Craniosacral massage is used as a therapy to relieve many pains and disorders. This therapy was introduced by an osteopath William G. Sutherland in the early 1930s’. Craniosacral massage works on the system known as cranio-sacral system. This system consists of soft tissues and bones of spine, pelvis and of course cranium (head).
Craniosacral massage is considered to be a very gentle massage, which is done with the pressure equivalent to the weight of a nickel. Sometimes, the spinal fluid in the body gets blocked due to injuries, shock or emotional imbalance. This massage helps to remove the blockage and maintains the flow of the spinal fluid through the nervous system and other parts associated to it. Other major organs get help from this and regain their normal process. It is said to work on both physical as well as psychological aspects.
Craniosacral massage therapist gently massages your body including the bones, spine, pelvis, skull and soft body tissues, and allow the spinal fluid to flow in a natural manner. It improves the resistance power of the body, functioning of the nervous system and enhances overall health. Following are some of the disorders in which craniosacral massage is considered to be very effective:
- In pain and injury like, accidental injury, sports injury, muscle strain, etc.
- Headache or Migraine
- Chronic back pain and neck pain
- Insomnia
- Sinus problem
- Fibromyalgia
- It is also very effective in curing traumatic stress disorders and emotional stress.
Craniosacralmassage techniques are specially meant for the people suffering from the above mentioned disorders. It is advised to consult your doctor before going for any such massage, as you can face some problems. Apart from all the above mentioned information about craniosacral massage there are many controversies and criticism by some of the osteopaths and MD’s from around the world. There are lack of evidence for:
- Existence of “cranial rhythm”
- Existence of “cranial bone movement”
- It is controversial that cranioscaral massage provides a therapeutic benefit
- Link between the cranial rhythm and disease