Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is a hands-on therapy, where the touch is gentle, non-invasive and usually subtle.
But do not be fooled! It is also a powerful therapy that affects the central nervous system to assist in improving function in the whole body.
What does it help?
Each of us produces a different reaction to trauma, stress and loss of healing capacity, so we each present a unique combination of ailments, pains and dysfunctions. CranioSacral Therapy helps the body regain its self-healing mechanisms, so its scope is very broad.
Common problems Cranio-sacral therapy may help include:
- Stiff joints, chronic pain
- Low Energy
- Head Aches / Migraines
- Jaw issues
- Neuralgia and some neurological issues
- Learning difficulties
- Menstrual & Menopausal problems
How it works
The name Cranio-Sacral therapy is derived from the main bones associated with the system. These include the skull, face and mouth (cranium), and the spinal column that extends down to the sacrum. A membrane is connected to these bones, which contains a hydraulic system.
This hydraulic system gives each of us our Cranio-Sacral rhythm, much like are cardiovascular system gives us our pulse and the respiratory system relates to our breathing rate.
This therapy works to mobilise the related bones and release any soft tissue restriction that are impacting on the system. An imbalance in this system can affect the brain and spinal cord, which can result in sensory, motor and intellectual dysfunction, so it can have impact anywhere in the body.
The therapist’s aim is to help your body correct itself to allow the Cranio-Sacral system to function as best it can.
What Happens during treatment?
Cranio-Sacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive manipulation technique. All treatments are done through the clothing and usually with the client lying down.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Each treatment starts with evaluation, by testing the Cranio-Sacral rhythm in various parts of the body, to check for adverse restrictions and the mobility of the bones of the skull, spine and pelvis. An assessment might also be made of the soft tissue in the body.
Evaluation indicates the main areas of concern that day, and once permission is granted by the patient, treatment begins on those areas. As the treatment progresses other areas may be highlighted as having an impact, and as such the treatment may follow these areas.
Sensations felt by the patient vary from individual to individual, but on the whole most find the experience very relaxing.
It is best to ensure you have 5-10mins after the session to relax as some people can feel light-headed from lying down for a long period or you may feel hazy due to the gentle changes made in that session. This will often pass in a few minutes.
The origins of CST
Since 1974, osteopathic physician and surgeon Dr John Upledger has been the main instigator of the use of the craniosacral system to evaluate and treat medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. His research led to the development of Cranio-Sacral Therapy, following on from work initiated by Dr William G Sutherland in the early 1900′s looking at the movement of the cranial bones and how changes in their mobility and position impact on the whole body function.
During surgery to a patient’s neck in 1970, Dr Upledger noted a rhythmical movement in the membrane surrounding the spinal cord. There was no current explanation for this, however, after learning of Dr Sutherlands findings, he gathered together a research group to continue his investigations. Together they were able to scientifically determine the function of the cranio-sacral system. Also, they discovered how to use this system to evaluate and treat dysfunctions involving the brain and spinal cord, as well as a myriad of other health problems previously misunderstood
The full story of this technique can be found in Dr. John Upleger’s book, Your Inner Physician and You.