William Sutherland, a doctor of osteopathy, was the originator of what he then called cranial osteopathy in 1898 to 1900. He hatched the idea after observing that contrary to prevailing anatomical belief at that time, the skull was not made of a solid piece of bone that does not move. He found that the cranial sutures were beveled where the temporal bones met the parietal bones, like fish gills. He saw this as an indication that the cranium moved in a breathing pattern of inhalation and exhalation which he called the primary respiratory mechanism. Eventually, he traced this to the Breath of Life or the vital force which is at the core of the philosophy of osteopathy. Sutherland also declared that the movement of the cranial bones was synchronized with the sacrum at the other end of the spine.

Sutherland’s work shifted in the last years of his life to what is now called biodynamic craniosacral therapy and biodynamic osteopathy. By then he had come to the conclusion that what he had called the Breath of Life was similar to what was called Qi or Prana, and that this spiritual power inside the body could make corrections and heal even without the application of external forces. According to the biodynamic approach, there are embryological forces guiding the embryonic cells in shaping the body and since these forces express the original intention of existence, they could be accessed and used by the patient for self-healing. With this belief, Sutherland’s manipulations took on a spiritual reverence and he advocated using a subtle touch.

Although cranial osteopathy met initial resistance in the field of osteopathy, by 1940 the American School of Osteopathy put up a graduate course on “Osteopathy in the Cranial Field” with Sutherland himself as director. In 1947, the Cranial Academy was established, and in 1953 the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation was set up.

Biodynamic osteopathy was later further developed by Becker and James Jealous while biodynamic craniosacral therapy was further developed by Franklyn Sills.

In the years 1975 to 1983, the Michigan State University conducted studies on Sutherland’s theory of cranial bone movement with a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers led by neurophysiologist and histologist Ernest W. Retzlaff and osteopathic physician John E. Upledger. Both Retzlaff and Upledger published their support for Sutherland’s theories of cranial bone movement and cranial rhythm.

Upledger went on to develop his own craniosacral therapy style and founded the Upledger Institute in 1987. Its affiliates are organized under Upledger’s International Association of Healthcare Practitioners.

In 1989, the Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK (CSTA) was founded, with members who graduated from the College of Craniosacral Therapy. In 1998, the Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America was established for certified craniosacral therapists. In 2004, the Craniosacral Therapy Association of Australia was put up, showing how far around the world the therapy is being recognized.

Ask for cranial sacral massage therapy from your professional therapist. There are also other forms of massage therapy, such as deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage and pregnancy massage, which can be availed of in Valrico, Riverview, Bloomingdale and Brandon 33511.

Are you starting to plan your Christmas gift list? Take note that any adult in your circle of family and friends would love to receive a massage therapy gift card to a massage clinic in Valrico, Riverview, Bloomingdale and Brandon 33511. Availing of a massage therapy session through a gift card will definitely help improve anyone’s level of flexibility that is a major factor in achieving a feeling of wellbeing, optimum physical capacity and good health.

Jen Bondesen says in Massage Envy magazine’s Spring 2009 online issue that a person’s muscles tend to tighten with age, especially if the person is not very active. Tight muscles result in a loss of flexibility and decreased range of motion.

To loosen up tight muscles, lengthen them and prevent them from reverting to tightness, Bondeson recommends stretching. She points out that this produces a relaxed state by relieving tension and reducing stress. Since it has long been proven that mental and physical stress result in a weakened immune system, the state of relaxation in both mind and body logically leads to a stronger immune system and better health. Add to this the fact that circulation is boosted by stretching. Healing and recovery from illness is, therefore, facilitated other diseases are prevented.

Stretched muscles that are loose and elongated bring about wider range of motion and better posture. Even the American Council on Exercise or ACE advises that every fitness regimen should include stretching. This not only facilitates more efficient and powerful movement but also protects the muscles against susceptibility to strain and injury.

Bondeson interviewed Fabio Comana, one of the exercise physiologists of the American Council on Exercise. She says he recommends warming up first at the start of each stretching routine since stretching cold muscles results in temporary beneficial effects. He says stretching should start slowly and should be accompanied by rhythmic breathing. One should inhale first and then exhale during the slow and gentle stretch which should then be held steadily for about 15 to 30 seconds. Bouncing should be avoided since this will cause the muscles to contract and could cause injury.

Bondeson reiterates the American Council on Exercise warning that stretching should be done in moderation and should never be painful. A “pleasant tension” should ba aimed for. When pain is felt, the stretch should immediately be released lest it cause muscle tearing.

Bondeson also advises that a person should first consult a doctor and have his or her muscular and skeletal system evaluated first before undergoing a stretching workout. Once the doctor’s clearance has been received, the person should then ask for the appropriate stretching exercises and schedule the stretching workout for a minimum of three times a week.

Like stretching, massage therapy has been proven to loosen, lengthen and relax tightened muscles, according to Bondeson. It stimulates the body’s production of natural lubricants needed by connective tissues. This improves flexibility and increases the person’s comfortable range of motion. Massage therapy also dissolves any build up of lactic acid within the muscles. This eases the soreness that is usually experienced after exertions, such as in workouts or sports. Healing is hastened by the improvement in blood circulation brought by massage.

Giving a family member or friend a massage therapy gift card to a massage clinic in Valrico, Riverview, Bloomingdale and Brandon 33511 will enable him or her to incorporate massage therapy into his or her stretching regimen, thereby improving flexibility and overall health. He or she can choose among Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy or, if pregnant, pregnancy massage therapy from your chosen massage clinic in Valrico, Riverview, Bloomingdale and Brandon 33511.