I’m I’m Tanya Stout. A health care practitioner in Missoula, Montana

The Craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area in a semi-hydraulic pump system.  Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems could include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities and their health challenges.

The rhythm of the CSF can be monitored and regulated, encouraging the body to heal, resulting in better overall wellness. Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing these mechanisms to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. You also benefit from better overall health and resistance to disease.

The following is a description of craniosacral therapy adapted from information provided by the Upledger Institute.

Craniosacral Therapy is a form of body work performed on a person fully clothed. Using a light touch – generally no more than the weight of a nickel- the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. The therapist then uses delicate manual techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord.

A Craniosacral Therapy session can last from about 15 minutes to more than an hour, and the initial evaluation alone is often enough to correct a problem. The result? A central nervous system free of restrictions. And a body that’s able to return to its greatest levels of performance.

Craniosacral Therapy strengthens your body’s ability to take better care of you. It helps alleviate a range of illness, pain and dysfunction, including:

  • Migraines and Headaches
  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain
  • Motor-Coordination Impairments
  • Stress and Tension-Related Problems
  • Infantile Disorders
  • Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Orthopedic Problems
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Scoliosis Central
  • Nervous System Disorders
  • Emotional Difficulties
  • Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • And Many Other Conditions

Origins of Craniosacral Therapy:

In 1970, John Upledger, D.O. observed an unexplained rhythm during a spinal surgery.  When he attended a course in cranial osteopathy developed by William Sutherland, D.O.  A few years later, he learned that the cranial bones continue to move throughout a person’s life, and do not fuse, as was previously taught.  He combined these two pieces of information to prove the concept of the semi-hydraulic Craniosacral system.  Over the next decade, he researched and developed a system of light touch to evaluate and treat dysfunction in the brain and spinal cord, and developed The Upledger Institute in Florida in 1985.  For nearly 25 years, Dr. Upledger has been a proponent of using the rhythm of the craniosacral system  to enhance body functioning, and help alleviate pain and discomfort.

Dr. Upledger and his staff travel around the world to teach healthcare practitioners how to use these gentle techniques to enhance body functioning and help alleviate pain and discomfort.

“Healing happens at the edge.”

Tanya is currently enjoying her journey at the Red Willow Center for Health and Healing.