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Do you struggle with stress and need to relax? If so, craniosacral therapy could be a complementary treatment that helps. Here, we will explain what the method involves.

What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a form of body therapy that focuses on relieving tension and imbalances. The therapist gently touches and manipulates the skull (cranium), spine, and sacrum.

The therapy is based on the theory that the body’s craniosacral system has its rhythmic pulse. This pulse can be affected by physical and emotional stress. The system includes the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes surrounding these structures.

By gently manipulating and adjusting these areas, the therapist can restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This, in turn, should reduce tension and promote the body’s natural healing processes.

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The therapy is often used to treat multiple conditions. It is based on the principle that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. Some blockages or imbalances in the craniosacral system can hinder this natural process. Craniosacral therapy is known for its gentleness and is considered safe for people of all ages, including infants and older people.

What can craniosacral therapy help with?

Craniosacral therapy can relieve a variety of physical and emotional conditions, such as headaches, migraines, and neck and back pain. It can also reduce stress and tension. Craniosacral therapists also use the therapy for symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and emotional problems. The treatment can positively affect neurological conditions and respiratory and digestive disorders. It promotes deep relaxation, enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.

Although many people report positive experiences with the therapy, it should be seen as a complement to Western medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or qualified health professional before starting treatment. Results can vary from person to person, and other methods may give better results for different conditions.

What is the evidence for craniosacral therapy?

The evidence for craniosacral therapy is controversial. Some research points to potential benefits such as stress reduction and pain relief, but critics emphasize the studies’ lack of a solid scientific basis and methodological limitations. Research has also shown no effects based on the basic theory of changing the pressure or circulation of the spinal fluid.

Anecdotal evidence from individuals who have experienced positive effects contributes to the therapy’s popularity. However, critics argue that these effects may be due to placebo or relaxation rather than specific therapeutic effects of the treatment. If you are interested in this method, you should primarily focus on relaxation as a result of touch, as this may be the main effect. Patients considering craniosacral therapy should see it as a complement to conventional medical treatment and consult with a qualified health professional. There may be many other methods where the evidence is more substantial for different conditions.


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How does a treatment with craniosacral therapy work?

A craniosacral therapy treatment is a gentle process that the therapist usually performs with the client fully clothed and lying on a treatment bench. Here is an overview of a typical session:

  1. Initial conversation: Therapy often begins with a conversation in which the therapist asks about the client’s health condition, medical history, and specific problems or treatment goals. This helps the therapist understand the client’s needs and adapt the session accordingly.
  2. Assessment: The therapist often begins with a light touch to feel the body’s craniosacral rhythm, a subtle pulse linked to cerebrospinal fluid flow. Through this initial assessment, the therapist identifies areas of tension or imbalance.
  3. Treatment: Using gentle, light-pressure hand techniques, the therapist works on the skull, spine, and sacrum to release blockages and promote balance in the craniosacral system. The therapist may also use techniques to release tension in other body parts that are affected by or affect the craniosacral system.
  4. Relaxation: During the session, the client is encouraged to relax and breathe deeply, enhancing the therapy’s effects. Many clients feel deep relaxation and well-being during and after treatment.
  5. Closure and follow-up: After treatment, the therapist and client discuss the experience and any changes or sensations noted by the client and plan for follow-up sessions if necessary.

A session usually lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. The number of sessions needed varies depending on the individual’s specific situation and goals. Some people experience improvement after one session, while others may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. The therapy is known for its gentle approach and is considered safe for people of all ages, including infants and older people.


12 FAQs about Craniosacral Therapy

What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a form of body therapy that relieves tension and imbalances through gentle touches and manipulations of the cranium, spine, and sacrum.

What is craniosacral therapy based on?

The therapy is based on the theory that the body’s craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid, and the membranes surrounding these structures, has a rhythmic pulse that is affected by physical and emotional stress.

What does the therapist do in craniosacral therapy?

The therapist aims to restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by gently manipulating and adjusting different areas, reducing tension and promoting the body’s natural healing processes.

How long is a treatment?

Treatment can vary depending on the problem, but it can be one to several 45-60-minute sessions.

What can craniosacral therapy help with?

Craniosacral therapy can relieve headaches, migraines, neck and back pain and reduce stress and tension. It can also reduce chronic fatigue syndrome, emotional problems, neurological conditions, and respiratory and digestive disorders. It is good to know that the effect is mainly based on placebo and relaxation.

Is touch included in the therapy?

The therapist uses gentle, lightly pressing hand techniques on the skull, spine and sacrum to release blockages and promote balance in the craniosacral system. So, touch is part of the treatment.

Can you get craniosacral therapy online?

It is not possible to do craniosacral therapy online as it involves touching the body.

What is the evidence for craniosacral therapy?

Research has shown no effects based on the basic theory of changing the pressure or circulation of the spinal fluid. However, there may be effects for placebo and relaxation.

I feel exhausted. Should I have craniosacral therapy?

Fatigue is a medical condition that a doctor should primarily assess. Craniosacral therapy can be helpful with relaxation, which can aid recovery, but many methods may be more beneficial for fatigue.

I have fibromyalgia. Can craniosacral therapy help?

Craniosacral therapy can help with relaxation and complement your regular care plan. Please discuss this with your doctor or other health professionals.

Where can I go if I need help?

At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who work with different methods and can help you feel better.

Can craniosacral therapy be given to animals?

Yes, craniosacral therapy can also be used on animals, especially on horses and dogs, but also on other animal species. As with humans, the treatment aims to promote health by gently manipulating the skull, spine and sacrum to relieve tension and promote a harmonious flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Animals, just like humans, can benefit from therapy’s calming and pain-relieving effects. For animals, a therapist treats conditions such as chronic pain, stress-related problems, movement disorders and support for recovery from injury.

Therapists who perform craniosacral therapy on animals usually undergo specialized training to understand their unique anatomy and needs. They respect the animal’s comfort and tolerance level, and the therapist must be able to read the animal’s signals to ensure a positive experience. Pet owners interested in craniosacral therapy for their animals should seek a therapist with relevant experience and training in the field.



Written by Samantha Pieterse

Sr. Samantha Pieterse is a registered psychiatric nurse who is deeply committed to mental health and well-being. Samantha brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role as an editor for Lavendla South Africa. She has worked in Government and Private mental healthcare institutions in Gauteng and her expertise ensures that the articles on our website are accurate and accessible. Samantha is dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness and education in South Africa.