Sara Kramer
About Craniosacral Therapy
This is a gentle but potent way of working with the body using light touch. It involves the examination of the system between the head (cranium), spine and sacrum to include not only the structure but also the tissues and fluids of the body, to restore the inherent balance and health of whole the system.
It derives from the osteopathic principle of the body-mind-spirit paradigm which views each person as a dynamic interaction of these three elements. Developed by Dr. William G. Sutherland, D.O. in the US in the 1940’s based on his discovery that subtle movements of the cranial bones and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid influenced health, it was refined in the 1970s by Dr. John E. Upledger, another American osteopath, from cranial osteopathy into craniosacral therapy with a focus on membranes and fluids and less on mechanical manipulation. The biodynamic approach was developed in the 1980’s by Franklyn Sills, a British osteopath, who incorporated concepts from Sutherland but focused more on the body’s natural rhythms and innate healing forces.
A treatment
The client is fully clothed and will usually lie on their back on a comfortable treatment table, although position can be adapted for injuries. The practitioner will place their hands lightly on the head/spine/feet to attune to the subtle rhythms of the craniosacral system and identify stress, trauma and shock states in much the same way a counsellor might listen to your words. The practitioner facilitates a dialogue with the body, encouraging its natural processes of healing and integration. A feeling of release and ease is a common experience after a CST session.
Who does this treatment benefit
Clients may come because they have acute physical problems like headaches and back issues, or more chronic long-standing problems, both physical and emotional. Being so gentle and non-invasive, it is suitable for everyone from babies to the elderly and can address an almost endless range of ailments: it can help relieve pain, improve function and begin to unwind the torsions and traumas held within the body, allowing it to realign with the inherent pattern of health.
As an accredited member of the BCMA and IABT Sara Kramer adheres to the code of ethics and standards of practice of these associations. To find out more please visit