Cranial Therapy

Cranial therapy is a gentle treatment which involves a practitioner applying very light touch to the body. The cranial system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth that make up the cranium, down the spine to the sacrum and tailbone area.

Practitioners believe that imbalances and restrictions in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid reflect physical, mental, emotional or psychological injuries and tensions anywhere in the body. The aim of treatment is to encourage the body’s own healing process.

Cranial therapy is related to Osteopathy, but cranial practitioners are not trained as osteopaths, except for a few who have both qualifications.

What is cranial therapy commonly used for?

Cranial therapists treat a wide range of conditions from acute to chronic (long-term) health problems, including:

physical aches and pains
emotional or psychological disturbances and stress-related problems
slow vitality and recurrent infections
migraine, eye difficulties, digestive problems
jaw pain
persistent colic in babies
developmental disorders and behavioural problems in children
accident and trauma
Treatment is also seen as preventative, and a way of maintaining health on all levels.

What will happen when I see a cranial practitioner?

The practitioner will take your case history, including details of any medication and other treatments or therapies. Treatment is carried out with the patient fully dressed and in a relaxed position.

What precautions should I take?

Certain serious head conditions such as bleeding inside the head and raised pressure or an aneurysm within the skull, have been noted as indications against having cranial therapy. People with recent head injuries have also been advised to be cautious about having treatment.

Patients may sometimes feel a mild discomfort or a temporary worsening of symptoms after treatment. This is generally short-lived and is part of the healing process – if this continues after 2-3 days, or if you have any other concerns, contact the practitioner or your GP. There is also a possibility that treatment can increase the effects of medicines for diabetes and epilepsy.

What will it cost?

A 30 to 60 minute session starts from £30 to £70 in cities and £20 to £50 in rural areas.

How do I find a cranial practitioner?

There is no single body regulating the cranial profession and cranial practitioners are not required by law to belong to a professional association, nor to have completed a specified course of training. However many do belong to the organisations listed below, who are involved in discussions to create common standards of practice for cranial and craniosacral therapy in the UK as the Cranial Forum.