Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is one of the most enjoyable modalities I have ever studied. It truly is amazing work. I personally have suffered from chronic pain throughout my life, due to an accident and other compounding factors. These may be some of the reasons I began this line of work.

It was through Cranial Sacral Therapy that I was able to access more of my body and release the pain I carried in it.

I have seen amazing things happen with my clients and fellow therapist’s clients. Below is a more physiological explanation to this magical work. Of course for those who enjoy more details read on…but it is kind of magical … Sshhh!!

Cranial Sacral Therapy works by helping the body’s natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. This is accomplished through utilizing a physiological body system called the Cranial Sacral system, which maintains the environment in which the central nervous system functions. It consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that any imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.

Like the pulse of the cardiovascular system, the Cranial Sacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Using a touch generally no heavier than a nickel, skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Other times, CST may be combined with other complementary therapies to help restore the body to its optimum functioning level.

CST can bolster overall health and resistance to disease to alleviate a wide range of specific medical conditions. In particular CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from an accident. Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related dysfunctions. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction are just a few examples. This approach is very effective with infants children and new borns with early traumas, including birth trauma. They especially can benfit from the timely identification and release of restrictions in the Cranial Sacral system, thereby preventing future difficulties, such as learning disabilities or hyperactivity.

Cranial Sacral Therapy works to reverse the debilitating effects of stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. 

Cranial Sacral Therapy has shown to be effective with various sensory disorders. Among these are eye-motor coordination problems, autism, dyslexia, loss of taste or smell, tinnitus, vertigo and neuralgias, such as sciatica and tic douloureux.

What you may experience:

During a CST session the experiences are as varied as the clients and practioners are themselves. One may deeply relax or even fall asleep, at other times he or she may talk a great deal, recalling memories or expressing emotions. Some will remain still hardly noticing the practioners evaluation and treatment, while others will experience sensations within the body as the process is carried out.

The immediate results of a treatment can be very diverse as well. This relaxed state may elicit the desire to sleep for many hours after the session. Others may experience an increase in energy. Reduction of pain or an increase in function may occur immediately after the session or it may develop gradually over the next few days. Since CST helps the body resume its natural processes, it is common for improvement to continue weeks after the session. For some there may be a reorganization phase as the body adapts to the release of previously held patterns.

For more detailed information about the origins and progress of Cranial Sacral Therapy check out www.upledger.com

 

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