Craniosacral
Gentle, conscious touch
Practice and Benefit
Craniosacral is a gentle, profound, touch-based healing modality. In its modern incarnation it was developed by Dr William Sutherland, DO. Sutherland graduated from the American School of Osteopathy in 1902. His intuition guided him to investigate the human skull with great precision and interest, which lead to developing Cranial Osteopathy. Since Sutherland’s death in 1954 Craniosacral has continued to grow and develop as a discipline. His students, and their students have carried the practice forward, expanding its reach. In the 1970s some Osteopaths – including Dr John Upledger – began to train highly skilled bodyworkers (non-osteopaths) in Cranial technique.
Craniosacral shares the 4 fundamental tenets of Osteopathy: The body is a distinct unit; the person is a unit of body, mind and spirit. The body is capable of self-healing and self-regulation. Structure and function are inter-related (how we use the body impacts how it develops). Treatment incorporates these principles, with the recognition that imbalance in one area of the body will create imbalance in another area. Recognizing these principles creates a respectful, holistic relationship to healing. We are treating the whole being – body, mind and spirit.
A Brief History of Craniosacral
Craniosacral also has roots in ancient indigenous healing traditions. The founder of Osteopathy, Andrew Taylor Still (born in 1828) was the son of a pastor and doctor in Virginia. His family had complex relationships with the local Native American tribes as they were missionaries, and thus in some way involved in subjugation, while simultaneously helping to support the community. Andrew followed his father in training as a medical doctor. Working with the Shawnee and Cherokee tribes nearby, he grew interested in and respectful of their approach to healing. Integrating his experiences between these approaches lay a foundation for what became Osteopathy.
Bone setting is an ancient medical tradition developed in indigenous cultures around the world, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. In India, the practice of cranial manipulation was passed down within families, usually from father to son. My training in Iyengar yoga includes learning how to use a crepe bandage headwrap to release cranial restrictions.
Craniosacral recognizes there is a subtle movement within the living human skull. This movement causes the cranium (and brain) to very slightly change shape, minutely alternating between elongation and broadening. It’s worth noting this movement is also recognized in yoga and ayurveda. As the skull fluctuates, the joining of the bones of your head (sutures) are impacted and can be invited to release. As a specialty, craniosacral is uniquely capable of working with restrictions within the head and neck (including head trauma). However the benefits of craniosacral are in no way limited to this specialized work. This is a whole body modality.
The subtle movement associated with the skull can be felt anywhere in your body. A skilled cranial practitioner is trained to work with the inner tide to invite release of restrictions. The gentle pulsation of the tide supports circulation of your fluid body tissues. Restrictions within your body manifest in – and can be released through – working with the ebb and flow of the tide. Releasing restrictions benefits physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. A cranial practitioner uses light touch – 5 grams is most common (the weight of a nickel). The client remains comfortably clothed during session.
Cators Training & Certification in Craniosacral Work
Craniosacral work harmonizes body, mind and spirit, inviting deep relaxation and ease of being. Sessions can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, bringing relief to pain, discomfort and disconnection. This work is deeply transformative.
Cator is a certified practitioner of Visionary Craniosacral Bodywork through the Milne Institute 1200-hour program (1999-2004). She studied pediatrics with Benjamin Shield (2005-2007) and has post graduate training in Biodynamics with Michael Shea. Cator was a member of the SF Bay Area CranioSacral Babies clinic (2011-2019), and assisted Hugh Milne for many years. Prior to focusing on Craniosacral, Cator explored energy healing and massage (1992-1999)
Cator is a member of the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America (BCTA/NA) and presented at the Breath of Life Conference in 2021 and 2023.
