Where am I?

The Center for Childhood Development » Specialized Therapies

Specialized Therapies

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy in America began with the development of osteopathy by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the mid-1800’s. Osteopathy was originally focused on restoring good blood supply to all the tissues and organs of the body, which enhanced the body’s self-healing mechanisms. Cranial osteopathy then specialized in restoring good circulation to the fluids around the brain and spinal cord. This further evolved into the craniosacral therapy approach popularized by Dr. John Upledger, which emphasizes directing mobility of the cranial bones and the sacrum at the base of the spine.

A more fluid approach to craniosacral therapy was developed by Cathy Pliscof Holway, PT, as she sought a gentle, respectful way to honor the original osteopathic principles of the self-healing mechanisms of the body. As a "hands-on" physical therapist with over 23 years of CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation experience, she discovered a way to palpate the tissues of the body and encourage the flow of critical fluids through restricted areas.

At the core of our healing mechanisms is the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. Good flow of this fluid, as well as blood flow, is critical for the health and motion of all of our body systems: including vascular, visceral, nervous, lymphatic and musculoskeletal systems.

The Holway craniosacral approach uses the gentle touch of Profound Neutral to palpate these fluids and encourage their flow to nourish the organs, muscles and bones of the body. This allows the tissues to release old restrictions from developmental challenges, disease, surgery or trauma. Focusing on restoring healthy fluid flow, rather than engaging the restrictions directly, allows the body to reorganize to its optimal state with ease.  

This form of craniosacral work also allows babies and children to reorganize their sensory-motor challenges and develop more appropriate function. When restrictions release from the body, visceral, vascular and neurological function is enhanced. The body remembers a deeper level of function and flow, and ease is restored for many activities.