What is CranioSacral Therapy?

fogle997
Apr 3
3 min read

Many people often ask "What is Craniosacral Therapy?" and it is often difficult to describe. One might simply say, "It's Amazing!" yet that still wouldn't convey exactly what it entails.

So what exactly is Craniosacral Therapy?

According to the Upledger Institute, CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.

What does this mean for you?

The CranioSacral Therapist utilizes a gentle touch to evaluate different areas of the body, checking the CranioSacral system by feeling for ease of motion and rhythm of the fluid around the spinal cord and brain . A soft touch is then applied to release any restrictions and improve movement in the tissues effecting the Craniosacral system.

CranioSacral Therapy is based on the principle that the bones and tissues of the body are interconnected both structurally and functionally, therefore, it can be beneficial for a wide range of healthcare issues and symptoms.

A non-invasive, soft touch, hands on therapy that can cover a list of ailments that is safe for most people? Sounds too good to be true, right?!

Should you try CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy is safe for most. However, situations where any change or minor rise in intracranial pressure could lead to instability are unsafe. For example, if you have recently encountered any of the following: an acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage, blood clot, concussion or head trauma, or other severe preexisting bleeding disorders, this therapy would not be suitable for you.

If you do not fall beneath the above mentioned contraindications, ask yourself if you experience any of the following:

Chronic Pain
Headaches or Migraines
Alzheimer's
Dementia
Fibromyalgia
TMJ
Chronic Fatigue
Sleep Challenges
Central Nervous System Disorders
ADD or ADHD
Stress and Tension
Anxiety
Decreased Range of Motion/Stiffness
PTSD
IBS or Constipation
Old Injuries
Immune Disorders

What type of CranioSacral Therapy do I specialize in?

Currently, I am specializing in treating clients that have aches and pain, stress, tension, anxiety, and PTSD. The foundation of my work is to assist my clients in releasing any type of past trauma, whether that be physical injuries or emotional and mental traumas. Some clients are often surprised to find old injuries hold a bit of emotional trauma as well. This type of work is called SomatoEmotional Release (SER). Of course, a client does not need to know they have a type of trauma to book an appointment! CranioSacral Therapy is good for so many issues!

According to the Upledger Institute, this is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CST to help a person rid their body of the residual effects of past injuries and negative experiences. Physical forces enter a person's body at the time of an accident or injury. The injured body may immediately begin dissipating these forces and the natural healing process will follow, or the physical forces imposed upon the person's body may be retained rather than dissipated, which can lead to symptoms of pain, dysfunction, or emotional stress. SER facilitates a gentle process for releasing tissue memory, which helps the client to decrease the adverse effects of past traumas, physical and/or emotional. SER is a holistic mind-body somatic approach that may also assist a person in gaining insight as to how that held trauma is influencing their physical and emotional health. SER can support the person transition from dysfunction and unresolved issues towards wellness and optimal function.