerebrospinal fluid True False TJ HCQU Northwest MilestonePA.org

Craniosacral Therapy Home Study Evaluation

Please circle your PRIMARY reason for completing this home-study training:

 It’s mandatory  interested in subject matter  need training hours  convenience

Please circle the best response to each question.

SA = Strongly Agree A = Agree U = Undecided D = Disagree SD = Strongly Disagree

1. As a result of this training, I have increased my knowledge. SA A U D SD

2. I learned something I can use in my own situation. SA A U D SD

3. This training provided needed information. SA A U D SD

4. The training material was helpful and effective. SA A U D SD

5. Overall, I am satisfied with this training. SA A U D SD

How can we make this training better?

How do you think this training will help you in your job?

Would you recommend this course to others? Yes No

What is your age? (For demographic purposes only) 18 – 24 years 25 – 34 years 35 – 50 years 50 – 64 years 65 years or older