What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on osteopathic therapy developed by John Upledger in the 1970s. It works with the craniosacral system, which consists of the central nervous system and all the surrounding membranes and fluid around the brain. Lucy uses light touches to create rhythmic pulsations and helps the body improve naturally.
During the session, Lucy will check for restrictions in the movement of soft tissues due to trauma or inflammation and then apply a very light pressure - no more than 5 grams, equivalent to a nickel's weight -to release them. CST has been increasingly used as a preventive and therapeutic measure, allowing people to maintain balance and health.
The idea of cranial bone motion was controversial for decades, but further research by Dr. Upledger demonstrated the activity in x-rays of older skulls. Further investigation confirmed the correctness of this hypothesis.
These studies increasingly suggest the effectiveness of CST in treating several health- related issues. A 2017 study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain found CST effective at helping treat neck pain.
Benefits of CST
According to Upledger (1970) CST focuses on aligning the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spine, thereby strengthening the body’s ability to fight off disease and infection. Many persons who have looked to traditional massage and chiropractic techniques to solve their chronic pain have found that CST has been successful in reducing their associated symptoms where other methods has failed.
Specifically, CST provides a range of benefits for those who have severe head, neck, or back injuries, from car accidents, workplace mishaps, and falls. Because Craniosacral massage utilizes light-touch techniques, it is safe for children and infants, even those experiencing trauma and complications stemming from birth. Numerous studies have helped to prove that CST can help treat concussions, back pain, fibromyalgia, and autism spectrum disorders, among many other conditions.
In addition to severe injuries, CST also provides numerous advantages for those experiencing anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and severe migraines. A 2009 study published in the medical journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) found that persons with fibromyalgia saw significant improvement in sleep quality, anxiety, quality of life and pain reduction after 25 weeks of CST. Because of its ability to reduce blockages in the flow of CSF which lead to the buildup of disease, CST is extremely effective in reducing the effects of stress that occur in the nervous system. CST has also been seen to help those suffering from sensory disorders such as dyslexia, autism, tinnitus, vertigo, and loss of taste or smell.
How does CST Work?
The brain and spinal cord are the major structural elements of the central nervous system. This is strongly influenced by the craniosacral system, which comprises membranes and fluid that coat, protect, and hydrate your neurons.
Your body endures physical challenges that it must confront every day, which cause tissues to contract and restrict. Those restrictions cause muscle tissues to contract, creating tension around the brain and spinal cord. This dilemma may create an obstacle to the healthy functioning of the central nervous system and possibly other cells it interacts with.
Fortunately, such limitations can be identified and corrected using straightforward touch procedures. With a light touch, Lucy uses her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by feeling different body areas to determine the range, ease of motion, and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid coursing around the brain and spinal column. Soft techniques can then work on any restrictions in the craniosacral system affecting the central nervous system.
CST also focuses on the gentle placement of hands to help release tension in your body’s connective tissue. This is known as “fascia” (pronounced “fash-ee-uh”). Fascia is the Latin word for band. It’s a casing found throughout your body that holds your organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain and spinal cord. The fascia forms a body-wide connective tissue network.
The human body is interconnected, both structurally and functionally. This means that one area of your body can affect another. The goal of CST is tension and restriction relief (fascial clearance). CST is a safe and effective way to restore balance to the body's nervous system while providing numerous benefits that can improve overall health and well-being.
What conditions does CST treat or manage?
CST has been applied to treat both physical and psychological disorders. There is a wide range of conditions found to be suitably treated by CST:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Autism
- Back Pain
- Brain injury
- Chronic fatigue
- Colic
- Concussion
- Dementia
- Fibromyalgia
- Immune disorders
- Migraines
- Neck pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Scoliosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Stress
Is CST right for everyone? What happens during?
Yes, CST may be beneficial for adults and children with many different conditions. A CST session is similar to massage therapy, except you stay fully clothed. To help you relax, you may hear soft music and the room may have low lighting.
The treatment session begins with a consultation with your trained therapist. They’ll ask you questions about your health history, concerns about your health and the goals of the session.
During your session, you’ll lie on a massage table or, if needed due to special circumstances, you may sit in a chair. Your therapist will check in with you during your session to make sure you’re comfortable. They’ll also explain what they’re doing before they touch your body to make sure you know what’s happening. If at any time you don’t feel comfortable, let Lucy know. Lucy will use her hands to apply gentle pressure to your head, neck, back (around your spinal column) or on areas of your body. It’s normal to feel a sense of deep relaxation during CST.
A session of CST may take between 30 minutes to one hour. You may need multiple sessions to achieve your goals and this is personalized for each person.