While the name CranioSacral Therapy (CST) may sound confusing, this therapy is valuable for people of all ages and states of health. Let’s take a look at the process and how you can benefit.
CranioSacral Therapy, or CST, is a hands-on approach to healing that is used to reduce deep tension in the body, relieving pain and blockages to improve the health and strength of the body as a whole. This therapy is incredibly gentle, using a delicate touch (no more than the weight of a single nickel!) to relieve tension in the soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system to help boost the body’s resistance to disease, pain, and general physical dysfunction.
Pioneered by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger at Michigan State University, this modality is based on years of clinical research and testing.
The brain and spinal cord make up the body’s central nervous system and greatly affect the body’s ability to function properly and thrive. The craniosacral system makes up the membranes and fluid surrounding and nourishing the brain and spinal cord, and has great influence over the way the central nervous system operates.
As daily stressors impact us, the body’s tissues tend to tighten and put pressure on the craniosacral system, thus impacting the overall well-being of the central nervous system. CranioSacral Therapy works to release these tensions and restore the harmonious functioning of both systems.
During a session, your CST practitioner uses a light touch to detect and correct restrictions in the body. He or she utilizes her hands to evaluate your craniosacral system to test for the rhythm and ease of movement of your craniosacral fluid. The fluid’s motion can be described as a subtle pulse, and practitioners feel for this movement to release tension in tissues that influence its flow.
Because the central nervous system influences our body’s movements and natural immunity, normalizing the brain and spinal cord boosts the body’s natural ability to heal itself. CranioSacral Therapy may also be used as a diagnostic tool to heal various dysfunctions, from stroke to sports injuries.
Other conditions that benefit from CranioSacral Therapy include:
While CST is incredibly beneficial in treating most physical and even some emotional ailments, it should not be used in case of acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage, and other severe bleeding disorders in which small intracranial pressure changes could negatively affect the body. These conditions are true medical emergencies.
Every individual is unique, and no two people will respond the same way to CST. Rather than compare your experience to others, simply embrace your individual treatment plan, which can vary from a single time to three or more per week over several weeks.
At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine, we’re happy to offer CranioSacral Therapy and encourage you to try this gentle, healing experience. To learn more or and make an appointment, contact us today!
