The History of Craniosacral Therapy

The CranioSacral system is an important function in the production, circulation and reabsorption of CSF(Cerebrospinal fluid). CSF maintains the environment in which the brain and nervous system develop, live and function. Investigation into this system began in the second decade of the 20th century with William Garner Sutherland, an Osteopathic student of Andrew Taylor Stills was examining the disarticulated skull. If form follows function, as he had been taught in school, then why did the cranium have sutures, if not for movement? He set out to explore this idea. His conventional training had taught him there was no movement in the cranial bones of the adult. Yet in his hands he was holding the bones of an adult skull, which easily separated from each other and then fit back together, like the pieces of a puzzle.

As a true researcher of his time he set out to create and experiment with his own skull bones. He created a helmet made from an old football helmet and leather straps. With this he was able restrict the motion of specific cranial bones in his own head. He recorded all of the physical changes in his journal, while his wife recorded all the of personality changes. The "helmet" led to quite severe symptoms of cranial tightness, headaches, visual changes, sickness and disorientation. One day he cinched down all the helmet straps and was amazed to feel a rhythmic motion in his sacrum. The surprising responses that he felt in his own body had shown him that cranial movement must have some important physiological function. Sutherland spent the remaining 50 years of his life exploring this motion and it's significance to Cranial Osteopathy and general wellness.

Another osteopath, John Upledger, is credited with developing CranioSacral Therapy(CST).  While assisting during a surgery in 1970, Dr. Upledger observed a rhythmic movement of the dura mater, the membrane that encompasses the brain and spinal cord.  Neither his colleagues nor medical texts could explain his observation.  Dr. Upledger's curiosity led him to the work of Dr. Sutherland, and later to develop his own scientific studies to confirm the existence of the craniosacral system.  This work went on from 1975 to 1983, while he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University .  The findings of the research team he supervised first established the scientific basis for the craniosacral system.

Dr. Upledger's continued work resulted in his development of CST.  He formed The Upledger Institute in 1985 to educate the public and healthcare practitioners about the benefits of CST. 

Dr. Nancy Soliven DC, MD started her work with the Upledger Institute and the Brain and Spinal Cord Center. She taught classes world wide and founded Integrative Bodywork Institute in 2001. Through IBI she continues to teach CST around the United States . IBI teaches CranioSacral therapy, by focusing on empowerment and intuition merged with the understanding of science . Utilizing a combination of traditional cranial technique from Sutherland,Upledger, Milne and other branches of bodywork IBI teaches a synthesis of traditional and intuitive tools to effect change within the body. By modeling respect and reverence for the inherent wisdom each individual holds within themselves, CranioSacral therapy can uncover the cause of disease and illness.

With a growing number of practitioners, CST provides a new healthcare option - one that uses a gentle approach working with the body.  By following the body's lead, the CST practitioner often can uncover the source of pain or dysfunction that can open the path to wellness.


Benefits of Certification

When IBI certifies a practitioner we are officially recognizing that the practitioner has established a level of competency in Craniosacral therapy that goes well beyond simply attending a class.

There are two levels of certification.

1.  Technician – Technician certification can be obtained after attending CranioSacral I and CranioSacral II classes. A technician certified practioner is skilled at working with the CranioSacral, Facial and Skeletal Systems of the body.

2. Diplomat – Diplomat certification requires the attendance of CranioSacral III and prior technician certification. A diplomat certified practitioner has the additional skill necessary to work with Somato-Emotional releases. This level of certification demonstrates a level of expertise above that of the technician.

Benefits of Certification

  1. A certificate of certification that can be hung in your office to inform your clients of your level of training.
  2. The right to advertise that you are an IBI Certified Craniosacral Therapist. Many spas and health clubs require certification before a practitioner can practice Craniosacral therapy on their clients.
  3. Inclusion in our website directory of certified practitioners.
  4. Certification is required to be a teaching assistant for IBI classes. Being a teaching assistant is an excellent way to build your skills and expertise.
  5. Referrals from those who know and respect the quality of IBI certified practitioners.

 


Certification Requirements

Technician Level

Application

  • Fill out a certification application and receive a certification form that will allow you to track your progress.

Course Work

  • Complete CST I and CST II

Practice

  • A minimum of 16 Practice hours supervised by an IBI teacher, TA or practitioner with Technician Level certification or higher. This can be done in tutorial session ran by IBI teaching staff , official study groups, by precepting, or by attending the hands-on portion of an IBI class (prior teacher approval needed).
  • 10 trades with other students or practitioners of Craniosacral
  • A minimum of 50 hands-on Craniosacral sessions (do not include the above sessions).
  • Soap charting must be provided for 10 of the above sessions.

Self Work

  • A total of 5 CST treatments for you from certified practitioners. A minimum of 3 treatments must be from an IBI practitioner certified at the Diplomat level. The other 2 treatments maybe from other certified practitioners

Exam

A. Written

  1. Describe the CranioSacral Rhythm.

                    •  How is it used as a diagnostic/evaluation tool?

Describe the fascial system.

                    • What is the purpose of diaphragm and joint releases?

Describe the dural tube and dural membranes

                    • Which techniques are used to release the falx and tentorium
                       membranes and what is the unique way each technique
                       affects the membranes?

                    • What techniques could be used to affect the dural tube?

A. Written (continued)

  Provide a description for each of the following:

                    • Sphenoid lesion pattern and how to correct them.

                    • Hard palate lesion patterns and how to correct them.

                    • Vomer lesion patterns and how to correct them.

B. Practical

  1. Be able to demonstrate all of the following:

                    • Diaphragm/Joint Unwinding

                    •  Falx release

                    • Tentorium

                    •. Hard Palate

                    •  Sphenoid

                    • Vomer

                    •  Dural Tube Glide

                    •  Sacral Base Release

                    • Still point

  1. Self Evaluation: What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses?

Proof of Licensure or Affidavit of Non-Licensure

In order for IBI to provide certification we must have one of the following:

A. Proof of licensure. A copy of your diploma/certification/license.

B. The affidavit of non-licensure is a notarized affidavit stating that according to the current laws of your state, you do not need a license to legally practice CranioSacral therapy.

Certification Fee

The fee for certification is $300.

Certification Requirements
Diplomat Level

Application

  • Fill out a certification application and receive a certification form that will allow you to track your progress.

Requirements

  • Successfully Complete CST I, CST II and CST III
  • Prior certification at the Technician level

Practice

These requirements are in addition to those completed for Technician certification.

  • A minimum of 34 Practice hours supervised by an IBI teacher, TA or practitioner with Technician Level certification or higher. This can be done in official study groups, Tutorial sessions, by precepting, or by attending the hands-on portion of an IBI class (prior teacher approval needed).
  • 10 trades with other students who have taken classes from IBI.
  • A minimum of 50 hands-on CranioSacral sessions (do not include the above sessions).
  • Soap charting must be provided for 10 sessions. Five of the sessions must include somato-emotional exploration.

Self Work

These treatments are in addition to those completed for Technician certification.

  • Have 5 treatments from certified practitioner.
  • A total of 5 CST treatments for you from certified practitioners. A minimum of 3 treatments must be from an IBI practitioner certified at the Diplomat level. The other 2 treatments maybe from other certified practitioners

Exam

A. Written

1. Provide a written description for the following:

a) The role of emotions as a cause of disease.

b) Cellular/tissue memory.

c) How the above affect the healing process.

d) Primary and secondary lesion patterns.

e) Role of you, the therapist, in the healing process.

2. Describe your strengths and areas you would like to improve. How can we help you?

B. Oral

1. Be prepared to demonstrate any technique that has been taught at any level.

Proof of Licensure or Affidavit of Non-Licensure

In order for IBI to provide certification we must have one of the following:

A. Proof of licensure. A copy of your diploma/certification/license.

B. The affidavit of non-licensure is a notarized affidavit stating that according to the current laws of your state, you do not need a license to legally practice Craniosacral therapy.

Certification Fee

The fee for certification is $300.


                                                    FORMS

Document Name                  Download
Client Record           Word           pdf
Record of Supervised Practice Hours      Word           pdf
Record of self work           Word           pdf