CST was initially developed by William Sutherland (Doctor of Osteopathy) in the early 1900’s. He discovered that, contrary to medical teaching, the skull bones actually move – though very slightly – at the sutures where they connect. He also found out through experimentation that when this movement was inhibited (as occurs through falls, birth trauma, etc) pathological consequences occurred. He worked to gently release these restrictions in the tissues, called fascia, by using the bones as levers.

 

Because of the connection of the cranial fascia (attached on the inside of the skull bones) to the membrane around the spinal cord and it’s attachments at the sacrum, this movement is experienced in the pelvis and lower body too. In fact a trained therapist can feel the craniosacral rhythm anywhere on the body and utilize the information to facilitate healing on many levels. What drives this rhythm? It stems from the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid situated around the brain and spinal cord. Since Sutherland’s days CST has been further developed by various medical professionals and is now practiced by doctors, dentists, and therapists worldwide.

CST is a gentle, yet powerful therapeutic modality to balance the craniosacral system. It is usually performed with the person lying fully clothed on a treatment table. The CS system includes the brain and spinal cord, the cerebrospinal fluid, the cranial bones, and the sacrum (at the bottom end of the spine). It can also be used successfully anywhere on the body to release fascial restrictions. It is used by medical professionals around the world  to treat a variety of medical conditions as diverse as headaches, TMJ (jaw) problems, birth trauma, anxiety, neck or back pain, immune dysfunction, depression, chronic fatigue, etc.
 

CST is especially helpful for trauma, sexual, physical or emotional abuse, and stress-induced conditions.


Harold Epstein trained in Craniosacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute in Canada