Craniosacral therapy developed from the work of osteopath, William Garner Sutherland, a pupil of Andrew Taylor Still the father of osteopathy.

Underpinning Still’s philosophy of health was the idea that structure governs function. If the body’s structure is not right it will not function properly. He also believed that the body has all the necessary elements within it to restore health.

Sutherland’s insight came from observing a skull specimen which he noted that the sutures, or skull joints appeared to be arranged in such a way as to allow movement.

He discovered that not only do skull bones move but the underlying membranes, nerve tissue and fascia also exhibit this involuntary motion.

This motion is expressed by a two phase cycle which can be known as inspiration/expiration from Sutherland’s concept of this motion being the primary respiratory mechanism central to which is the rhythmical flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).  This cycle is independent and slightly slower than the breathing rate at approximately 10 cycles per minute.

He further discovered that in line with Still’s principles that any structure whose motion is disturbed leads to dysfunction. These dysfunctions can be associated with symptoms such as head neck and back pain to organ and hormonal disturbances.

Sutherland and his followers also developed techniques to correct these motion disturbances. These are mostly very gentle indirect techniques.

Motion disturbances can be caused by mechanical, chemical or psycho-emotional trauma. Examples of which may be whiplash, meningitis or grief.

Imbalances in the craniosacral system can begin in the womb or through a difficult birth. During the birth process the cranial bones are compressed and moulded and the rest of the body twisted tensed and at times compressed. Although evolution has designed this process to be beneficial and stimulating, a rapid, long or assisted birth using forceps and ventouse can create patterns of dysfunction.

Dental procedures such as root canals, extractions and braces can contribute to jaw dysfunction which can reflect through the rest of the system.

Craniosacral therapists are trained in anatomy and physiology so that they can determine through palpation what normal motion is and what is disturbed motion. They further need to know the nature of the structures affected and the physiological effects.

When examining the Craniosacral system usually a number of motion disturbances are identified. The therapist then needs to determine if these disturbances can be reconciled as a pattern and whether that pattern is consistent with what is known about the client and her history.

The reason a pattern of disturbance arises is the primary trauma creates secondary ones as a result of compensation and adaptation.

For example a blow on the back of the head as the result of the head striking the headrest in a car shunt may cause a tilting and rotation of the head on the neck. Counter rotation and tilting in the spine below may lead to a subsequent predisposition for strains in the low back.

Very often the therapist can identify a trauma that the client is unaware of or has forgotten.