Craniosacral Therapy

This treatment modality is thought to promote wellness and optimize overall health. Craniosacral therapy should be used with, not in place of, standard cancer therapy.

What does craniosacral therapy involve?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive touch therapy. It is similar to chiropractic, but it deals only with the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral therapists examine the system's "rhythm" for balance restrictions or blockages that are believed to cause pain and dysfunction throughout the body. Craniosacral massage is performed on the bones of the skull and spine to increase the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid and relieve stress in the skull and membranes surrounding the brain.

How does craniosacral therapy promote wellness and optimize overall health?

Proponents believe that the craniosacral system influences overall health and well-being. Massaging the craniosacral system is thought to restore balance to the central nervous system and the immune system so that the body will be able to function again in good health. Many patients enjoy the prolonged hands-on attention of a craniosacral therapist and find the treatments enhance their well-being, ease tension and relax muscles.

What has been proven about the benefit of craniosacral therapy?

There is no scientific evidence that supports the basic ideas on which craniosacral therapy is based. While craniosacral therapists state that they measure and alter craniosacral rhythms, there is no proof that these rhythms actually exist. Craniosacral therapy should not be thought of as a curative treatment for cancer.  However, some patients report reduced stress and tension, muscle relaxation and alleviation of headaches.

What is the potential risk or harm of craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is considered harmless for most people. Patients should forego craniosacral therapy if they have a known or suspected brain hemorrhage or aneurysm or any other condition where altering the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid would not be recommended.

How much does craniosacral therapy cost?

Cost will vary with the practitioner. 

For additional information:

The Cranial Academy
8202 Clearvista Parkway, #9-D
Indianapolis, IN  46256
Telephone:  (317) 594-0411
Web site:  www.cranialacademy.org

Note: Information about therapies is intended to help you make informed choices, not to endorse any particular therapy. The information is courtesy of "Integrating Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients," a handbook written as an independent study project by Heather Morein. For more information, see the full text of the handbook (PDF), including all references and appendices.