Craniosacral therapy is a form of gentle massage therapy that focuses on the skull and the spine. It was developed by an American osteopath, Dr. John Upledger. Today, craniosacral therapy is used by massage therapists, chiropractors, naturopathy practitioners, and others. However, there are no consistent educational or practice standards for craniosacral therapy, and it is not a licensed or regulated practice in North America.
Craniosacral therapy is used for headache, migraine, back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, a group of painful conditions that affect the jaw joint and muscle (temporomandibular disorders or TMD), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Back pain. Early research shows that craniosacral therapy might be just as beneficial as massage for improving low back pain.
- Excessive crying in infants (colic). Early research shows that craniosacral therapy might reduce crying and improve sleep in infants with colic.
- Fibromyalgia. Early research shows that craniosacral therapy might reduce pain and sensitivity of tender points in people with fibromyalgia.
- Neck pain. Early research shows that craniosacral therapy might reduce chronic neck pain in some people.
- Chronic pain. Some research suggests that craniosacral therapy might reduce pain in people with chronic pain due to migraine, tennis elbow, and other conditions.
- Pain in women who are pregnant. Early research shows that adding craniosacral therapy to standard therapy might improve pain and function in pregnant women with pelvic pain.
- Dizziness (vertigo). Early research shows that craniosacral therapy might improve balance and reduce dizziness in people with this condition.
- Headache.
- Migraine.
- Pain.
- Stress.
- Fatigue.
- A group of painful conditions that affect the jaw joint and muscle (temporomandibular disorders or TMD).
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- Spinal cord injury.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Depression.
- "Slipped disks" in the spine.
- Autism.
- Learning disabilities.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Craniosacral therapy is a form of massage therapy focusing on the skull and spine. Practitioners of craniosacral therapy believe that the bones of the skull are movable or that they can be manipulated in a way that treats a variety of medical conditions. Some practitioners believe that they can touch the head and become attuned to the patient's rhythm. They believe this connection results in improved energy flow, removal of energy blockages, or improved flow of cerebrospinal fluid for the patient.
Craniosacral therapy is POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately by trained practitioners. Craniosacral therapy has been used in clinical trials for up to 20 weeks without adverse effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Craniosacral therapy is POSSIBLY SAFE during pregnancy and breast-feeding if used appropriately by trained practitioners.
Brain injury: There are reports that craniosacral therapy might make symptoms of traumatic brain injury worse. Some people with brain injury have reported that craniosacral therapy worsened their head pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, psychiatric disturbances, and other symptoms.
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate or safe use of craniosacral therapy depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.
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