Craniosacral therapy (also called CST, cranial osteopathy, also spelled CranioSacral bodywork or therapy) is a method of alternative and traditional medicine used by massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists, nurses, dentists, and doctors who manually apply a subtle movement of the spinal and cranial bones to bring the central nervous system into harmony. This therapy involves assessing and addressing the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can be restricted by trauma to the body, such as through falls, accidents, and general nervous tension. By gently working with the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages are eased, the movement of CSF through the spinal cord can be optimized, and misaligned bones can be restored to their proper position. This therapy is said to be particularly useful for mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic nervous conditions such as fibromyalgia.^[1][2][3] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Osteopathic medicine (also known as osteopathy) is a branch of medicine which views the human body holistically, and emphasizes the prevention and treatment of illness and injury through the use of manual and physical therapies (OMM), along with traditional medical practices such as drugs and surgery. ... Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... Shortcut: WP:NPOVD Articles that have been linked to this page are the subject of an NPOV dispute (NPOV stands for Neutral Point Of View; see below). ... Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), Liquor cerebrospinalis, is a clear bodily fluid that occupies the subarachnoid space in the brain (the space between the skull and the cerebral cortex—more specifically, between the arachnoid and pia layers of the meninges). ... The vertebral column seen from the side Different regions (curvatures) of the vertebral column The vertebral column (backbone or spine) is a column of vertebrae situated in the dorsal aspect of the abdomen. ... For other uses of Skull, see Skull (disambiguation). ... Fascia is specialized connective tissue layer which surrounds muscles, bones, and joints, providing support and protection and giving structure to the body. ... The Spinal cord nested in the vertebral column. ... Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. ... Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS) is a chronic syndrome (constellation of signs and symptoms) characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms. ...

History

Cranial Osteopathy was originated by physician William Sutherland, D.O. (1873-1954), who studied under the founder of osteopathy, Andrew Taylor Still, at the first American School of Osteopathy (now Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine) in 1898-1900. While looking at a disarticulated skull, Sutherland was struck by the idea that the cranial sutures of the temporal bones where they meet the parietal bones were "beveled, like the gills of a fish, indicating articular mobility for a respiratory mechanism."^[4] The idea that the bones of the skull could move was contrary to contemporary anatomical belief. Sutherland spent many years attempting to disprove his theory, but research on himself and on his patients led him to conclude that the bones of the skull do move along their sutures, and any hindrance in movement may be associated with a dysfunction. Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) A.T. Still, M.D. (founder) Schools · Physicians Medicine · US Medical education Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine AOA · AACOM · AAO U.S. Licensure · Intl Licensure Allopathic & Osteopathic Medicine § Comparison § History Specialty Colleges Index · Wiki Project This box:      William Garner Sutherland, b. ... Osteopathic medicine (formerly known as osteopathy) is [1] Outside the United States, osteopathic medicine is often used interchangeably with osteopathy. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or D.O.s, apply the philosophy of treating the whole person (a holistic approach) to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease and injury... Dr. Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917) is considered the father of osteopathic medicine. ... The Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Kirksville, Missouri, is the founding institution of osteopathic medicine. ... For other uses of Skull, see Skull (disambiguation). ... Side view of the skull. ... The temporal bones (os temporales) are situated at the sides and base of the skull. ... The parietal bones (os parietale) are bones in the human skull and form, by their union, the sides and roof of the cranium. ... For other uses, see Gill (disambiguation). ... The Respiratory System Among four-legged animals, the respiratory system generally includes tubes, such as the bronchi, used to carry air to the lungs, where gas exchange takes place. ... Human heart and lungs, from an older edition of Grays Anatomy. ...

After confirming the presence of movement between the bones of the skull, Sutherland evolved the idea that the dural membranes act as 'guy-wires' for the movement of the cranial bones, holding tension for the opposite motion. He used the term reciprocal tension membrane system (RTM) to describe the three Cartesian axes held in reciprocal tension, or tensegrity, creating the cyclic movement of inhalation and exhalation of the cranium. He called this breathing movement the primary respiratory mechanism, and later described its origin as the Breath of Life,^[5] from the Book of Genesis (2:7). This was an acknowledgement of the vital force as a fundamental aspect of osteopathic philosophy. The meninges (singular meninx) are the system of membranes that envelop the central nervous system. ... KVLY-TV mast, which is guy-wire supported. ... Fig. ... In mechanics and biomechanics, tensegrity or tensional integrity is a property of objects with components that use tension and compression in a combination that yields strength and resilience beyond the sum of their components. ... Exhalation (or expiration) is the movement of air out of the bronchial tubes, through the airways, to the external environment during breathing. ... For other uses, see Genesis (disambiguation). ... Vitalism is the doctrine that vital forces are active in living organisms, so that life cannot be explained solely by mechanism. ...

The RTM as described by Sutherland includes the spinal dura, with an attachment to the sacrum. In his observation of the cranial mechanism, Sutherland found that the sacrum moves synchronously with the cranial bones. The mechanical relationship between motion in the sacrum and the parietal bones has since been confirmed in experiments using electrodes measuring capacitance across parietal sutures of the squirrel monkey.^[6] For the record label, see Sacrum Torch. ... Synchronization (or Sync) is a problem in timekeeping which requires the coordination of events to operate a system in unison. ... The parietal bones (os parietale) are bones in the human skull and form, by their union, the sides and roof of the cranium. ... An electrode is an electrical conductor used to make contact with a metallic part of a circuit (e. ... Capacitance is a measure of the amount of electric charge stored (or separated) for a given electric potential. ... Type species Simia sciurea Linnaeus, 1758 Species Saimiri oerstedii Saimiri sciureus Saimiri ustus Saimiri boliviensis Saimiri vanzolini The squirrel monkeys are the New World monkeys of the genus Saimiri. ...

Sutherland began to teach this work to other osteopaths from about the 1930s, and tirelessly continued to do so until his death. His work was at first largely rejected by the mainstream osteopathic profession as it challenged some of the closely held beliefs among practitioners of the time. However, his clinical results were said to be impressive and he began to attract a small group of osteopaths who studied with him.

In the 1940s the American School of Osteopathy started a post-graduate course called 'Osteopathy in the Cranial Field' directed by Sutherland, and was followed by other schools. This new branch of practice became known as "cranial osteopathy". As knowledge of this form of treatment began to spread, Sutherland trained more teachers to meet the demand, notably Drs Viola Frymann, Edna Lay, Howard Lippincott, Anne Wales, Chester Handy and Rollin Becker.

The Cranial Academy was established in the US in 1947, and continues to teach DOs, MDs, and Dentists "an expansion of the general principles of osteopathy"^[7] including a special understanding of the central nervous system and primary respiration.

Towards the end of his life Sutherland began to sense a "power" which generated corrections from inside his clients' bodies without the influence of external forces applied by him as the therapist. Similar to Qi and Prana, this contact with the Breath of Life changed his entire treatment focus to one of spiritual reverence and subtle touch.^[8] This spiritual approach to the work has come to be known as both 'biodynamic' craniosacral therapy and 'biodynamic' osteopathy, and has had further contributions from practitioners such as Becker and James Jealous (biodynamic osteopathy), and Franklyn Sills (biodynamic craniosacral therapy). The biodynamic approach recognises that embryological forces direct the embryonic cells to create the shape of the body, and places importance on recognition of these formative patterns for maximum therapeutic benefit, as this enhances the ability of the patient to access their health as an expression of the original intention of their existence. For other uses, see Qi (disambiguation). ... Prana (, IAST: ) is a Sanskrit word meaning breath and refers to a vital, life-sustaining force of living beings and vital energy in natural processes of the universe. ... Morphogenesis (from the Greek morphê shape and genesis creation) is one of three fundamental aspects of developmental biology along with the control of cell growth and cellular differentiation. ... An agents intention in performing an action is their specific purpose in doing so, the end or goal they aim at, or intend to accomplish. ... There is no universally accepted theory of what the word existence means. ...

In 1953 Sutherland established the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation as a way of providing a continuity for his teaching.^[9] Year 1953 (MCMLIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

From 1975 to 1983, osteopathic physician John E. Upledger neurophysiologist and histologist Ernest W. Retzlaff worked at Michigan State University as a clinical researchers and professors. They set up a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists, and bioengineers to investigate the pulse he had observed and study further Sutherland's theory of cranial bone movement. Upledger and Retzlaff went on to publish their results, which showed support for both the concept of cranial bone movement and the concept of a cranial rhythm.^[10][11][12] Ernest Walter Retzlaff, Ph. ... Michigan State University (MSU) is a co-educational public research university in East Lansing, Michigan USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act. ... Human heart and lungs, from an older edition of Grays Anatomy. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Biophysics (also biological physics) is an interdisciplinary science that applies the theories and methods of physics, to questions of biology. ... Biological engineering (also biosystems engineering and bioengineering) is a broad-based engineering discipline that deals with bio-molecular and molecular processes, product design, sustainability and analysis of biological systems. ...

Upledger developed his own treatment style, and when he started to teach his work to a group of students who were not osteopaths he generated the term 'CranioSacral therapy', based on the corresponding movement between cranium and sacrum. Craniosacral therapists often (although not exclusively) work more directly with the emotional and psychological aspects of the patient than osteopaths working in the cranial field. The Upledger Institute, formed in 1987, has many international affiliates^[13] united by Upledger's International Association of Healthcare Practitioners.^[14] For other uses, see Emotion (disambiguation). ... Psychology (from Greek: ψυχή, psukhē, spirit, soul; and λόγος, logos, knowledge) is both an academic and applied discipline involving the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. ...

The Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK (CSTA) was established in1989 to promote and regulate craniosacral therapists from various UK colleges.^[15] Graduates from the College of Craniosacral Therapy who had their own register later became eligible for registration with the CSTA. The Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America was founded in 1998 for the recognition, registration, and as a referral service for certified Craniosacral Therapists and students.^[16] The Craniosacral Therapy Association of Australia was established in 2004.^[17]

The Primary Respiratory Mechanism

Craniosacral therapy is originally based on Sutherland's 'Cranial Concept',^[18] which proposed a system known as the Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM). The basis of PRM function has been summarised in the following five phenomena: A phenomenon (Greek: , pl. ...

• Inherent motility of the central nervous system
• Fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid
• Mobility of the intracranial and intraspinal dural membranes
• Mobility of the cranial bones
• Mobility of the sacrum between the ilia

The effect of the above five on the rest of the body is suggested by Magoun^[19] as a sixth phenomenon. Motility is a biological term which refers to the ability to move spontaneously and independently. ... A diagram showing the CNS: 1. ... In physics, a fluctuation is a variation in an extensive or intensive quantity, such as energy, density or voltage, from its spatial or temporal average. ... Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), Liquor cerebrospinalis, is a clear bodily fluid that occupies the subarachnoid space in the brain (the space between the skull and the cerebral cortex—more specifically, between the arachnoid and pia layers of the meninges). ... The meninges (singular meninx) are the system of membranes that envelop the central nervous system. ... A Hippopotamuss skull A skull, or cranium, is a bony structure of vertebrates which serves as the general framework for a head. ... For the record label, see Sacrum Torch. ... The ilium of the pelvis is divisible into two parts, the body and the ala; the separation is indicated on the internal surface by a curved line, the arcuate line, and on the external surface by the margin of the acetabulum. ...

Inherent motility of the central nervous system

Still described the inherent motion of the brain as a "dynamo," beginning with the cerebellum,^[20] a century before electroencephalography (EEG) studies confirmed the presence of this activity.^[21] Emanuel Swedenborg was the first to discover inherent motion in the brains of living dogs in the 18th Century. His work has since been verified by human physiologists: according to modern radiological observations the pulsatility of the central nervous system (CNS) is a function of the cardiac cycle, as described by Bergstrand in 1985 using magnetic resonance imaging.^[22] The intracranial fluid fluctuation can be seen as an interaction between four main components: arterial blood, capillary blood (brain volume), venous blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).^[23][24] The function of such a mechanism is explained by Lee^[20] as being based on a fulcrum created by the root of the cerebellum and its hemispheres moving in opposite directions, resulting in an increase in pressure which squeezes the third ventricle. The pulsation is described as essentially a recurrent expression of the embryological development of the brain.^[20] The amplitude and phase of theta rhythms in the cortex of the human brain have been studied using magnetic resonance imaging. High gamma activity has been found to reflect the activation of a local cortical area and is correlated with the blood oxygen level dependent MRI-signal. The much slower theta rhythm is more distributed across the cortex and is associated with novelty, attention, working memory, and exploratory behavior. The strength of the theta-gamma coupling is correlated with variations in a range of cognitive tasks.^[25] This suggests a significant physiological role in CNS rhythmical movement. In animals, the brain or encephalon (Greek for in the head), is the control center of the central nervous system, responsible for behaviour. ... “Dynamo” redirects here. ... The cerebellum (Latin: little brain) is a region of the brain that plays an important role in the integration of sensory perception and motor output. ... “Brainwave” redirects here. ... Emanuel Swedenborg, 75, holding the manuscript of Apocalypsis Revelata (1766). ... Emanuel Swedenborg, 75, holding the manuscript of Apocalypsis Revelata (1766). ... Image A: A normal chest X-ray. ... Angular frequency is a measure of how fast an object is rotating In physics (specifically mechanics and electrical engineering), angular frequency ω (also called angular speed) is a scalar measure of rotation rate. ... “MRI” redirects here. ... Category: ... Section of an artery For other uses, see Artery (disambiguation). ... Human blood smear: a - erythrocytes; b - neutrophil; c - eosinophil; d - lymphocyte. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... In the circulatory system, venous blood is blood returning to the heart. ... Levers can be used to exert a large force over a small distance at one end by exerting only a small force over a greater distance at the other. ... A sphere is a symmetrical geometrical object. ... The third ventricle is one of the four connected fluid-filled cavities within the human brain. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... “MRI” redirects here. ...

The motility of the CNS in turn causes a rhythmic fluctuation of the CSF.

Fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid

Sutherland used the term "Tide" to describe the inherent fluctuation of fluids in the Primary Respiratory Mechanism. Tide alludes to the concept of ebbing and flowing, but also the contrast between waves on the shore having one rhythm, with the longer rate of lunar tides below. The Tide incorporates not only fluctuation of the CSF, but of a slow oscillation in all the tissues of the body, including the skull. This article is about tides in the Earths oceans. ... In physics, a fluctuation is a variation in an extensive or intensive quantity, such as energy, density or voltage, from its spatial or temporal average. ... This article is about Earths moon. ...

Practitioners work with cycles of various rates:

• 10-14 cycles per minute - the original "Cranial Rhythmic Impulse" (CRI)^[26] (also described as 6-14 times per minute)^[20]
• 2-3 cycles per minute - the "mid-Tide"
• 6 cycles every 10 minutes - the "long Tide"

Following on from the work of Swedenborg, Traube and Hering in the 19th Century observed fluctuations in the arterial rates of dogs (the Traube-Hering wave) at similar rates to those reported by cranial practitioners. In 1960 Lundberg made a continuous recording of intracranial activities of traumatised patients, finding three waves, one of which resembles the CRI.^[27] Ludwig Traube (* 12 January 1818 Ratibor, Silesia, now Racibórz, Polen, † 11 April 1876 Berlin) was a German physician and co-founder of the experimental pathology in Germany. ...

Research has not verified a large correlation in rates detected between examiners working simultaneously on a subject, possibly due to the rate being a product of entrainment between patient and practitioner.^[28] Entrainment (brainwave synchronization) Entrainment (engineering) Entrainment (hydrodynamics) Entrainment (meteorology) Entrainment (physics) Entrainment (chronobiology) Category: ...

Mobility of the intracranial and intraspinal dural membranes

The membranes surrounding the brain and separating the left and right halves and the cerebrum from the cerebellum are continuous with the spinal dura, and share the same fluctuating rhythm. In 1970 Upledger observed during a surgical procedure on the neck what he described as a slow pulsating movement within the spinal meninges. He attempted to hold the membrane still and found that he could not due to the strength of the action behind the movement.^[29] For other articles about other subjects named brain see brain (disambiguation). ... “Surgeon” redirects here. ...

In craniosacral treatment the membranes act as a fulcrum for fascial restrictions throughout the body, and craniosacral therapists may perceive a change in quality as a result of disturbance such as infection or allergic irritation. Fascia is specialized connective tissue layer which surrounds muscles, bones, and joints, providing support and protection and giving structure to the body. ... An allergy is an abnormal, acquired sensitivity to a given substance, including pollen, drugs, or numerous environmental triggers. ...

Mobility of the cranial bones

Cranial sutures are often believed to be immobile after fusion, preventing cranial bone movement. This belief arose in the mid-1900s. According to Lee^[30] this belief was misinterpreted from the work of authors hoping to correlate suture closure with the chronological age of a skull in archaeological specimens. The authors not only found that there was no correlation between suture closure and the chronological age of the individual, but also that most skulls demonstrated no suture closure at all except as structural evidence of pathological physical trauma. Lee cites many references giving evidence for mobility in human skulls,^[30] and modern anatomy books suggest incomplete fusion of some sutures, for example: "Sutural ligaments may effect an almost immovable bond between large areas of bone... but such immobility cannot be effected at narrow edges of bones in the cranial vault," and: "When such sutures are tied by sutural ligament and periosteum, almost complete immobility results."^[31] For the novel by Michael Crichton, see Timeline (novel). ... This July 2007 does not cite any references or sources. ... In medicine, a trauma patient has suffered serious and life-threatening physical injury resulting in secondary complications such as shock, respiratory failure and death. ...

It is usual in cranial textbooks to say that the motion of the skull is possible during flexion and extension because the sutures are mobile, especially the spenobasilar synchondrosis (SBS) - the junction between the base of the sphenoid and the occiput. Positional descriptions of cranial lesions traditionally relate to the relationship between the sphenoid and the occiput at this junction. An alternative theory to SBS motion taught in craniosacral training suggests that sutures are "lines of folding", like pre-folded marks on cardboard, rather than necessarily being fully open.^[32] The sphenoid bone (os sphenoidale) is a bone situated at the base of the skull in front of the temporals and basilar part of the occipital. ...

Mobility of the sacrum between the ilia

Mobility of the sacroiliac joint is not contested, although the fulcrum of craniosacral movement is through the body of the second sacral vertebra or segment (S2). The cranial concept recognises the link between the sacrum and occiput via the spinal dura, which is attached to the anterior of the sacrum at S2: as the occiput goes into extension the sacrum nutates, and the converse also occurs. The occiput can therefore be influenced by treatment of the sacrum, and vice-versa. The sacroiliac joint is the joint between the sacrum, at the base of the spine, and the ilium of the pelvis, which are joined by ligaments. ... Levers can be used to exert a large force over a small distance at one end by exerting only a small force over a greater distance at the other. ... In zootomy, several terms are used to describe the location of organs and other structures in the body of bilateral animals. ... In metaphysics, extension is the property of taking up space; see Extension (metaphysics). ... Rotation (green), Precession (blue) and Nutation (red) of the Earth Nutation is a slight irregular motion (etymologically a nodding) in the axis of rotation of a largely axially symmetric object, such as a gyroscope or a planet. ...

Craniosacral treatment

A typical craniosacral therapy session is performed with the client fully-clothed, in a supine position, and usually lasts about one hour. In the Upledger method of craniosacral therapy, a ten-step protocol serves as a general guideline, which includes (1) analyzing the base (existing) cranial rhythm, (2) creating a still point in that rhythm at the base of the skull, (3) rocking the sacrum, (4) lengthening the spine in the lumbar-sacral region, (5) addressing the pelvic, respiratory and thoracic diaphragms, (6) releasing the hyoid bone in the throat, and (7-10) addressing each one of the cranial bones. The practitioner may use discretion in using which steps are suitable for each client, and may or may not follow them in sequential order, with time restraints and the extent of trauma being factors. The supine position is a position of the body; lying down with the face up, as opposed to the prone position, which is face down. ...

The therapist places their hands lightly on the patient's body, tuning in to the patient by ‘listening’ with their hands or, in Sutherland's words, "with thinking fingers". Therapeutic contact between the patient and therapist may involve entrainment between patient and practitioner.^[28] Patients often experience a sense of deep relaxation during and after the treatment session, and may feel light-headed. This is popularly associated with increases in endorphins, but research shows the effects may actually be brought about by the endocannabinoid system.^[33] Entrainment (brainwave synchronization) Entrainment (engineering) Entrainment (hydrodynamics) Entrainment (meteorology) Entrainment (physics) Entrainment (chronobiology) Category: ... Look up relaxation in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Runners high redirects here. ... Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals which activate the bodys cannabinoid receptors. ...

Craniosacral therapy is claimed to be particularly beneficial in children.^[34] Adverse side effects of treatment are uncommon: in a study of craniosacral manipulation in patients with traumatic brain syndrome the level of adverse effects from treatment was 5%.^[35] Postgraduate study at the UK Osteopathic Centre for children can lead to the award of an MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy.^[36] Adverse effect, in medicine, is an abnormal, harmful, undesired and/or unintended side-effect, although not necessarily unexpected, which is obtained as the result of a therapy or other medical intervention, such as drug/chemotherapy, physical therapy, surgery, medical procedure, use of a medical device, etc. ... Traumatic brain injury (TBI), traumatic injuries to the brain, also called intracranial injury, or simply head injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. ... Look up MSC in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Training and accreditation

Craniosacral therapy is not protected by statute either in the US or the UK, and there is currently no legal requirement to be trained to any standard or registered with a professional association. In the UK the Health Professions Council is consulting on whether to integrate all craniosacral therapists in the UK under their umbrella of state regulated professions. The Health Professions Council (HPC) is a UK health regulator. ...

Accreditation and training in the US

In 1985, Dr. John Upledger established the Upledger Institute, a health center based in Florida and dedicated to the education and certification of practitioners in craniosacral and related therapies. An Upledger certification in CranioSacral therapy involves four levels of training and an overview of practice. In the most basic introductory CranioSacral courses of the Upledger Institute, training is restricted to people with some background in anatomy and health care. Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami metropolitan area Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ...

Certified training in Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy, by Dr. Franklyn Sills (a further development of Dr. Sutherland's investigation into cranial osteopathy), takes three years to complete.

Originally kept in the domain of chiropractors and osteopaths, craniosacral therapy has been opened up to those with less medical training, due to its broad healing potential and that its gentle manipulations do not pose a threat to the body.

Accreditation and training in the UK

There are currently two different organisations in the UK offering registration of practitioners graduating in craniosacral therapy, the UK Craniosacral Therapy Association (CSTA), whose members may use the postnominal letters 'RCST', and The Cranio Sacral Society, based in Perth, Scotland and founded in 1993. The CSTA validates five training colleges, and the The Cranio Sacral Society offers regulation for those with postgraduate training with The Upledger Institute. Both registering bodies are self-governed and have their own code of ethics. They have made moves towards amalgamation into a common register via the Forum for Cranial Practitioners, but the diversity of their training programmes has prevented this. Perth (Scottish Gaelic: ) is a royal burgh in central Scotland. ...

Accreditation and training in AUST

Training in Australia is provided by Stillness Trainings in sydney, the Craniosacral Academy of Australia in Adelaide. Craniosacral Australia Also available is training in Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy, with Roger Gilchrist and Polarity Therapy. Polarity Therapy is a form of alternative medicine developed by American Randolph Stone, who had studied osteopathy, chiropractic and naturopathyDO DC ND. // Polarity therapy is a synthesis of ancient Eastern and alternative medicine health care ideas centered on the concept of a Human Energy Field. ...

Criticisms

Skeptics existing both inside and outside the osteopathic profession level the following criticisms at craniosacral therapy: The current version of the article or section is written like a magazine article instead of the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia. ...

• Lack of evidence for the existence of "cranial bone movement"

The scientific evidence for cranial bone movement is insufficient to support the theories claimed by craniosacral practitioners. Scientific research supports the theory that the cranial bones fuse during adolescence, making movement impossible. However, this research only points to fusion of the base of the skull which is not contested in craniosacral therapy and does not address movement in the superior plates. As such, this research plays no part in disproving the type of cranial bone movement as postulated by craniosacral therapy.^[37]

• Lack of evidence for the existence of the "cranial rhythm"

While evidence exists for cerebrospinal fluid pulsation, one study states it is caused by the functioning of the cardiovascular system and not by the workings of the craniosacral system.^[38]

• Lack of evidence linking "cranial rhythm" to disease

No research to date has supported the link between the "cranial rhythm" and general health.

• Lack of evidence "cranial rhythm" is detectable by practitioners

Operator interreliability has been very poor in the studies that have been done. Five studies showed an operator interreliability of zero.^[39]

The one study showing some operator interreliability has been criticized as deeply flawed in a report to the British Columbia Office of Health Technology Assessment.^[40]

The circulatory system or cardiovascular system is the organ system which circulates blood around the body of most animals. ...

References

External links

Practitioner Organisations

• The Cranial Academy of the American Academy of Osteopathy
• Craniosacral Therapy Association (UK)
• Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America
• Schweizerischen Berufsverbandes für Craniosacral-Therapie
• The Cranio Sacral Society (UK practitioner organisation for Upledger CranioSacral Therapy)
• The International Association of CranioSacral Therapists
• International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings
• IAHP: International Association of Healthcare Practitioners

Training Organisations (UK)

• Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust
• Institute of Craniosacral Studies
• Karuna Institute - web site
• Resonance Trainings
• The College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy
• Upledger Institute UK

The Karuna Institute is a non-profit organisation that runs training courses in core process psychotherapy and craniosacral therapy in Widdecombe-on-the-moor, Devon, England. ...

Training Organisations (US)

• The Cranial Academy
• The Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation
• Colorado School of Energy Studies
• Honolulu Institute of Complementary Therapies
• The Upledger Institute, an educational institution founded by a proponent of CranioSacral Therapy, John E. Upledger

Other Organisations

• UK Forum for Cranial Practitioners Creating common standards of practice for cranial and craniosacral therapy in the UK

Advocacy

• Cranial Osteopathy - Myth or Science?
• PDF Overview of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Based on the Teachings and Writings of Franklyn Sills, by John Chitty

Criticism

• Craniosacral Therapy - Stephen Barrett, MD, on Quackwatch
• An evaluation of Dr. John Upledger's craniosacral therapy - Harriet M. Hall, MD on Quackwatch
• The Skeptic's Dictionary