History of Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) was developed in the mid-1970s by osteopathic physician Dr. John Upledger. While assisting in surgery, Dr. Upledger observed the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the membranes surrounding the brain, skull, spinal cord, fascia, and the rest of the body. This observation led him to explore how restrictions within these structures could interfere with fluid movement and create areas of limited mobility. Because healthy motion is essential for optimal function, he developed craniosacral therapy as a way to gently identify and release these restrictions.
What Is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, light-touch form of bodywork performed on the skull, spine, pelvis, and fascial system. Fascia is a continuous connective tissue network that extends throughout the entire body, from beneath the tongue to the soles of the feet.
During a CST session, the practitioner assesses the rhythm and motion of cerebrospinal fluid to identify areas of imbalance within the bones and connective tissues. These restrictions are then addressed using guided movements that support the body’s natural ability to restore mobility, balance, and optimal function.
Since its development, craniosacral therapy has grown significantly as an alternative therapy. Today, it is used by a wide range of healthcare providers, including pediatricians, nurses, chiropractors, and dentists. Its broad adoption reflects its ability to support many different conditions by addressing underlying structural and nervous system imbalances.
Conditions Supported by Craniosacral Therapy at Gateway Natural Medicine
Craniosacral therapy may be helpful for:
● Chronic back pain
● Neck pain
● Infant feeding difficulties
● Infant reflux
● Oral ties, often used alongside a release procedure
● Colic
● Ear pain and recurrent ear infections
● Plagiocephaly, or irregular head shape
● Birth trauma from vaginal or cesarean delivery
● Infant motor coordination challenges
● Bladder incontinence
● Recurrent respiratory infections
● Sinus issues
● Headaches
● Anxiety
● Sleep disturbances
● TMJ dysfunction
Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is especially well suited for infants and children due to its gentle and calming approach. Parents often seek care with concerns such as:
● Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
● Fatigue after only a few minutes of feeding
● Children waking up feeling tired
● Bedwetting or continued need for pull-ups beyond early childhood
● Infants who struggle to sleep for longer stretches despite best efforts
By addressing underlying musculoskeletal and cranial restrictions, craniosacral therapy helps support healthy development, improved comfort, and better overall function. When the body is able to move freely and regulate itself effectively, children are better able to thrive and feel their best each day.
Craniosacral Care for Infants and Children at Gateway
Craniosacral therapy is part of our pediatric care, often paired with gentle chiropractic. Learn more about our infant care (feeding struggles, torticollis, and tongue-tie support) and children’s health services (bedwetting, mouth breathing, motor development, and sleep), or explore our full Pregnancy & Pediatric Care program.