Craniosacral Therapy
by Katharina Wehrli

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle body work technique. It is non intrusive, supplying sensitive touch where needed. The client's body sets the pace for the practitioner to identify when, where and how to offer attention and support. This subtle healing technique is suitable for all age groups.

The craniosacral system consists of a fluid filled membrane within which the brain, the membranes and spinal cord are bathed, protected and cushioned. It extends from the skull, the cranium, to the sacrum and the tailbone. Hence its name craniosacral. The fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid. The fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid within this system results in a subtle rhythm directly related to movements of the body's bones and soft tissue.

Rhythmic movement is fundamental to life. It manifests in respiration, the heartbeat or even the tides of the planet's oceans, which depend on the lunation cycle. On an energetic level this subtle tide like motion is inherent in every cell of the body. In Craniosacral Therapy the practitioner relates to this fundamental rhythm mostly via the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system carries the deepest rhythmic current in the body. This energy current is the ordering principle that does the healing on the core level of the body mind system.

The practitioner's skilled hands palpate this rhythm. The strength, range, and symmetry are key factors in assessing a client's craniosacral system. Injuries, stress, tension, strain or trauma cause the body to contract. When severe, of emotional origin or repetitive, the body's tissues stay contracted and this may result in chronic conditions. Contractions have a restrictive influence also on the rhythm of the craniosacral system. The practitioner gently supports the client's system to release the restriction. Often the simple act of witnessing such a holding pattern offers the opportunity for the body's tissues to return to their balanced state. With the trained ability to tune into the craniosacral system along with gentle supportive techniques, its inherent potential to heal and rejuvenate itself is awakened.

By increasing the body's own vitality and potency of its life energy this non invasive form of therapy is helpful with nearly any condition. It is compatible with Polarity Therapy , which can easily be practiced within the same body work session.

The History of Craniosacral Therapy

In 1874 Dr. Andrew Taylor Still introduced the science of Osteopathy. It includes a knowledge of anatomy, physiology and philosophy, working with the principle that the tendency in the human body is always toward the normal. Dr. A. T. Still states in his writings, "All parts in the whole body obey the one eternal law of life and motion." The origin of Craniosacral Therapy lies with a doctor of Osteopathy, Dr. William Garner Sutherland. He became the founder of Cranial Osteopathy. Around 1900 he discovered that the bones of the cranium aren't fused as he was taught in school, but that the sutures allow room for slight movement. As Dr. Sutherland continued his research he found that restrictions within the intrinsic motion patterns of the cranial bones result in reduced function of related body systems. This motion pattern is also present within the cerebrospinal fluid. Dr. Sutherland wrote: "Within the cerebrospinal fluid there is an invisible element that I refer to as the Breath of Life. I want you to visualize this Breath of Life as a fluid within the fluid, something that has potency as the thing which makes it move. Visualize a potency, an intelligent potency, that is more intelligent than your human mentality. It is something you can depend on to do the work for you."

Another Osteopathic physician, Dr. Randolph Stone, who founded Polarity Therapy, also focused on the craniosacral system. He stated: "Polarity Therapy affects the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid directly...Only after the cerebrospinal fluid current is established is there a beneficial reaction to any application of therapy...It is the energy current which does the healing."

In the 1970s Dr. John Upledger D.O. rediscovered the craniosacral system. He lead a team of researchers to gather more data to build a scientific basis for the craniosacral system. Today he is one of the leading educators in the field of Craniosacral Therapy maintaining a clinic within the Florida based Upledger Institute.

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Katharina Wehrli has been involved in the Healing Arts and Holistic Health since 1977, Katharina is a Registered Polarity Therapist with the American Polarity Therapy Association. Her training in Craniosacral Therapy she received from the Upledger Institute in Florida. Katharina is also a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher and a teaching Reiki Master. Presently she is a student of the certification program at the School of Evolutionary Astrology. The use of Astrology and the colors of Aura-Soma accentuate and deepen her work with clients and students on psycho spiritual and body mind levels. Whenever indicated Katharina will use art, music, poetry, drama and role play or movement to guide a client towards a fuller emotional expression and understanding of him/herself.

Katharina Wehrli can be reached by calling: (508) 651-2648, emailing: info@earthlit.com, or visiting her website: www.earthlit.com. Her office is located at 6 Lakeview Road, Wayland, MA 01778.