CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive manipulative technique. Examination is done by testing for movement in various parts of the system. In some cases simply doing these tests can reduce restrictions, and the system is able to self-correct.

With CranioSacral Therapy, factors that compromise posture and function throughout the body are addressed with equal emphasis to those that appear in the neighbourhood of the cranium. There is, however, a focus around the effect on the head and vertebral column, with their membranes, nerves, and their immediate connective tissues - collectively recognised as the craniosacral system. Because it acts on the deepest structures and organs of the nervous system, CranioSacral Therapy influences motor, pain and coordination mechanisms, heart function, and the digestive, respiratory, and endocrine systems.

The bite and jaw joints can not only profoundly influence the craniosacral system, but can themselves be affected by restrictions and imbalance anywhere in the body, with a huge range of health consequences.

Dentists are becoming more clued in to the craniosacral approach, and cooperation with CranioSacral Therapists in resolving bite-related issues is increasing. This brings great benefit to sufferers whose patterns of ill-health involve previously unrecognised and unresolved bite factors.

Palpation of the craniosacral rhythm is the key factor in guiding CranioSacral Therapists through therapeutic priorities. It is an indicator of free mobility of the connective tissue, of body symmetry and of vitality.

Upledger-trained practitioners use it in conjunction with other subtle evaluative techniques to locate and identify spinal cord dysfunctions and restrictions of the important membranes that subdivide and support the brain. It can also be used to pinpoint and frequently help areas of active tissue change anywhere in the body.

Receiving CranioSacral Therapy tends to be very relaxing, and indeed positively pleasurable. Ignored or hidden problems are as often resolved as those that help was actually sought for. Improvements in bite or eyesight, for example, are commonly experienced by patients presenting with spine-related issues.

Used throughout pregnancy, CranioSacral Therapy improves comfort by helping the body adapt to the growing foetus, as well as helping to normalise hormonal balance. Treatment of newborns can quickly resolve problems arising in utero and during birth, which could cause developmental and other difficulties as the child grows, and would require more prolonged intervention if left until later.

CranioSacral Therapy enhances the body's natural healing processes, and has been effective over a wide spectrum of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

• Migraine headaches
• Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
• Chronic neck and back pain
• Emotional difficulties
• Motor co-ordination difficulties
• Stress and tension-related problems
• Central nervous system disorders
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
• Orthopaedic problems
• Chronic fatigue
• Neurovascular or immune disorders
• Scoliosis
• Infantile disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Autism
• Learning disabilities
• Fibromyalgia and other connective tissue disorders