The therapist seldom dictates how the correction should be made, but rather assists the body in its own natural self-corrective activities within the craniosacral system. Therefore, when certain rules that enforce a gentle approach by a therapist are followed, there can be no serious error or side effect because the craniosacral system itself decides how the correction should be made. The therapist simply removes obstacles, activates and empowers. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive manipulative technique. Seldom does the therapist apply pressure that exceeds five grams or the equivalent weight of a nickel.
Examination is done by testing for movements in various parts of the system.
Oftentimes, when movement testing is done, the test has removed the restricting obstacle. The system is then able to complete its self-correction. Experienced clinicians are able to palpate the craniosacral motion anywhere on a patient's body. Valuable examination information can be gained very quickly by palpating the craniosacral motion for rate, amplitude, symmetry and quality. The parts of the craniosacral system that can be easily palpated by the hands of the therapist are the bones of the skull, sacrum and coccyx, because they attach to the membranes that enclose the cerebrospinal fluid.