The Foundations of CranioSacral Therapy
(Excerpt from the presenter’s manual and marketing kit from The Upledger
Institute, Inc.)
The original
concepts for what is now known as the craniosacral system were put forth by
osteopathic physician William Sutherland in the early part of this
century. Dr. Sutherland’s studies
culminated in a system of treatment know as Cranial Osteopathy.
Another osteopath,
John E. Upledger, is credited with developing CranioSacral Therapy. While assisting during a surgery in 1970, Dr.
Upledger observed a rhythmic movement of the dura mater, the membrane that
encompasses the brain and spinal cord.
Neither his colleagues nor medical texts could explain his observation. Dr. Upledger’s curiosity led him to the work
of Dr. Sutherland, and later to develop his own scientific studies to confirm
the existence of the craniosacral system.
This work went on from 1975 to 1983, while he served as a clinical
researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University. The findings of the research team he
supervised first established the scientific basis for the craniosacral system.
Dr. Upledger’s
continued work resulted in his development of CranioSacral Therapy. He formed The Upledger Institute in 1985 to
educate the public and healthcare practitioners about the benefits of
CranioSacral Therapy. To date, the
Institute has trained more than 40,000 healthcare practitioners worldwide in
the use of CranioSacral Therapy.
Practitioners include osteopathic physicians, medical doctors, doctors
of chiropractic, doctor of Oriental medicine, naturopathic physicians,
psychiatric specialist, psychologists, dentists, physical therapists,
occupational therapists, nurses, acupuncturists, massage therapists and other
professional body workers.
With a growing
number of practitioners, CranioSacral Therapy provides a new healthcare option
– one that uses a gentle approach working with the body. By following the body’s lead, the
CranioSacral Therapy practitioner often can uncover the source of pain or
dysfunction that can open the path to wellness.
Jeannette Raskin C.S.T is at Family First Chiropractic on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To book an appointment call 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca 142 Erickson Dr Red Deer, AB T4R 2C3
