In CranioSacral Therapy: Touchstone for Natural Healing, John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, recounts his development of CranioSacral Therapy. He shares poignant case studies of restored health: a five-year-old autistic boy, a man with Erb’s palsy, a woman with a fifteen year history of severe headaches, and numerous others. And he offers simple CranioSacral Therapy techniques you can perform at home on yourself or loved ones.

With the troubling side effects and surging costs of medications and surgery, Americans are increasingly turning to CranioSacral Therapy as an effective, drug-free, and non-invasive therapy. A gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system — the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord — CST boosts the body’s natural healing processes and has proven efficacious for a wide range of medical problems from migraines, learning disabilities, and post-traumatic stress disorder to fibromyalgia, chronic neck and back pain, and TMJ. This book provides a broad introduction to this therapy by way of short pieces written by a number of well-known practitioners or experts. In addition to pioneer John E. Upledger, contributors include Richard Grossinger (Planet Medicine), Don Ash (Lessons from the Sessions), Don Cohen (An Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy), and Bill Gottlieb (Alternative Cures). Each selection covers a different aspect of CST: what it is, what it does, how it heals, what the practitioner does during a CST session, CST’s relationship to cranial osteopathy and other healing therapies, as well as other topics of interest to the beginner.

With its low-impact, nurturing approach to working with the spine, the skull, the diaphragm, and the fascia to release pain in the body, Craniosacral Therapy has become an increasingly popular healing method. Rhythm and Touch explains in detail how it works. Divided into two parts, the book follows a simple, step-by-step instructional model. Part one guides the practitioner in discovering the craniosacral rhythm and learning how to interpret and respond to its cues. Following the line of the spine from pelvis to neck and head, this section develops a protocol for a basic session. It details how to touch the body and support the inner healing process. Part two offers a thorough review of the brain’s protective and nourishing environment, the cranium. It introduces new means of assessing and easing restriction in the relationship of cranial bones. Moving outward from the cranium, this section describes the bones of the mouth and face, their interrelationship and motions, and how to assess and release the results of injury. The final chapter offers reflections and recommendations for using this vast array of knowledge effectively.

Craniosacral Therapy for Children introduces a craniosacral therapy treatment protocol for babies and children up to 12 years of age. A gentle hands-on healing approach, craniosacral therapy releases tensions in the body in order to relieve pain, resolve trauma, and improve physical and emotional health. Author and craniosacral therapist Daniel Agustoni discusses the reasons for treating young children and for beginning treatment during pregnancy. He explains how the stress of birth can cause asymmetries and misalignments in babies' bodies that can lead to problems later in life: from suckling problems, abdominal colic, and fragmented sleep patterns to anxiety, hyperactivity, and ADD. Agustoni demonstrates how craniosacral therapy can also offset the effects of stress, trauma, and PTSD that may affect the growing child depending on his or her environment, biology, and temperment. Enhanced with over 120 instructional photos and illustrations, the book's hands-on techniques are presented along with suggestions for interacting with parents, babies, and young children. The book discusses methods of evaluation and treatment following structural, functional, and biodynamic models. Engaging case examples describe the therapeutic results of the treatment, which include increased security and confidence, relaxation, support for the immune system, and a sense of well-being. An important resource for healthcare practitioners, this book is also useful for educators, parents, and caregivers interested in learning new ways to help their children.

This lively book describes the discovery and therapeutic value of the craniosacral system in easy, understandable terms healthcare professionals and laypeople alike can understand. Dr. Upledger's colorful case histories explain the path that led to his discovery of this exciting medical modality. The book contains a play-by-play account of the development of CranioSacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, and other concepts and techniques. It's recommended reading for therapists, patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in understanding how therapy performed on the craniosacral system can improve the quality of life.

This useful book discusses craniosacral therapy’s history and present situation as well as its spiritual implications and practical contributions in the world of healthcare. Gilchrist demonstrates how the subtle patterns of this practice become a dynamic force in the body, and how this influences overall functioning. What most sets the book apart is Gilchrist’s discussion of the relationship of the craniosacral system and biodynamic functions to the human energy system. Though dealing with a complicated topic, the book provides a grounded, progressive approach that is both specific and insightful.

Developed by the author, SomatoEmotional Release is a technique for bringing psychotherapeutic elements into CranioSacral therapy. It helps rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma by anatomically freeing the central channel of the body. John E. Upledger presents the history, theory, and practice of this subtle form of healing. A result of meaningful, intentioned touch, SomatoEmotional Release allows for identification and removal of energy cysts along with their associated emotions.