Origins and History of BCST
I’m often asked: what exactly is Craniosacral Therapy? There are a lot of ways to answer this question, and I’m passionate about demystifying our practice and increasing education and awareness of this progressive, advanced therapy through both the scientific foundations and deep philosophy.
This is the first in a series of educational journals designed to do just that. These will be sent monthly, separate from my regular newsletter updates. I’m starting at the beginning—a good place to start! So, here’s a brief overview of the origins and history of how Craniosacral Therapy and the Biodynamics branch came to be. I hope this answers some questions and perhaps even opens the doorway to further enquiry.
Biomechanical Roots
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) evolved from the broader field of Craniosacral Therapy (CST), which was originally developed in the early 20th century by an osteopath, Dr. William Sutherland (1873-1954).
Sutherland discovered subtle rhythmic movements in the cranial bones and their associated membranes and fluids, which he coined the Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM). He believed these innate movements could be impacted by stress, trauma and other events, subsequently influencing the health and function of the entire body. This discovery led to the practice of Osteopathy in the cranial field.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, John Upledger (1932-2012) further developed Craniosacral Therapy, bringing it into wider clinical practice. His hands-on approach focused on detecting and releasing restrictions within the membranes and fluids of the craniosacral system using subtle movement, which he claimed could help with a variety of conditions. Upledger laid the foundation for CST to become a widely respected and recognised alternative therapy.
Shift to Biodynamics
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, as it is practiced today, was developed by Franklyn Sills (1947-2025) in the late 20th century. Sills expanded upon traditional methods by integrating a holistic, deeply embodied philosophy that recognises the body’s inherent capacity for healing and regulation. The term “biodynamic” reflects this emphasis on the dynamic, living processes within the body—the subtle forces and rhythms that express the body’s vital intelligence.
Core Principles
BCST prioritises a respectful listening to the body’s natural rhythms and an orientation toward health rather than pathology. Practitioners work with the “Breath of Life”, a foundational concept referring to the subtle, organising life force that flows through the body, facilitating health and balance on physical, emotional, and energetic levels.
This work has continued through a lineage of BCST practitioners worldwide, including Michael Kern, Cherionna Sills, Steve Haines and Ged Sumner, as well as my direct teachers and supervisors: Ettienne Piersman, Lolly Dadley-Moore, Megan Arnel, Tejaaswinny Naakra and Amanda Dickie.
Today, BCST is practiced as a gentle, trauma-informed therapy that supports nervous system regulation, emotional processing, pain relief, and overall well-being, supporting clients of all ages.
I hope this brief overview of the history of BCST gives you a new perspective on the work I offer. If you’d like to experience this for yourself, you can book a session here.
