Craniosacral therapy: How it works and what are its benefits?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle massage technique that relieves compression in the bones of the head, sacrum – the triangular bone in the lower back – and spine. This therapy is able to release tension around the body’s network of connective tissue called fascia, helping to relieve pain in the head and neck area.

In this article we explain what cranio-sacral (therapy) means, what its benefits are and what conditions or ailments it can improve.

What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a (non-invasive) technique or body massage that relieves compression in the bones of the head, sacrum and spine.

This therapy exerts gentle pressure on the head, neck and back to relieve stress and pain caused by compression.

Gentle manipulation of the bones of the skull, spine and pelvis can normalise the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system. This removes “blockages” to the normal flow, which improves the body’s ability to heal.

What is a cranial sacral massage and how is it performed?

Craniosacral therapy focuses on gentle hand placement to help release tension in your body’s connective tissue (fascia). This is a “casing” that is found throughout the body, guarding and holding in place organs, glands, nerves, musclesblood vessels, brain and spinal cord. Fascia forms a network of connective tissue throughout the body.

There are trace elements that are essential for the structural function of the organism, such as silica component of connective tissue. When the connective tissue is weak we can suffer: unstable jointsWhen the connective tissue is weak we can suffer from: unstable joints, organs that become loose, dull and inelastic skin, stretch marks, cellulite or dilated arteries, among others. It is important to bear in mind that, from the age of 35 onwards, the level of silicon in the diet is reduced. For this reason, it is important to provide an adequate dose through a quality supplement such as Silicium G7 Originalwhich is highly assimilable organic silicon that is more readily available than other forms of silicon, thus guaranteeing its effectiveness.

The human body is interconnected, which means that one area of your body can affect another. The aim of craniosacral therapy is to relieve tension. In turn, this can help other connected parts of your body to function better through the processes of:

• Self-regulation.
• Self-correction.
• Self-healing.

What ailments can be improved by cranial sacral massage (therapy)?

Craniosacral therapy helps to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as:

• Complex regional pain syndrome.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Chronic pain.
• Headaches, such as migraines.
• Neuralgia.
• Post-concussion syndrome.
• Scoliosis.
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Benefits and uses of craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy improves compression in the head, neck and back and helps to restore lost mobility. This relieves pain, stress and tension, both emotional and physical.

Cranial sacral therapy can be used for people of all ages, including children. It is used as part of the treatment of conditions or ailments such as:

• Migraine or headache.
• Constipation.
• Autism.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep cycles.
• Scoliosis and back pain.
• Mood disorders (anxiety, depression, stress…).
• Sinus infection.
• Recurrent ear infections or colic in infants.
• Recovery from joint trauma – In these cases, the joint gel with silicon and magnesium, Orgono G7 Sport Gelhelps to relieve joint and tendon overload.
• Pregnancies with complications.
• Cervical pain.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Tinnitus.

What does science say about the uses of craniosacral therapy?

The evidence so far shows that it can reduce stress and tension, and be an effective treatment or part of it, for a variety of conditions or ailments, and is especially useful for babies and children.

Several studies found that craniosacral therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of severe migraines. Others found improvement in people with fibromyalgia who suffered from pain and anxiety. anxietythanks to craniosacral therapy. Here are some of the studies that found benefits from craniosacral therapy:

• Study 1: Analysed the effects of this therapy on people with fibromyalgia. The results showed that those patients who were treated with craniosacral therapy, compared to those who received a “placebo” therapy, experienced improvements in pain in the medium term.

• Study 2: This study also focused on fibromyalgia patients and found that this craniosacral manipulation can reduce anxiety and improve the quality of life of these patients.

• Study 3: Studied the impact of craniosacral therapy together with acupuncture in adults with asthma. The findings showed that both therapies were beneficial when used in conjunction with conventional asthma treatment. The combination of the two therapies showed no benefit compared to using either therapy alone.

• Study 4: This study looked at craniosacral therapy applied to multiple sclerosis patients with lower urinary tract symptomatology. The study found that these people were able to improve both their quality of life and their ability to empty their bladder with craniosacral therapy.

*It is important to note that research on craniosacral therapy is limited, there are not many references. However, its almost non-existent risks and benefits make it an interesting complementary therapy for some people, particularly in relation to stress and anxiety reduction.

It also helps to inspire a change of attitude towards the pursuit of health and well-being. Practitioners and professionals of craniosacral therapy should always inform you about its uses and limitations. Craniosacral therapy should not be used as a substitute for other previously prescribed medical treatment, but as a complement.

Craniosacral therapy: contraindications

This therapy is not recommended in the following cases:

• Blood clots.
• Concussion.
• Brain inflammation.
• Brain aneurysm.
• Chiari malformation.
• Conditions causing pressure, flow or accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

Craniosacral therapy: Dangers?

This therapy is an alternative, non-invasive and gentle treatment. Therefore, its side effects or risks are practically non-existent. In some isolated cases it may occur: 

• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Mild discomfort.

Craniosacral therapy: more than just a massage

Craniosacral therapy is a complementary tool that connects the physical, emotional and spiritual. A holistic approach that can accompany other treatments with virtually no risks or side effects.

The therapy should be practised by chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists or occupational therapists with specific training in the craniosacral area. Its greatest benefits have been shown in people with episodes of stress, anxiety, or pain and tension in the neck area. If you think you might benefit from this therapy, consult a professional for personalised guidance and optimal results.