Cranial massage therapy, also known as craniosacral massage therapy, was created in the mid 1900s by Dr. William Gardner Sutherland. Sutherland believed that manipulating the fluids in the spinal column and surrounding the brain, as well as moving the plates of the skull, would promote natural health and help speed healing. While there is no scientific evidence supporting this, home cranial massage can be relaxing simply due to the proven therapeutic value of being gently touched.
Step 1
Have the person being massaged lie down on a soft surface. He should be wearing soft, loose clothing, and should lie on his back, arms at his sides.
Step 2
Place your hands on the top of her head, making sure that you place no more pressure on her than the weight of a nickel would. There is no scientific basis to either the effectiveness of this kind of massage or the necessity for a light touch, but most people do respond favorable to being stroked lightly.
Step 3
Massage his head with gentle stroking motions, concentrating on the top of the skull, the forehead and around the ears. Some craniosacral practitioners recommend pulling gently on the ears, supposedly to release fluids and increase energy flow.
Step 4
Continue the massage for 30 minutes to an hour, remembering to always keep your touch as light and soothing as possible. There is no evidence that this will accomplish more than to possibly relax the person receiving the massage.
Tips and Warnings
- Wash your hands before giving a massage to avoid spreading germs.
- Never massage a pregnant woman unless you have proper training.
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