Craniosacral Therapy

by John E. Upledger, Jon Vredevoogd

Craniosacral Therapy is the most practical, comprehensive textbook in this rapidly growing field of therapy involving the cranial bones, meningeal membranes, cerebrospinal fluids, and whole-body connective tissues. Craniosacral Therapy defines the physiology and anatomy of the craniosacral system, its function in health, and relationship to disease processes. It provides practical instruction in developing and extending palpatory skills which will greatly benefit all forms of manipulation, as well as basic physical diagnosis. Two hundred drawings and photographs illustrate the mechanisms underlying the craniosacral system, and vividly demonstrate how to perform craniosacral techniques in the clinic.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

367 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1983

About the author

John E. Upledger was co-founder of Upledger Institute International, Inc. and former medical director of Upledger Clinical Services.

Reviews

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent if you already have experience with any sort of hands-on manual therapy and a good solid background in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Part of this book was required reading for my craniosacral therapy course. I read the whole thing even though it was not required and because I was curious. There's a lot of information in here, but it is really is for someone who already has experience with the body, who has some understanding of fascia, and the relationship between tension and trauma with the body.

Not for beginners.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a better understanding of CST, having had an effective session years ago. Now I find myself considering it as part of a treatment plan for my child who is in the midst of a health crisis. Very interesting and appealing.

[Rachel Ronning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Well written reference. I'm sure I'll be referring back to it often. I had to laugh at chapter 3. I'm a massage therapist so trusting my hands is what I do. I'm excited to take this class.

[Paddy Reddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction into the world of craniosacral therapy and how it can improve your life.

[Flan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the easiest book to understand if you are interested in an introduction to Craniosacral Therapy. It is a very important book historically, as it was Dr. Upledger's introduction to the medical community about his interpretation of Dr. Sutherland's earlier work and how to use it clinically. By breaking down the theories into protocols he made the work accessible to many more people than just doctors. Most of us are not conversant in the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system so it may not be the place to start to learn about CST.
However, I have taught this book chapter by chapter and it opens students' understanding and the palpation abilities to the wonders of light touch and its use in enhancing health. Those with a science or medical background can access the information. Others would do better with his book Your Inner Physician and you or Kate MacKinnon's book from my Hands and Heart.

[Kris Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got through the first 6 chapters as required for CSI which I will be attending in August (although chapter 6 was completely a mystery not knowing many of the anatomy parts which was addressed in that Techniques section.

Finished the last 9 chapters and am excited about the new techniques I'll be learning in CST 2 in February!!

[Inkling · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a load of hogwash. The techniques have therapeutic value, yes, but not for the reasons given here. The claims made in this book are unscientific and beyond ridiculous.

If you're thinking about buying this before taking CS1, spare yourself the money. The class doesn't require any reading from this book. I wish I hadn't wasted my hard-earned $50.

[Foxthyme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really and truly like certain layouts and presentations better than others. I should love this book, it's the one right from the creator of the cranial sacral system, however, I don't follow it well. I'm looking for someone else's interpretation. One that I synch with better.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just read this in preparation for CranioSacral Therapy I class. I expect this will be a useful reference book, but reading it before the class didn't do much for me.

[Annette Eccles]

Too technical. Wouldn't recommend unless you have to read it because you are taking the class.