Craniosacral Rhythm Research-Published Scientific Paper Presentation

Researcher Thomas Rasmussen, PhD, MSc, CST-D explains the findings in his Scientific Paper.

This study reports on a direct objective measurement of a third rhythmic movement on the human head, giving rational scientific evidence documenting the existence of a rhythmic movement different from arterial and respiratory rhythms. A long-standing debate on using low-frequency movements (<0,1 Hz) in craniosacral assessment by palpation might be clarified, and the future training of therapists using cranial palpation might be improved with reference to both a normative range and nature of the rhythmic movements described in this study. Blood and CSF flow are of central importance in human health, studying the role of low-frequency movements in the human body, may be of great interest in understanding and maintaining human health. This study forms a new basis for studying the physiological and clinical significance of low frequency oscillation in humans.

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A study exploring rhythmic oscillations of the human head was published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies October 2020 entitled Direct Measurement of the Rhythmic Motions of the Human Head Identifies a Third Rhythm by Thomas Rosenkilde Rasmussen and Karl Christian Meulengracht.

A central concept in CranioSacral Therapy, and at the same time controversial, is the concept of a unique rhythmic movement separate from arterial and respiratory rhythms. Palpation of the unique rhythm is central and used worldwide by a high number of therapists. A significant source of the criticism and controversy of both the existence and reported range of a unique rhythm in humans is the subjective approach to study rhythmic movements by palpation.

The aim of the study was:

  1. to characterize the rhythmic movements on the head relating to the arterial, respiratory, and a possible third rhythm.
  2. to describe the nature of the third movement.
  3. to define the normative range of the third rhythm in humans using an objective method.

In humans, a third rhythm separate from arterial and respiratory rhythms was observed. The lecture will go into detail with the results of the study and their implications concerning CranioSacral Therapy are discussed.

Thomas Rasmussen has a Ph.D. Degree in Medical Science, an MSc in Chemistry, a BSc in Biochemistry, a BSc in Biology, and is Upledger CranioSacral Diplomate Certified.

Thomas has worked with medical science and evidence-based medicine since 1994. Thomas has been a leading scientist, publishing over 50 studies in international journals and over 100 abstracts for international conference publications. Much of his research has been on cancer research, natural chemistry and pharmacology. Thomas continues his research work with a focus on the craniosacral system.

Thomas owns a private clinical practice in Copenhagen, Denmark, helping patients with CranioSacral Therapy and other manual modalities. Thomas is an International Teacher and class developer for Upledger Institute International.

Thomas is also the Director of Research for Upledger Institute International. Some of his responsibilities include:

  • Conduct research and collaborate with other research teams to forward CST research.
  • Determine what research would best support CST.
  • Condense research down to what could be relevant in the Upledger curriculum.