Musings on the CranioSacral Controversy: Information and Tips for Clients

CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physicianJohn E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. -official definition of CranioSacral Therapy, from the Upledger institute, via their website, www.upledger.com

Sounds simple, and quite appealing, especially to clientele struggling to find tanglible results and techniques that make sense--holistic, authentic, non-invasive, professional care--within an often invasive, frustrating, allopathic, Western health care system. If it works--and its long history, flourishing continuum, and perhaps, most importantly, millions of testimonials, seem to be evidence that it does-then who, what, and why on earth would there be a bone to pick with such a beneficial, harmless modality?

The answer proves to be complex, and may be somewhat of a little hologram of the emergent 'alternative health' movement within mainstream medical schema. It seems far too simplistic to dismiss craniosacral's many critics and controversies by applying a notion of 'threat.' I don't think neurosurgeons are hurting for business, and, for better or worse, the pharmaceutical and insurance paradigms, along with fiscal inertia, are a virtual instituted godhead. That craniosacral therapy is a threat to the extent that a even mild conspiratorial agenda can be applied to its detractors' motivations seems a stretch. If alternative medicine is lucrative, and by all accounts, it seems to be, then a place can and will be made for it within existent larger systems. In fact, that's already happening.

Perhaps the entire problem is within its subjectivity. Allopathic medicine relies on objectivity-the measurable and consistent, as well it should. Fitting the subjective methods and response, as found in alternative therapies--even if they seem to work--into a near opposite environment of accountability isn't going to happen without a fight. The larger, predominant, system will override, and expect to fit everything into its own model, on its own terms. This is an innate problem within the merging of mainstream and complementary therapies, and because of these differences, full integration promises to be an ongoing struggle.

For example, there is the often cited 'placebo effect', which is essentially an allopathic explanation for anything that works without fitting into its model, despite its origins, traditional, or alternative. This is the precise place in which these two systems are not in sync, and much insight can be gained right here. Many of the great, ancient natural health medical systems actually rely on an initiated placebo effect. The very idea of initiating the body's own healing system is the very goal of homeopathy, acupuncture, and even faith healing. The idea of a placebo forces the stance of a very prominent mind/body connection, which only validates and supports most of the alternative therapies it seeks to discount. One wonders how this came to be viewed negatively within any logical argument. Again, the idea of subjectivity/objectivity arises. Is there no place within medicine for subjective experience, or even mere official tolerance at such a notion? Since when do positive results, no matter their origin, not count?

We're not talking about waving a chicken around a head, or randomly sprinkling fairy dust about one's self, either. Craniosacral therapy has a particular protocol to be followed, specific hand placements on specific cranial bones; there is refined and considerable palpatory skill involved, training and proper (although varying) licensure required. Further, clinical tests indicate that there is something to it.

I recently came across the wikipedia entry for craniosacral therapy. There, it is the subject of a hugely contested, almost emotional and irrational debate within its accompanying 'discuss' page, instituted because of a proposal to split the entry into two. This led me to other websites in which similar discussions and warnings are asserted. One of the most perplexing is the entry at Aetna's intelihealth website. There seems to be quite a paradox at hand.

The site claims craniosacral is an unproven therapy, and it is difficult to read the entire page without getting the covert but obvious message-that craniosacral therapy just doesn't work. Yet, the article goes on to warn that it could negatively affect those with "...recent head trauma or skull fracture, those with diseases that affect the brain or spinal cord, those with conditions in which a change in pressure in the brain would be dangerous.." If it doesn't work, and if the detractors are correct in that there is absolutely no movement of the cranial bones affecting the cerebrospinal fluid, then how on earth could craniosacral work affect brain pressure? And why are such highly compromised brain injured individuals even receiving this work, when it is contraindicated for such conditions, even within a lab environment?

The article also states, '...small risk of stroke, nervous system damage, bleeding in the head, intracranial aneurysm or increased pressure in the brain." What? I thought it didn't work. Apparently, it has the ability to be quite effective, only it's all harmful. Does this ring true? Craniosacral therapy relies on the gentlest of finger pressure and holds-by its own definition and training, the weight of a nickel. If there is no energetic mechanism of implementation or reception involved then, could a similar warning be taken seriously if it asserted that nickels placed upon the cranium could cause such injury? How many hundreds of times more pressure is put on the head when we lie down to sleep at night, or when we scratch our forehead, or wear a barrette? Certainly, for the very compromised, certain accommodations must be made for sleeping, so as not to disturb the fine balance of intercranial pressure. But can the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy be gauged by such dubious and unrelated scenarios?

In the article, it also warns that some receiving craniosacral therapy have reported effects of diarrhea, nausea, and 'increased anger.' That's all consistent with craniosacral therapy effects, and it would be difficult to find a serious and long term practioner who did not hear the same testimonials. Is that negative? Is the process of healing completely roses and rainbows? When dealing with healing and the infinitely complex and sacred psychic and physical labrynitine landscape that is the body, such discomforts tend to arise.

A few years ago, I was standing in the natural health section of an old natural health store, New Frontiers. A big, burly guy approached the salesperson , scratching his face in obvious embarrassment, kind of grumbling something about "flushing his system" and "detoxing." The wise herb woman knew immediately he was looking for something to aid in an upcoming drug test, and offered him a box of something. The gruff guy said, "this is just a laxative? Don't you have something better?" She replied, simply, and quite seriously, "Sir, how would you like it to come out?"

Within the realm of natural healing, there is something called a 'healing crisis.' Although the term may be seemingly oxymoronic, it is an honest one. When there are negative, unwanted, undesireable things, and you would like them to come out, they may. This is not certain evidence of bad medicine. That people report increased anger, flu-like symptoms, seemingly unrelated moods, thoughts, etc., during and after a craniosacral session attests to its effectiveness, and is desirable. And this is just one side of it--many report feelings of euphoria, light visions and phenomena, clear-headedness, cleared sinuses, and a host of other positive experiences. How could simple hand placements be responsible for such results?

Although craniosacral therapy works upon a precise physical system, it is essentially energy work. But in practice, it's complex. It is so effective, that even those completely turned off by notions of crystals, auras, chakras, and the like, are quick to find value, and schedule further sessions. I have performed craniosacral work on very scientific-minded clients, and even physicians, who were stunned by its induced relief. Whether it's the oft-cited 'intention' of energy work, true physical manipulation of the cranial bones, a placebo, or some kind of combination thereof, craniosacral can be a very powerful and healing type of bodywork.

Keeping these issues in mind, there are several things prospective clients can do, and questions you can ask, to insure you get the best experience possible, before receiving craniosacral therapy.

Questions to ask the craniosacral practioner

How long have you been practicing craniosacral work, and where did you study?

The more experience, the better, especially if s/he has only massage school level training. Many times, the familiarity with craniosacral that one receives in massage school is not sufficient enough to perform a professional quality, authentic session. Experience is essential, even for skilled, new therapists.

Can you feel the cranial rhythm (or waves)?

Working with the cranial rhythm is an intregal part of the therapy. I am surprised by many therapists who do not feel the rhythm at all, yet practice craniosacral work. On a personal level, I don't know how they are able to navigate the session without it. It may be arguable, but I suggest finding a therapist who answers yes to this question.

Is there anything I need to know before my session, or about craniosacral therapy in general?

A good, responsible therapist should adequately educate her clients previous to the session regarding possible effects, both positive and negative, indications and contraindications, and give a general overview of what to wear, and a general overview of the protocols that will be used.

Do you use any other techniques within the craniosacral session?

Depending on their personal philosophies, education, style, and even the environment, therapists may involve other methodologies, such as Reiki, crystals, gems, auric and chakra therapies, acupressure, or even some light massage techniques. If this is important to you one way or another, make sure you know what is involved beforehand.

I encourage anyone remotely interested in receiving energy work, or trying a new alternative therapy, to give craniosacral therapy a go. I have found it to be extremely beneficial and one of the most authentic and profound modalities available.