CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle osteopathic technique which helps to reduces tension and encourages relaxation in the nervous system. As a result, the body and mind respond in kind and begin to relax and unwind. The therapy is for your entire body but the craniosacral system is focused on the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain, spinal cord and the integrated nerves. It is a very gentle touch therapy and has been found to be appropriate for people of all ages, at all different levels of physical ability, or who suffer from a host of different conditions.
CranioSacral Therapy: History
The CST technique was first conceived in the 1930s by an osteopath named William Sutherland. It was later refined by John Upledger, another osteopath, in the late 70s. Upledger went on to become the name behind Upledger Institute International, a health care resource center that’s now recognized around the world as a leader in comprehensive education programs, advanced treatment options and unique outreach initiatives.
CranioSacral Therapy: Benefits
CST is an effective healing modality for a variety of health concerns including:
- Reduction or elimination of Migraine Headaches
- Relief from Chronic Neck Pain
- Calming of Central Nervous System Disorders
- Relief from Orthopedic Problems
- Reduction of symptoms from traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Reduced Chronic Fatigue
- Relief from emotional difficulties
- Reduction of stress and tension related concerns
- Relief from fibromyalgia and other connective tissue disorders
- Relief from temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
- Reduction of symptoms in neurovascular or immune disorders
- Relief from post-traumatic stress disorder
- Restored function from post-surgical issues
CranioSacral Therapy: Why It Works
CranioSacral Therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes. As it boosts the immune system and assists in maintaining overall good health it is being used more and more as a preventive health measure.
The craniosacral system is very finely tuned and when one area is stuck, twisted, scarred or misaligned, the whole of the system is affected. What’s more, the craniosacral system directly influences the nervous system which governs the body’s ability to function optimally both physically and mentally. If one or the other of these systems is thrown out of balance as a result of physical or emotional trauma, the body and brain become compromised and less than optimal in function. As a result of these imbalances, CSF flow slows or reroutes and restrictions and even scar tissue can form. As humans, we adapt readily but over time we may begin to notice subtle or not so subtle changes in our mental and physical abilities. Interestingly, long ago suffered illness or injury may be found during a session and be the catalyst for unseeingly related problems. Let me give you an example:
I for instance, suffered a severe whiplash injury in the late 80s. Following doctor’s orders, I rested and took anti inflammatories which resulted in a slight decrease in overall discomfort but left me far from recovered. My goal and desire was to heal completely from the injury and return to normal function and this didn’t happen with this remedy. Left to my own devices, I thought physical therapy might help. Unfortunately, by this time my tissues had become so rigid and scarred that physical therapy was only able to slightly increase my range of motion and did little to abate the pain. I sought out craniosacral therapy when I learned of it. During my sessions, I realized connections to significant and very old injuries I sustained as a child…several falls and concussions had compressed my skull and cervical vertebrae leaving them unmoving and unyielding to the strong forces used in physical therapy. As these areas were gently worked, I experienced fear and worry and then finally a release of the emotions and the muscle tissues. It took multiple sessions for me to release all the underlying compression but that first session helped me to regain a greater degree of motion and a significant reduction in pain. To me it was truly a miracle and one I cherish to this day.
So how does the therapist accomplish a task like this? Using an extremely light touch (and working closely with you), therapists can palpate and monitor the rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid at key body points to identify the source of an obstruction, restriction or stress. Once the source is identified, therapists will gently manipulate these restrictions to their release, restoring the flow of CST and allowing your body to self correct. Additionally, because the physiological environment of the brain is highly influenced by the craniosacral system, many integrative processes between the psyche and the body can be discovered and released as well. Clients almost always report feeling freer in body, mind and spirit.