CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a very gentle and deeply relaxing, form of body work that releases tension from the central nervous system and the entire body. It helps to restore a sense of balance, peace and a more optimum level of function. The treatment works deeply and on many levels: physical, emotional and energetic.
On the physical level, CranioSacral Therapy helps to release restrictions in the dural membrane system. This system begins inside the skull and then extends downward into the spinal cord and connects to the sacrum. It is the fabric that supports and protects our brain and spinal cord. Within these membranes, flows cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and all the nerves of the body originate from here. A restriction in the flow of CSF may cause pain at some point in the body.
The dural membrane system is continuous with the connective tissue (fascial system) of the body. Fascia is one continuous, three dimensional, fluid based sheet of fabric, from the top of our heads, to the tip of our toes. Its job is to support our body and protect our vital organs. It wraps around our organs and envelops all muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. Any injury (physical or emotional) or surgery can disrupt the integrity of this fabric. An imbalance or restriction anywhere in a person’s connective tissue system can potentially cause chronic pain, sensory, motor or neurological impairments and other health challenges.
CranioSacral Therapy is a safe and effective for infants, children, teenagers, adults and seniors.
What can I expect from a CranioSacral Therapy treatment?
CST is a full body treatment that is done while the client is fully clothed and relaxing on a massage table. The therapist will sit or stand, positioned at various points of your head, torso or feet. At times your practitioner may also support your limbs and spine while helping your body release accumulated tension. What you experience during a session is highly individual. Some people say they feel deeply relaxed, while others describe feeling unwinding sensations as the body releases tension. You may even recall circumstances surrounding a past trauma or injury that caused your body stress. While it doesn’t occur in every session, this aspect of the process – called SomatoEmotional Release – is perfectly normal, and it helps release stored memories and emotions from the tissues so that your body function with greater ease.
How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
Every day you endure stresses and strains and your body absorbs them. But your body can only handle so much tension before the tissues begin to tighten. CranioSacral Therapy releases these tensions to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct. Using a gentle touch — starting with about the weight of a nickel — I evaluate your internal environment. Then I use distinctive, light-touch techniques to release any restrictions I find. By freeing the central nervous system to perform at its best, CranioSacral Therapy works with the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It eliminates pain and stress, strengthens your resistance to disease, and enhances your health and well-being.