Craniosacral therapy is a form of alternative medicine used by physical therapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, and osteopaths. It takes a whole-person approach to healing and is advertised as an effective form of treatment for a wide range of illnesses. It is suitable for people of all ages, particularly children, and can be effective in acute or chronic cases.

The therapy was developed in the early 1900s by the American osteopath William Sutherland. He discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and different rhythms in the body, which were linked with physical, mental, and emotional health. When the rhythms are  in balance, the body is said to be in a healthy state. It follows that a restriction of movement corresponds to a reduction of health and the natural capacity to self-heal.

A typical craniosacral therapy session is performed with the client fully-clothed, in a supine position, and usually lasts about one hour. Therapists place their hands lightly on the patient's body, tuning in to the patient by ‘listening’ with their hands and fix any rhythm restrictions. By gently working with the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, and misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position. The patient will notice a sense of deep relaxation throughout the session. With subsequent treatments this release of tension often extends into everyday life.

The therapy is said to alleviate physical aches and pains, acute and chronic disease, emotional or psychological disturbances, and even help develop a sense of wellbeing in the patient. It has been used to treat asthma, autism, back pain, depression, spinal curvatures, stress related illnesses, and other problems.