Book Review

Plaugher, G

According to its adherents, cranial manipulative (craniosacral) therapy is one of the fastest growing areas of manual medicine.  This book represents a significant advance in the subject and is likely to find its way quickly into the hands of practitioners from a wide range of disciplines, such as osteopathy, naturopathy, massage therapy, and chiropractic.  Dr. Leon Chaitow, both a naturopath and osteopath and one of the most respected authorities in this area, provides a detailed historical basis for the work and continues the discussion into the modern era. 

Little doubt exists that cranial bones exhibit displacement during the birth process; whether these displacements can be changed in infancy or adulthood from external forces becomes a somewhat derisive topic among “conventional” and “alternative” practitioners because of a lack of definitive clinical studies.  Much remains to be explained but there seems to be little shortage of theories among its various advocates.  These are explained in thorough detail throughout the text.  The book is extensively illustrated, and these figures provide the reader with a more thorough understanding of the theories that are proffered.

Dr. Chaitow takes us from the roots of craniosacral study in the first section of the book to specific palpatory techniques in both the mechanical and subtle genre (i.e., energy techniques).  Various exercises are presented to further enhance the refinement of palpatory skills.  Assessment and manipulation of the cranial bones is presented in a thorough manner, again with extensive illustrations to facilitate learning for the uninitiated.  Muscular and facial distress concepts are also discussed in addition to therapeutic maneuvers for their alleviation.  Treatment protocols for specific muscles of the cranium are also presented.  The book closes with a discussion of positional release techniques and their effect on cranial pain syndromes.

Dr. Chaitow uses extensive references to support his theories and others in this field.  Refreshingly, he continually juxtaposes what is known with what is theory.  For anyone interested in cranial manipulation techniques and soft-tissue approaches, this text will serve as an important reference.