The idea behind cranial sacral therapy is that gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, can help the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system. It can also produce deeply relaxing results.

Some conditions that may benefit from cranial sacral therapy include:

migraine

headaches

constipation

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

disturbed sleep cycles and insomnia

scoliosis

sinus infections

neck pain

fibromyalgia

recurrent ear infections or colic in infants

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

trauma recovery, including trauma from whiplash

mood disorders, like anxiety or depression

difficult pregnancies

A 2019 review found that cranial sacral therapy was more effective than sham treatment in treating the pain intensity of individuals with non-specific neck pain.

If you experience any of the following, cranial sacral therapy may not be for you:

severe bleeding disorders

a diagnosed aneurysm

a history of recent traumatic head injuries, which may include cranial bleeding or skull fractures

Check with your healthcare professional to determine if this therapy is appropriate for your needs.

These massages usually last 60 minutes or longer.