Massage Therapy & More - Massage Therapist Charlotte, NC     |     home

Craniosacral Therapy & More
To return to the primary
website navigation links,
click on "Home".


working with the central core of the body, we are very deep...
yet the technique is light and structurally & mentally effective.



Craniosacral  Therapy  &  More


Two basic types of Craniosacral Therapy, and Joel Safran, RMT has been trained and experienced in both.

the Membranous / Meningeal Approach,
which focuses on releasing restrictions along the membranous sack that houses the Brain and the Spinal Cord.  It is attached to the inside of our Skull... then it free falls through the Spinal Canal to where it attaches onto the Sacrum.

the Structural / Suteral Approach,
which focuses on releasing restrictions between the Cranial Bones.

Both approaches are important, because both contribute to reducing restrictions... both facilitate increased motion and increased flow of fluids... and both improve function, posture and abilities.  Both approached assist in treatment strategies & goals.  And the goal is improvement in the Structural Integration of your body and functions.

TMJ pain or click is not a jaw problem because the jaw is governed by the distorted position of the temporal bones... which is a Craniosacral structural imbalance.
The above picture of the Skull does not show all the intricacies of the inside.  Yet try to imaging the affect of dysfunctional torques & tensions on the inside... and how it will not only distort the bones of the Cranium and the Jaw... but all the way down the Spine.  Imagine how it will twist the Rib Cage, the Shoulders, and the Pelvis, and so on.  


Here are a few examples of the effects of Cranial Restrictions...

Migraines & Headaches...

If after blood has flowed to the head, its return is restricted, pressure will build up.  this often contributes to Headaches, Pinching of Cranial Nerves, Ringing in the ears, Feeling of fullness in the head, and so on.  Generally, the condition is complicated by other parts of the body as well.  Once restrictions have been reduced, pressures and symptoms are generally reduced or eliminated as well.

TMJ  Disorders,

Quite often, TMJ disorders are related to more than the tensions & traumas of the soft tissues of the Jaw area.  They are also related to structural distortions of Cranial Bones, such as the Temporal Bone.  After normalizing all the structures, the Jaw will generally gravitate to a more normal position.

Scoliosis,

For the most part, Scoliosis and other Orthopedic problems are a result of distortions of Cranial Bones and/ or the Sacrum.  A twist or torque of the Cranial Bones also Twists & Torques the membranous sack that courses from the Cranium, through the Spinal Canal, and then to its attachments on the Sacrum.  Lateral and/or rotational curves in the Spine & Body then result.  the Shoulder & Arms and the Hips & Legs also become structurally distorted.  Releasing these restrictions begins the process of regaining a more normal "Structural Integration" of our body.

Below are examples of a variety of different Spinal Distortions... lateral sidebending, right & left rotation... and forward & backward bending.  Notice how these curve and bending distortions affect other parts of the body from head to toe.  Our body is a highly integrated unit.  Distortions in one part affect another area.




              A Craniosacral imbalance and distortion causes the body to twist.  This then is called Scoliosis.


A Peaceful State of Relaxation & Well Being,

During and after Craniosacral treatments, clients generally describe how relaxed they feel.  Sometimes they doze off during the treatment.  Treatments not only remove structural restrictions, they also increase the strength and balance of the Craniosacral System.  This seems to remove stress and tension by 'turning on' the Parasympathetic Nervous System more fully.

As the Craniosacral system becomes more normal and balanced, you begin to feel more rested and free of the effects of stress.
A quiet mind which is at peace... is a healthy mind capable of much
more.  It is nice to be surrounded by beauty & nature.  That peace &
power & productivity is also possible in a large metropolitan center.


Its all about enabling more Movement & Flow...

"Worms will not eat living wood where the vital sap is flowing:
Rust will not hinder the opening of a gate when hinges are used each day;
Movement gives health and life.
Stagnation brings disease and death."

-proverb in traditional Chinese Medicine


Craniosacral Therapy is only one
of the Osteopathic Techniques
utilized in this practice.


Joel Safran, RMT
over 20 years experience
(704) 246-7888