Is craniosacral therapy (cranial therapy) useful for children with Down syndrome?
Proponents of cranial therapy claim that skull bones can be manipulated to relieve many disorders. To quote the website of the Craniosacral Therapy Assoc. of the UK: “Dr William Sutherland, an American osteopath, discovered intrinsic movements of the bones of the skull around the turn of the century. His further research revealed different rhythmic tidal motions in the body. These movements, which can be measured with delicate scientific instruments, are a direct expression of the health of the system. As research continued it became apparent that these movements are inextricably linked with not only physical health but also mental and emotional health. Palpation of these tide-like motions allows Craniosacral therapists to facilitate change in areas of restriction. This restriction of movement corresponds to a lack of the capacity of the life force to express its self-healing.” In reality, the bones of the skull start fusing in infancy and are completely solid by the teen years. More i
