How to Use the Sphenoid Compression Technique in Cranial Massage

Cranial sacral release therapy is so gentle it is often used on small children and the elderly. Incorporating a variety of simple holds, cranial sacral massage stimulates and balances the fluid circulating through the cranial bones, spine and sacrum to relieve pressure and pain. The sphenoid compression technique is a common hold used in this form of therapy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Perform cranial sacral massage with your client face up on the massage table. Sit in a steady chair above your clients head a comfortable working distance from the table. Remember that cranial sacral is an extremely gentle technique, making it a great way to finish a traditional massage session.

2. Place your fingertips together with your thumbs open out to the side and gently slip your fingertips under your client's head. Your forefingers should anchor in the groove where the neck meets the skull. Pull towards you with light pressure to elongate the spine and then allow both your client's head and your hand to relax.

3. Bring your thumbs around to the temple so that they encircle your client's ears and rest the pads gently against the sphenoid bone. Gently lift with your hands so that they pull away at the fingertips under the skull and compress at the thumbs along the sphenoid bone. The movements should be so subtle that only you and your client know it is happening. The compression movement should not be visible in any way.

4. Hold the sphenoid compression for 1 to 10 minutes during the cranial sacral massage to treat back pain, migraines and even pituitary gland problems.