Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsUnknownsTechniquesAt-HomeWhere to Go
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Unknowns
Techniques
At-Home
Where to Go
This article discusses the benefits of craniosacral therapy, techniques, and where to get it.
Tatsiana Volkava / Getty Images
Craniosacral Therapy: Benefits and Massage Goals
Craniosacral therapy is thought to relieve tension within the body that contributes to various health disorders or is associated with the treatments of other conditions, such ascancer.
There are several conditions and ailments that are said to benefit from craniosacral therapy, including:
Massage, Rolfing, and Other Bodywork for Fibromyalgia
Body Parts Massaged
The areas of focus during craniosacral therapy are those along thefascia, which is the connective tissue that runs through the body. It contains organs, blood vessels, bones, nerve fibers, and muscles in place to function as they should.
The symptoms a person goes in for will determine in what areas of the body craniosacral therapy will be given. For example, if a person has headaches, they will likely be given a head or neck massage. Other areas involved in craniosacral therapy include:
Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous SystemThe parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems control different responses in the body. The parasympathetic nervous system aids in proper rest and digestive functions, whereas the sympathetic nervous system regulates the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous System
The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems control different responses in the body. The parasympathetic nervous system aids in proper rest and digestive functions, whereas the sympathetic nervous system regulates the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Pressure and Sensation
The pressure applied during craniosacral therapy is incredibly light. It is not the same as adeep tissue massage. Light pressure is applied over the affected fascial tissue to help modify certain body rhythms that could be playing a role in pain and other symptoms.
Benefits and Techniques of Oncology Massage
Craniosacral Therapy Unknowns
Craniosacral therapy has been around for decades, but there are still some unknowns because of a lack of clinical research. Some studies suggest that it works, while others cannot find a scientific basis for it. Due to a lack of evidence, it’s uncertain if the treatment really works. In some circles, craniosacral therapy is referred to as pseudoscience for its lack of clinical evidence.It’s thought that the gentle pressure applied is not enough to make any real difference.
What Does ‘Pseudoscience’ Mean?“Pseudoscience” is defined as, “A collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method.” The word describes scientific or clinical health practices with no scientific basis behind them or their efficacy.
What Does ‘Pseudoscience’ Mean?
“Pseudoscience” is defined as, “A collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method.” The word describes scientific or clinical health practices with no scientific basis behind them or their efficacy.
Craniosacral Massage Therapy Techniques
The massage techniques used in craniosacral therapy rely on low pressure in the right places. It’s intended to be as gentle as possible.
The fingertips are often used during this type of massage to avoid applying too much pressure. The areas massaged are between the skull and thebottom of the spine. Healthcare providers work these spots to identify imbalances within the body and its cerebrospinal fluid.
If there is an imbalance in cerebrospinal fluid, the massage therapist will likely reposition you or press on the area to help release flow. The techniques aim to improve the body’s ability to regulate physiological responses.
During and after the session, people may experience different sensations, including:
Who Shouldn’t Do Craniosacral Therapy?While craniosacral therapy is generally considered safe, some people should avoid it or speak to a healthcare provider before trying it. People with the following health ailments or disorders should not get craniosacral therapy:Blood clotsConcussion or other traumatic brain injuriesBrain swellingBrain aneurysm(blood-filled bulge in a blood vessel in or around the brain)Conditions that cause cerebrospinal fluid to build up
Who Shouldn’t Do Craniosacral Therapy?
While craniosacral therapy is generally considered safe, some people should avoid it or speak to a healthcare provider before trying it. People with the following health ailments or disorders should not get craniosacral therapy:Blood clotsConcussion or other traumatic brain injuriesBrain swellingBrain aneurysm(blood-filled bulge in a blood vessel in or around the brain)Conditions that cause cerebrospinal fluid to build up
While craniosacral therapy is generally considered safe, some people should avoid it or speak to a healthcare provider before trying it. People with the following health ailments or disorders should not get craniosacral therapy:
Giving Yourself a Craniosacral Massage At Home
While people can give themselves massages at home that are similar to craniosacral therapy, it is not advised because experts trained in the practice will be able to perform the procedure correctly. Manipulating your nervous system at home using this technique should be avoided.
How to Give Yourself a Lymphatic Drainage Self-Massage
Where to Get Craniosacral Therapy
These professionals know how to perform the massage technique correctly, and if you wish to try it, you should seek out clinicians in your area who specialize in craniosacral therapy.
Massage Therapy: What You Should Know
Summary
Craniosacral therapy is not new, but it has been gaining attention recently because of anecdotal evidence that it can help many ailments. While some clinical research speaks to its efficacy, studies are limited, and more information is required before craniosacral therapy becomes a more mainstream treatment option.
Since craniosacral therapy is relatively safe for most people, there is no harm in trying out the therapy technique if you and a healthcare provider believe it may be right for you. Visit a licensed professional who has experience with this route of treatment.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Haller H, Lauche R, Sundberg T, Dobos G, Cramer H.Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Musculoskelet Disord.2019 Dec 31;21(1):1. doi:10.1186/s12891-019-3017-yHaller H, Dobos G, Cramer H.The use and benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in primary health care: A prospective cohort study.Complement Ther Med.2021 May;58:102702. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102702Nemours Kid’s Health.Peripheral nervous system.McGill University Office for Science and Society.Even the best scientific studies can lie: The case of craniosacral therapy.González-Méijome JM.Science, pseudoscience, evidence-based practice and post truth.Journal of Optometry. 2017;10(4):203-204. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2017.08.001Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America.What is a session like?
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Haller H, Lauche R, Sundberg T, Dobos G, Cramer H.Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Musculoskelet Disord.2019 Dec 31;21(1):1. doi:10.1186/s12891-019-3017-yHaller H, Dobos G, Cramer H.The use and benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in primary health care: A prospective cohort study.Complement Ther Med.2021 May;58:102702. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102702Nemours Kid’s Health.Peripheral nervous system.McGill University Office for Science and Society.Even the best scientific studies can lie: The case of craniosacral therapy.González-Méijome JM.Science, pseudoscience, evidence-based practice and post truth.Journal of Optometry. 2017;10(4):203-204. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2017.08.001Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America.What is a session like?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Haller H, Lauche R, Sundberg T, Dobos G, Cramer H.Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Musculoskelet Disord.2019 Dec 31;21(1):1. doi:10.1186/s12891-019-3017-yHaller H, Dobos G, Cramer H.The use and benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in primary health care: A prospective cohort study.Complement Ther Med.2021 May;58:102702. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102702Nemours Kid’s Health.Peripheral nervous system.McGill University Office for Science and Society.Even the best scientific studies can lie: The case of craniosacral therapy.González-Méijome JM.Science, pseudoscience, evidence-based practice and post truth.Journal of Optometry. 2017;10(4):203-204. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2017.08.001Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America.What is a session like?
Haller H, Lauche R, Sundberg T, Dobos G, Cramer H.Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Musculoskelet Disord.2019 Dec 31;21(1):1. doi:10.1186/s12891-019-3017-y
Haller H, Dobos G, Cramer H.The use and benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in primary health care: A prospective cohort study.Complement Ther Med.2021 May;58:102702. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102702
Nemours Kid’s Health.Peripheral nervous system.
McGill University Office for Science and Society.Even the best scientific studies can lie: The case of craniosacral therapy.
González-Méijome JM.Science, pseudoscience, evidence-based practice and post truth.Journal of Optometry. 2017;10(4):203-204. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2017.08.001
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America.What is a session like?
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
