Chapter 54 Craniosacral Therapy
OVERVIEW.
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a noninvasive light touch therapy that explores skull and pelvis mobility, facial integrity, and a craniosacral rhythm with the aim of normalizing body structures and promoting healing. The belief is that an absence of these movements suggests a diminished expression of health. The approach involves locating and feeling a rhythm (using 5 grams of touch), finding facial distortions, and then following the tissue movement in order to facilitate a release.1
CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
F00-F99 MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS
G00-G99 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
I00-I99 DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
S00-T98 INJURY, POISONING, AND CERTAIN OTHER CONSEQUENCES OF EXTERNAL CAUSES
1 Harries RA. Craniosacral therapy. In: Charman RA, editor. Complementary therapies for physical therapists. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2000.
2 Greenman PE. Principles of manual medicine, ed 3. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003.
3 Upledger JE. Craniosacral therapy. Chicago: Eastland Press, 1983.
4 Greenman PE, McPartland JM. Cranial findings and iatrogenesis from craniosacral manipulation in patients with traumatic brain syndrome. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1995;95(3):182-192.