Overview

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.

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.

How does it work ?

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.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

  • 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.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



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.

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.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Craniosacral Therapy overview.

Dosing

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.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.