Re: Skeptical Eye column, by Paul O'Donoghue on craniosacral therapy
Dear Sir,
Mr O'Donoghue's opening paragraph is correct in saying that craniosacral therapy is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative treatment, not only for adults, but babies as well. He is also right to say that many doctors are referring patients for craniosacral therapy. However, his description of the craniosacral system is confused, resulting in his opinions of its effectiveness being faulty.
It is a physiological body system that is contained within a membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (not column as he states). There are three layers of membrane but it is the outer, dura mater, which is of particular concern in craniosacral therapy. It attaches to the inside of the skull bones and the sacrum and coccyx at the base of the spine. Apart from two other small attachments in the neck it is relatively free to move in the area between the skull and sacrum.
The membrane contains cerebrospinal fluid. There is a regular ebb and flow to this fluid as nutrients are brought in and waste products taken away. This produces the craniosacral motion that can be felt anywhere on the body, not just the head and sacrum as he states. The bones of the skull have to move to accommodate the increased volume of fluid during the filling phase.
Mr O'Donoghue disputes this, based on British/Irish anatomy texts. However, there are many countries such as Italy, France and Israel whose teachings have always been that the cranial bones move throughout life. There have been numerous scientific studies that support this view since the first in 1975 by the Michigan State University.
As he states, this membrane does contain the central nervous system. Consider therefore what might occur if the membrane were put in tension or torsion? One or more nerves could be compromised, affecting their target organs and tissue.
And suppose the bones of the cranium and/or sacrum were restricted in their ability to move? This would further compromise the craniosacral system by restricting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid or increasing fluid pressure while introducing further strain/torsion.
Correcting these abnormalities would account for why the wide variety of conditions he is so agitated about respond to craniosacral therapy.
He has also missed the point concerning the diagnostic and therapeutic value of palpating the craniosacral motion. It indicates that restrictions exist and where they may be found.
Monitoring the rhythm of the cranial bones and gently encouraging it to resume its full amplitude is often enough for correction to take place. In other instances, one bone is gently tractioned in relation to another.
Craniosacral therapy is not just a "laying on of hands" as he states. It is founded on sound scientific principle, supported by cutting edge quantum physics.
Yours sincerely
John Jennings.
John Jennings is co-chairman of The Irish Association of Craniosacral Therapists and can be contacted at The Hayward Clinic of Natural Health, Bandon, Co Cork.