In the early 1900's, William Garner Sutherland, DO (1870-1954) discovered a previously-unidentified, very subtle movement in the body. This movement was determined to have a tide-like quality (welling up and receding) that is polyrhythmic (various pacings embedded in one another). It seems to exist in all levels (bones, soft tissue, fluid) of the system. Despite extensive study and speculation, the cause of the movement has not been definitively determined.

Sutherland and his colleagues experimented with palpating and interacting with this movement, and found remarkable benefits for their clients. Subsequent osteopaths particularly Rollin Becker, DO, expanded the applications, and in the early 1970's John Upledger, DO, introduced the concepts outside the osteopathic world. Today Craniosacral Therapy is the fastest-growing touch therapy modality.

A skilled Craniosacral practitioner listens to the subtle pulsations of the system as the body tells its story. The body speaks through its rhythms, micromovements and especially through its patterns of stress and resistance. With deep listening the practitioner encourages revitalization of the inherent healing potential of the system, and facilitates the release of resistance patterns. This approach emphasizes hearing the health of the system and encouraging its expression.

Craniosacral Therapy involves gentle hands-on work which honors the client's own self-healing process. The intention is not to "fix" problems, but rather to encourage the emergence of new levels of order in mind and body. Practitioners know how to recognize the presence of the Breath of Life in many levels and locations of the body, and use appropriate methods to support and nurture its natural expression.

"Biodynamic" Craniosacral Therapy here refers to the approach developed by Franklyn Sills, RCST, of Karuna Institute in Devon, England. The term "Biodynamic" is not exclusive to Sills' work, but we use it here based on its presence in the title of Sills' book, Craniosacral Biodynamics.

Our training leads to either BCST or RCST® practitioner status, or both. The course can also be taken on a non-certification track. For information about certification options, click here.

An 11-page article describing Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is available on this web site, within the "Free Resources" section.