Your Inner Physician and You: CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release

by John E. Upledger

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.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Psychology, Science, Spirituality

223 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

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

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes how Upledger discovered the craniosacral rhythm as well as other techniques he uses while treating patients. NOT A TEXTBOOK by any means but actually a very interesting read with many stories about his successes with his techniques.

[Julissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this terrible book for a course and I'll be damned if I don't at least get to add it to my list of books for 2023.
Actual book review: horrible writing, boring AF. Dude could've used an editor or two.

[Rachel Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I read it several years ago but lost the copy of the book, so I ordered another copy and received it in the mail yesterday. I was hooked immediately. Dr. Upledger writes in such clear language and makes profoundly simple and brilliant remarks about the nature of the body that deeply resonate with me and my beliefs about the healing, intuitive nature of the human body. It's so easy to bite you just keep eating.... until it's over. The applications of this work abounds: If you are in the health and healing profession or are interested in natural healing, this book is for you.

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book to read as Upledger is a good story teller. However he is never able to provide a solid linear rationale for why craniosacral therapy works nor a trustworthy testimony that it does work. The one part of the book that made any rational sense to me was the portion where Upledger has asked a PhD to provide rationale for why craniosacral therapy works. It makes sense that the psychosomatic aspects of illness can be helped and healed by the caring hands, words, and intentions of a good therapist.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book several times now and always seem to find new information about the ability of the body to heal itself. This book is written for the layman and is fun to read as well as informative. More info at http://www.Upledger.com/

[Mary Pack · Rating 5 out of 5]

required reading for the craniosacral therapy studies - I thought it was interesting and explained
the origin of how cranio sacral work began and how this very gentle therapy works

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an LMT, I'm all for the power of compassionate touch and the client's ability to promote their own healing. I think the modality has its benefits.

However, some of these stories are cringeworthy at best. The anecdotes, terminology, and especially treatment of mental health conditions is highly lacking and outdated. Just from his narrative voice alone... I don't think I would like Upledger himself. Also... with regard to around page 132... if I was in a coma and some unknown dude came whispering shit like that in my ear... I'd wake up only to slap him as hard as I could.

[F Karimah]

I have this book on my shelf for the 'next' read, but I've had this therapy and it was amazing-want more but relocated and this town doesnt offer any therapists-not yet. this therapy is life changing-learn how to do, especially if your a massage therapist already.

[Brigette · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the subject matter is interesting , the book isn't that compelling and the success stories are from the 60's and 70's.

[Liliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

1

[Renata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. John E. Upledger (1932-2012) a fost Membru al Academiei Americane de Osteopatie, Membru Academic al Societății Britanice de Osteopatie și Doctor în Științe.

Specializările sale au inclus:
- Manipulare osteopatică
- terapie CranioSacrală
- eliberare SomatoEmoțională
- acupunctură
- medicină preventivă.

A fost recunoscut ca un inovator și îndrumător în descoperirea de noi terapii, precum cea CranioSacrală, care i-a câștigat o reputație internațională.

A condus o echipă de specialiști în anatomie, fiziologi, biofizicieni și bioengineri, în cercetarea sistemului craniosacral.

Ca rezultat al acestor studii științifice s-a ajuns la explicarea funcționării și utilizării sistemului craniosacral în evaluarea și tratarea disfuncțiilor creierului și ale coloanei vertebrale.

Sistemul craniosacral are o influență puternică asupra funcționării corpului, datorită faptului că el include, pe lângă creier și măduva spinării, și glandele pineală și pituitară ( deci cu efect puternic asupra sistemului endocrin).

...

Acest material, conținut în această carte, mi-a adus un plus de cunoaștere valoroasă, despre cum s-au pus bazele acestei terapii, cum funcționează și de ce, precum și disfuncțiile organismului pe care le poate elibera cu un potențial aproape miraculos (în special când se combină anumite tehnici între ele, precum Eliberarea SomatoEmoțională și terapia prin imagini și dialog). Și ceea ce e cel mai frumos, nu prezintă nici un fel de riscuri și efecte secundare, ceea ce poate fi spus despre foarte puține abordări terapeutice.

Această carte mi-a confirmat, ceea ce știam la nivel intuitiv, că noi toți ne-am născut cu puterea de a ne vindeca unii pe alții, dar am fost convinși că nu putem să o facem.

Deci, încercați și veți reuși ( și asta se poate aplica la orice). Căci, neștiind că încercăm "imposibilul", încercăm și încercăm și iar încercăm... și câteodată reușim. Asta a făcut această terapie.

O recomand ✨🤍✨

[A.R. Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This amazing book is the origin story of healing for so many people.

No, it's not a text book. No, it doesn't explain exactly how cranio sacral therapy works.

For the people who are discounting it because the stories are old, the Upledger Institute continues to do peer reviewed research. The professionals in the medical, counseling and alternative health professions whom I've met who know of this therapy all speak well of it.

Cranial sacral therapy uses light touch to 'reset' the nervous system.

Dr. John Upledger was a Naval doctor, so he's a qualified medical practitioner - not a quack. He discovered and pioneered cranial sacral therapy, but passed away before we had a lot of the medical monitoring technology we use today. Neuroscience may yet still unlock why cranial sacral therapy works.

This collection of stories and exploration into healing and how the body protects us - even when we don't want to listen to our bodies.

This was recommended reading by my cranial sacral therapist, when I asked how cranial sacral therapy works. Dr. Upledger explains that the spine, which is the central processing center of the body's nervous system, has a pulse - just like the pulse of your heart and cardiovascular system.

It's not pseudoscience. Some of the stories are strange, and Dr. Upledger himself has many research projects that he doesn't understand... but he was willing to try, when he accepted his patients odd stories and weird symptoms... And that makes him a good doctor.

Each of these stories is worth the read. The book as a whole raises many explorations into the field of medicine and healing. Stories that will stay with you.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ for style - not so much content.

Because I want MORE content - I want to understand CST better.

I understand it has its detractors.
And they’re acknowledged glancingly here.
But I wish Upledger addressed the criticisms more explicitly.
Because I want to get it better.
I feel a difference after CST - I feel it more each day since my first visit.
I just don’t know how to explain it to others in a clinical, verifiable way 🤷🏻‍♀️.

And you won’t get that from this book.
I was given this by my CST practitioner, and I am very grateful for it.
I just wish the author/founder had less of a conversational tone and more of a clinical one.

[Erin Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. If you are interested in the innate capacity of the body to heal itself and how that can be facilitated through Craniosacral, you will like this. I found it very inspiring, although I wonder if it is slightly exaggerated. It is mostly accounts of applying the technique and miraculous outcomes Craniosacral has on patients. If everything is true in this book, I wonder why I don’t hear more about the technique. I still give it 5 stars because I do believe that it is potentially all true and that much of it definitely is. It was very educational and inspiring.

[Jade Klinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very intriguing and insightful read. John Upledger is a wonderful writer. He writes in a way that allows people in the non-medical field to understand the basic concepts of the human body and how Crainosacral works. Craniosacral is linked to osteopathy, and it’s practices, which I found to be quite amazing. John Upledger also has written other books which I will be looking into, since this one is more about his personal accounts and experiences being a Craniosacral teacher and therapist in the 60’s and 70’s.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended by an OT friend who had done training for cranioSacral therapy. She did a session on me for practice. I don't know that I felt much. I would like to try more. This book explains the theory and gives many examples of how this type of therapy can help people with various problems from headaches to epilepsy... It's more a book of examples than a theoretical textbook, so it's OK for us laymen.

[Kelie Cichoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the genius of the late Dr. John Upledger's discovery of Cranio Sacral Therapy. It offers case studies that are well written and easy to follow (and not too dry as some case studies can be) that helps you understand what exactly Cranio Sacral Therapy is and can accomplish. After reading about the little boy whose eyes uncrossed, I was hooked. I still get treatments regularly and have referred many people to the amazing work done by this therapy.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helder en toegankelijk geschreven boek met zowel veel uitleg als veel voorbeelden over het ontstaan en de werking van craniosacraal therapie. De inzichten en beschrijvingen van John Upledger tonen een eerlijke en oprechte zoektocht, met plek voor intuïtie van de therapeut en ervaring van patiënten. Het draait om het resultaat zegt John, wat werkt dat werkt ook als we het niet altijd snappen :)

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting case studies including one that involves the Dr himself using energy directed through his own hands to pop a dent out of his eyeball after being struck in the face with a branch. A lot of the stories border on unbelievable. You be the judge.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone studying these forms, this was an important book to read....

however, the antectdotes and science seemed more like misfits and less like craft. Also, this book is dated. The data and the stories support this work increasingly in ways the events in this book just don't.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hopeful for more intensive description. Lots of "miracle cases" but not as much depth as I was hoping. Conversational style was fun and engaging.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mixture of “amazing!” and “is this guy insane?!”. This therapy has changed my life.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful for workshop (required reading) and in general for my life.

[Katie Kochert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life changing therapy! Thank you John!

[Nishu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craniosacral therapy is where it’s at

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who works in any kind of healing capacity would benefit from reading this book!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A large print read coupled with a conversational tone made this a speedy read to get a good sense for what Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is. SomatoEmotional Release is far less effectively covered. Nonetheless, a sense of who Upledger was comes through.

This was required reading for an upcoming CST class.

[Rachel Ronning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating stuff. I'm so excited to take this course next month.

[Marcelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A necessary read for CS therapists, but not well edited.

[Lauren Layton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the content of this book and learning more about CST, but this book desperately needed an editor.