Occupational Therapy Craniosacral Therapy: More Than a Head Massage By Angelica Bottaro Updated on January 05, 2024 Medically reviewed by Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Benefits Unknowns Techniques At-Home Where to Go Craniosacral therapy is a form of gentle massage designed to release tension in the fascia, a connective tissue network in the body. The treatment works by improving cerebrospinal fluid circulation and manipulating body rhythms within the nervous system. The therapy aims to alleviate the symptoms of various health ailments and conditions, such as headaches, neck pain, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), by relieving compression on the bones in the lower back, head, and spinal column. Typically, people undergoing this type of therapy can expect pain relief, lowered stress, and improved overall well-being. This article discusses the benefits of craniosacral therapy, techniques, and where to get it. Tatsiana Volkava / Getty Images Craniosacral Therapy: Benefits and Massage Goals Craniosacral therapy is thought to relieve tension within the body that contributes to various health disorders or is associated with the treatments of other conditions, such as cancer. There are several conditions and ailments that are said to benefit from craniosacral therapy, including: Chronic pain conditions Infantile colic Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Asthma Headaches Migraines Dizziness Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Gastrointestinal disorders Stress-related mood disorders Depression Anxiety Therapy to relieve cancer treatment side effects Massage, Rolfing, and Other Bodywork for Fibromyalgia Body Parts Massaged The areas of focus during craniosacral therapy are those along the fascia, which is the connective tissue that runs through the body. It contains organs, blood vessels, bones, nerve fibers, and muscles in place to function as they should. By working this tissue through gentle-pressure massage, practitioners can help to calm the fight-or-flight response by stopping the sympathetic nervous system from perceiving danger. The symptoms a person goes in for will determine in what areas of the body craniosacral therapy will be given. For example, if a person has headaches, they will likely be given a head or neck massage. Other areas involved in craniosacral therapy include: Your backAround the spinal columnOther areas that have symptoms, such as joints or muscles Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous System The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems control different responses in the body. The parasympathetic nervous system aids in proper rest and digestive functions, whereas the sympathetic nervous system regulates the body’s fight-or-flight response. Pressure and Sensation The pressure applied during craniosacral therapy is incredibly light. It is not the same as a deep tissue massage. Light pressure is applied over the affected fascial tissue to help modify certain body rhythms that could be playing a role in pain and other symptoms. Benefits and Techniques of Oncology Massage Craniosacral Therapy Unknowns Craniosacral therapy has been around for decades, but there are still some unknowns because of a lack of clinical research. Some studies suggest that it works, while others cannot find a scientific basis for it. Due to a lack of evidence, it's uncertain if the treatment really works. In some circles, craniosacral therapy is referred to as pseudoscience for its lack of clinical evidence. It’s thought that the gentle pressure applied is not enough to make any real difference. What Does 'Pseudoscience' Mean? "Pseudoscience" is defined as, “A collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method.” The word describes scientific or clinical health practices with no scientific basis behind them or their efficacy. Craniosacral Massage Therapy Techniques The massage techniques used in craniosacral therapy rely on low pressure in the right places. It's intended to be as gentle as possible. The fingertips are often used during this type of massage to avoid applying too much pressure. The areas massaged are between the skull and the bottom of the spine. Healthcare providers work these spots to identify imbalances within the body and its cerebrospinal fluid. If there is an imbalance in cerebrospinal fluid, the massage therapist will likely reposition you or press on the area to help release flow. The techniques aim to improve the body’s ability to regulate physiological responses. During and after the session, people may experience different sensations, including: Feeling so relaxed you fall asleep Feeling as though you’ve entered a meditative state Feeling as though you’re dreaming even when wide awake Recalling different memories while being massaged Feeling a sense of warmth and softness or as if you’re floating Feeling relaxed and energized simultaneously Deeper breathing Feeling as though you are standing taller and straighter Who Shouldn’t Do Craniosacral Therapy? While craniosacral therapy is generally considered safe, some people should avoid it or speak to a healthcare provider before trying it. People with the following health ailments or disorders should not get craniosacral therapy: Blood clots Concussion or other traumatic brain injuries Brain swelling Brain aneurysm (blood-filled bulge in a blood vessel in or around the brain) Conditions that cause cerebrospinal fluid to build up Giving Yourself a Craniosacral Massage At Home While people can give themselves massages at home that are similar to craniosacral therapy, it is not advised because experts trained in the practice will be able to perform the procedure correctly. Manipulating your nervous system at home using this technique should be avoided. How to Give Yourself a Lymphatic Drainage Self-Massage Where to Get Craniosacral Therapy Craniosacral therapy is typically offered by several healthcare providers, including: Chiropractors Osteopaths Physical therapists or occupational therapists A massage therapist licensed explicitly in craniosacral therapy These professionals know how to perform the massage technique correctly, and if you wish to try it, you should seek out clinicians in your area who specialize in craniosacral therapy. Benefits of Getting a Physical Therapy Massage Summary Craniosacral therapy is not new, but it has been gaining attention recently because of anecdotal evidence that it can help many ailments. While some clinical research speaks to its efficacy, studies are limited, and more information is required before craniosacral therapy becomes a more mainstream treatment option. Since craniosacral therapy is relatively safe for most people, there is no harm in trying out the therapy technique if you and a healthcare provider believe it may be right for you. Visit a licensed professional who has experience with this route of treatment. 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Haller H, Lauche R, Sundberg T, Dobos G, Cramer H. Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2019 Dec 31;21(1):1. doi:10.1186/s12891-019-3017-y Haller H, Dobos G, Cramer H. The use and benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in primary health care: A prospective cohort study. Complement Ther Med. 2021 May;58:102702. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102702 Nemours Kid's Health. Peripheral nervous system. McGill University Office for Science and Society. Even the best scientific studies can lie: The case of craniosacral therapy. González-Méijome JM. Science, pseudoscience, evidence-based practice and post truth. Journal of Optometry. 2017;10(4):203-204. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2017.08.001 Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America. What is a session like? By Angelica Bottaro Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit