What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Written By Pasha

What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?

  • Craniosacral therapy is a light touch manual therapy that seeks to locate and remove restrictions through the body's different systems. Adjustments are made through light touch, time, and gentle therapeutic manipulation of the fascia and tissues below.
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  • Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle yet profound hands-on method of working with the body to disperse the effects of stress.

  • By releasing the soft tissue structures surrounding the brain and spinal cord, this technique enhances the flow of cerebrospinal fluid which nourishes, protects and bathes the structures of your nervous system.

  • CST releases restrictions in the body reducing strain and stress on the central nervous system and facilitates homeostasis. It’s described like unwinding a sheet from the dryer - unwinding all of the areas that got tangled and wrinkled sometimes requires smoothing out different corners before getting to the root of the concern.

  • Your therapist is generally using no more than 5 grams of pressure (the weight of a nickel)  to achieve significant results, making it an ideal treatment for those with tactile sensitivity.

  • Targeted mouth work is an element of craniosacral therapy for those experiencing pain in the jaw, mouth and face. There are external and internal oral therapeutic techniques.

In other words... 

CST is a light touch, whole-body treatment technique that works with the body’s craniosacral system to support and nourish the central nervous system - improving overall health and well being. The craniosacral system includes the structures, membranes, fluid and nerves connected to the brain and spinal cord from the bones of the head down to the sacrum at the bottom of the spine. When this system is functioning well, the rest of the body follows in kind. 

Craniosacral therapy is a complementary method of hands-on bodywork that works with the natural and unique rhythms of the different body systems to pinpoint and address problem sources at the root. It is an adjunctive therapy that enhances the effects of speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, and other forms of body therapy.

CST helps to alleviate the aches, pains and strains of life, improves coping mechanisms to allow for better management of stress for adults, babies and children.

CST improves the body’s ability to self-regulate; it can produce profound, positive changes.

What conditions benefit from CST?

  • Chronic Neck + Back Pain

  • Stress + Anxiety

  • Migraine Headaches

  • Central Nervous System Disorders

  • Orthopedic Problems

  • Scoliosis

  • Autoimmune Diseases

  • Emotional Difficulties

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Stress + Tension Related Problems

  • Whiplash Associated Disorders

  • Alzheimer's Disease

  • Dementia

  • PTSD

  • Immune System Dysfunction

  • Herniated Disks
    Spinal Cord Injuries

  • ADD/ ADHD

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • Post-Surgical Dysfunction

  • TMJ Dysfunction

  • Postpartum Depression

  • Degenerative Disk Disease

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries

  • Autism

  • Concussions

  • Surgical Prep + Rehabilitation

CranioSacral Therapy and the Treatment of PTSD

CST is particularly effective for patients who have suffered PTSD, including concussion and head trauma. When provided by advanced CST therapists trained to evaluate and treat changes in the craniosacral system, integration into the medical treatment plan can be started as soon as clearance from the attending physician is obtained. When craniosacral therapy is incorporated consistently throughout the acute and rehabilitation process, long term benefits and the potential of full recovery is maximized.

Pasha

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Craniosacral Therapy FAQ