History of CranioSacral Therapy

The history of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) rests in nature and the rhythms of cause and effect.

• Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. (1828-1917) delved into these patterns of consequence and applied them to the innate workings of the body. He saw that overly strained body parts cause dysfunction and he developed methods that naturally helped the body overcome the strain. In response the body could more fully use its innate healing abilities to correct dysfunction. Dr. Still is the founder of Osteopathy.
• William G. Sutherland. D.O. (1873-1954) is the founder of Cranial Osteopathy, which utilizes Osteopathic principles in combination with techniques developed by Dr. Sutherland. A large focus of the work is upon the cranium, spine, and meninges (layers of connective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
• John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M. is the founder of CranioSacral Therapy.  He has combined the Osteopathic outlook from both A.T. Still, M.D. and W.G. Sutherland, D.O. along with highly effective full body techniques he has developed. The sources he has utilized in the creation of this work are vast, such as: embryological development, quantum physics, cell structure, and therapeutic imagery.

The fountainhead of CST flows from nature and natural processes. The three men above, as well as many other individuals, have embraced and utilized this view in the quest to help others alleviate suffering and dysfunction.