Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a non-invasive and non-manipulative treatment that can be useful in helping patients to deal with any emotional problems that they are experiencing. It is a hands-on therapy that helps to rebalance the emotions and resolve any difficulties. It does this by influencing the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid, which is the liquid that surrounds the central nervous system, is also influenced in the same way. The gentle therapy has both physical and emotional benefits.
Though there are some physical benefits to undergoing a craniosacral treatment, the reason that most people choose to have it is for the emotional aspects. It is a form of alternative therapy and was developed in the 1970s by Dr John Upledger. He based it on the older theory of cranial osteopathy, which has been practiced in the United States since the 1930s. The therapy is based on the concept of the cranial bones being able to produce small, rhythmic movements that can be detected and altered when the skull is palpated. When the cranial bones are placed under pressure by the therapist, it changes the motion of the cerebrospinal fluid, producing the therapeutic effects.
During biodynamic craniosacral therapy, the therapist will relax the patient by lightly palpating the body. For the treatment to be most effective, the practitioner must feel as though they are in tune with the patient, and this is described as entrainment. The palpation may lead to the increased production of endorphins in the body, which improves the patient's feeling of well-being, though recent research suggests that it may instead be due to endocannabinoids being produced.
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy seeks to address the patterns and conditioning that is imprinted within the body by exposure to trauma and stress. This conditioning causes us to react in a similar way each time we are exposed to a particular situation, which has a negative impact on the body. By altering the flow of the fluids in the body, it is possible to resolve these problems in a natural, non-invasive way, and also improve some physical symptoms at the same time. The procedure treats both the body and mind in a holistic approach, and is considered to be effective for a wide range of ailments. The gentle movements make it suitable for people of all ages, including children and the elderly, and it encourages health and well-being.
However, the practice is considered to be controversial because the cranial bones, of which there are eight, are widely believed to be immobile. When a person is born, these bones are not rigidly joined, but they fuse slowly during childhood and adolescence to give a solid structure. This limits the amount of movement that can take place, and mixed results have been obtained from clinical studies.