There are traces of craniosacral work in many ancient traditions; from India, China, the Middle East and North America. However in the Western world this system was unrecognised and unknown until one day in 1899 a young Osteopathic student named William Sutherland observed a disarticulated skull.
Gazing at the articular surfaces of the individual bones and noting the peculiar way in which they are bevelled he had an amazing insight. In his own words “Bevelled like the gills of a fish, and indicating articular mobility for a respiratory mechanism.” He was to spend the rest of his life studying this ‘mechanism’. It was in fact, the underlying membrane system and the craniosacral rhythm, which he called ‘The Primary Respiratory Mechanism’. Sutherland developed specific techniques for improving the functioning of the entire system. However, he was a mystic and despite astounding successes his work was largely considered unscientific. He died in 1954 at the age of 81, having taught his techniques to only a small number of people.
The next important step occurred in 1970. Following a remarkable experience assisting an operation, in which he observed a mysterious movement in the membrane system, Dr John Upledger commenced studying Sutherland’s theories. He spent many years doing scientific research which, with slight modifications, validated Sutherland’s work. Upledger began teaching Craniosacral Therapy and has written several books on the subject. He incorporated a method of working with emotions which he calls ‘Somato Emotional Release'.