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Who was John Upledger?
John Edwin Upledger was a renowned osteopathic physician and surgeon who developed CranioSacral Therapy, a manual therapy that aims to improve the function of the craniosacral system, which consists of the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. He was also the co-founder of the Upledger Institute International, an educational and research organization that teaches CranioSacral Therapy and other complementary disciplines to healthcare professionals around the world.
What did he accomplish in his career?
Dr. Upledger was born on February 10, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Wayne State University with a B.S. in Psychology and became a Coast Guard Medic before studying Osteopathic Medicine at Kirksville College in Missouri. He moved to Florida in 1965 and worked as a general practitioner and surgeon at Suncoast Osteopathic Hospital.
In 1975, he noticed a rhythmic movement of the dural membrane of the spinal cord while assisting in a surgery and became curious about its significance. He was invited by Michigan State University to lead a research team to test the existence and influence of the craniosacral system. His studies confirmed the movement of the cranial bones and the importance of the craniosacral system in regulating the health of the nervous system.
In 1978, he developed a hypothesis of the craniosacral system that he called the “PressureStat Model”, which explained how the craniosacral fluid maintains a constant pressure and volume by adjusting the shape and position of the cranial bones and the dural membrane. He also devised a method of palpating and manipulating the craniosacral system to enhance its function and treat various disorders. He named this method “CranioSacral Therapy”.
Dr. Upledger applied his CranioSacral Therapy to treat a wide range of conditions, such as chronic pain, migraine, autism, learning disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. He also treated conjoined twins, Olympic divers, and professional athletes with his innovative approach. He wrote several books and articles on CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release, a technique that he developed to release emotional trauma stored in the body. He also founded the Upledger Institute International in 1985 with his son, John Matthew Upledger, and expanded his educational programs to over 100 countries.
How did he die?
Dr. Upledger passed away on October 26, 2012 at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He was 80 years old. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed, but according to his obituary, he had been battling cancer for several years. He was survived by his wife Lisa, his son John, his daughter Leslie, and his son Michael. His son Mark and his stepson Rob had predeceased him.
What is his legacy?
Dr. Upledger was a visionary and a pioneer in the field of manual therapy and integrative medicine. He was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of America’s “Next Wave of Innovators” for his proven clinical applications of CranioSacral Therapy. He was also a certified fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy, an academic fellow of the British Society of Osteopathy, a doctor of science in Medicina Alternativa, and a member of the Alternative Medicine Program Advisory Council for the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Upledger’s legacy is his generosity of spirit in sharing his discoveries and knowledge with millions of practitioners and patients worldwide. He also left behind a rich body of research and literature that continues to inspire and inform the practice and development of CranioSacral Therapy and other holistic modalities. He was a leader and an innovator who challenged the conventional wisdom and opened new possibilities for healing and wellness.
