Demystifying Craniosacral Therapy
For the history of Craniosacral therapy, please visit www.wikipedia.com or www.upledger.com.
Craniosacral therapy (also called CST, and also spelled CranioSacral bodywork or therapy) is an alternative medicine therapy used by osteopaths, Physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, naturopaths and occupational therapists.
Cranio-sacral therapy taps into a motion called cranio-sacral rhythm that is felt most strongly at the head (cranium) and at the base of the spine (sacrum). This rhythm is created by a wave of fluid which continuously ebbs and flows in the space around your brain and spinal cord. Because the body is connected in all its parts, the rhythm can also be felt throughout your tissues.
So, a craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist (massage, osteopath, chiropractic doctor, naturopath, physical therapist or occupational therapist) placing their hands on the patient’s cranium, sacrum and body tissues, which allows them to tune into what they call the craniosacral rhythm. This is a gentle yet deep method used to balance out natural cranio-sacral rhythms for optimum health.
It is believed that tension anywhere in the body can restrict the flow of this craniosacral rhythm. Practitioners use gentle touch, often less than a nickel’s weight, to subtly correct that rhythm. In the process, tension releases and allows positive change to occur throughout the entire body.
Cranio-sacral therapy is effective in helping to rebalance the nervous system and conditions related to stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive issues, menstrual irregularities, breathing difficulties, headaches and migraines. It is also helpful in treating children with birth traumas, learning difficulties, chronic ear problems and hyperactivity.
As the body relaxes, circulation is improved which can result in increased energy, reduced pain, improved immune system function and faster recovery from surgery and injuries such as whiplash.
Craniosacral therapy also provides relief for many musculoskeletal conditions such as TMJ, fibromylagia and arthritis, as well as sciatica and scoliosis.
Craniosacral therapy is suitable for all ages from infants to the elderly. Because it works with a system that most techniques don’t address, it can be an effective alternative where other therapies have not provided relief.
This modality may also be a good choice if you have trouble relaxing, are shy (clothes are kept on during treatment), are ticklish or if massage therapy sometimes leaves you sore. The touch is so gentle that it is unlikely that your body will tense up in response to it, which can greatly enhance your ability to relax and heal. (from “Craniosacral Therapy” brochure from In Balance Massage Therapy Center, Natural Touch Marketing, 2006)
Though CST works with the body’s tissues, it can have a positive effect on the energy systems that connect body, mind, and spirit.
A typical session varies anywhere between 1- 1 1/2 hours. You remain fully clothed, laying on your back on a massage table. The cost is slightly higher than a regular massage, but fully worth it to me. After a session, I feel a great deep sense of relaxation for days. For me it helps correct unhealthy holding patterns (positional and emotional), it helps reduce migraine frequency and severity, and helps relieve sore muscles. As my body relaxes, it also allows my body to realign itself and heal itself. How great is that!
If you live in Central Massachusetts, practitioners that I recommend are:
Suzette Howland, Heart-Centered CranioSacral Bodywork for Children, Adults and those with Special needs, Auburn 774-200-3232
Martha Davis, East Brookfield, In Balance Massage Center 508-867-2700
Or visit www.iahp.com International Association of Healthcare Practitioners for a practitioner in your area.
And for more information, please visit www.upledger.com
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Thanks so much for peeking in,
Karine Johnston