Craniosacral Therapy         What is it? Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a therapeutic method of evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system which consists of the skull, spinal cord, sacrum and the cerebrospinal fluid that flows throughout the entire system. It assists the body in normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, spinal flexibility, ease of the nervous system and general health and well being.   The therapy focuses on removing restrictions to enhance the mobility of the craniosacral system through improved circulation of blood and cerebrospinal fluid to the brain, spinal cord, pituitary gland, pineal gland and the cranial nerve systems. Because of its influence on the central nervous system, its benefits include improved functioning of the nervous system, the endocrine system and the digestive system.   What does it do? Craniosacral therapy can be used as a preventative health measure. It complements the body’s natural healing processes and is known for its ability to strengthen resistance to disease. It is also effective in treating a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction including:   ● chronic neck and back pain ● migraine headaches ● Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) ● scoliosis · ● stress and tension related problems ● learning disabilities ● autism ● hyperactivity ● emotional difficulties ● post-traumatic stress disorder   Craniosacral therapy works to reverse the debilitating effects of stress by providing conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. Maintaining good health and fighting disease and pain depend on the vitality of your body’s internal systems. Balancing the rhythm of this system helps all the systems of the body, including the immune system, function more efficiently. Due to its gentleness and effectiveness many people include craniosacral therapy as a component in their personal wellness program. They report having more energy, sleeping better and being sick less often. Craniosacral therapy has emotional benefits as well, it has been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.   What do I need to know? The craniosacral therapist uses light touch to identify and release restrictions within the craniosacral system. Sessions are about 45 minutes long. Individuals experience CST sessions differently so the immediate results vary as well. The relaxed state may cause some to sleep for hours following a session where 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. CST helps the body resume its natural healing processes so that improvement can continue weeks after the session. There may also be a reorganization phase as the body adapts to the release of previously held patterns.   Your response to the therapy is uniquely your own and will also vary from individual to individual and condition to condition. The length of time and number of sessions needed is extremely variable and depends on the layers of injury and trauma that may mask the original cause of the problem as well as the body’s defense mechanisms.     Back To Main Page