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Craniosacral therapy (also called cranial osteopathy, osteopathy in the cranial field or cranial therapy) is a method of alternative medicine used by craniosacral therapists or osteopaths to assess and enhance the functioning of the patient by accessing their primary respiratory mechanism, which consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid of the central nervous system. Proponents claim that measurements of craniosacral motion are a function of the cardiovascular system, and that by working with the body, including the skull they can remove restrictions in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, relieving stress, decreasing pain, and enhancing overall health. The Upledger Institute (2001). Craniosacral Therapy. Retrieved March 27, 2004. Ferrett, Mij (1998). What Is Craniosacral Therapy? Retrieved March 27, 2004. The Sutherland Society General information on Cranial Osteopathy Retrieved January 24, 2006 Opponents claim that the therapy has been shown to be without scientific basis, S.E. Hartman, J.M. Norton (2002) Interexaminer reliability and cranial osteopathy. Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine. 6(1): 23-34 PDF full report Ferre JC, Chevalier C, Lumineau JP, Barbin JY (1990) Cranial osteopathy, delusion or reality? Actualites Odonto-Stomatologiques 44: 481-494. PMID 2173359 Wirth-Pattullo V, Hayes KW (1994) Interrater reliability of craniosacral rate measurements and their relationship with subjects' and examiners' heart and respiratory rate measurements. Physical Therapy 74(10): 908-916. PMID 8090842] Rogers JS and others (1998) Simultaneous palpation of the craniosacral rate at the head and feet: intrarater and interrater reliability and rate comparisons. Physical Therapy 78(11): 1175-1185. PMID 9806622 and some studies that support the therapy have been criticized for poor methodology. Green C and others (1999) A systematic review and critical appraisal of the scientific evidence on craniosacral therapy. BCOHTA PDF full report
History
Cranial therapy was originated by osteopathic doctor William Sutherland DO (1873-1954), who studied under the founder of osteopathy, Andrew Taylor Still, at the first American School of Osteopathy in 1898-1900. While looking at a disarticulated skull, Sutherland was struck by the idea that the cranial sutures of the temporal bones where they meet the sphenoid bones were "beveled, like the gills of a fish, indicating articular mobility for a respiratory mechanism." Sutherland A (1962). With Thinking Fingers. Indianapolis, IN: Cranial Academy, 13. The idea that the bones of the skull could move was contrary to contemporary anatomical belief. Sutherland spent many years attempting to disprove his theory, but research on himself and on his patients led him to conclude that the bones of the skull do move along their sutures, and any hindrance in movement may be associated with a dysfunction.
After confirming the presence of movement between the bones of the skull, Sutherland evolved the idea that the dural membranes act as 'guy-wires' for the movement of the cranial bones, holding tension for the opposite motion. He used the term reciprocal tension membrane system (RTM) to describe the three Cartesian axes held in reciprocal tension, or tensegrity, creating the cyclic movement of inhalation and exhalation of the cranium. He called this breathing movement the primary respiratory mechanism, and later described its origin as the Breath of Life, Sutherland W (1939). ''The Cranial Bowl. Mankato, MN: Self-published. Republished 1986, Indianapolis, IN: Cranial Academy. from the Book of Genesis (2:7). This was an acknowledgement of the vital force as a fundamental aspect of osteopathic philosophy.
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The Upledger Institute UK - Provides introductory workshops and post-graduate training.
Meta Description: [ The Upledger Institute UK provides training in CranioSacral and related manual therapies which enhance the body's natural healing processes. ]
Upledger Institute - Founded by John E. Upledger, they offer workshops and clinical services in craniosacral therapy and other techniques.
Wellness Institute - Providing articles and information, public forums, products, and training in a variety of energy medicine techniques.
Meta Description: [ Wellness Institute provides articles, information, products, and forums related to Energy Medicine, Cranial Therapy, Polarity Therapy, Holistic Health, and training programs. ]
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