About CranioSacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral therapy (CST) is a gentle manual therapy practice that uses a light touch to to balance the craniosacral system. This includes the cranial bones, membranes and cerebrospinal fluid, and underlying tissues including fascia, connective tissue, nerves and fluids while stimulating the bodies self healing mechanisms and relieving pain and dysfunction.

CranioSacral Therapy involves a very soft touch, merely 5 grams is applied to the body to release restrictions. This is essentially the weight of an American nickel- which makes it an safe, gentle and effective treatment for the elderly, babies and children, individuals who are extremely sensitive and persons who have recently experienced stress and physical trauma.

CranioSacral was developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger, professor of biomechanics at Michigan State University after years of research and clinical testing in the 1970’s and 1980’s. His research investigated ways in which craniosacral could improve restore function to the nervous system, digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems, while improving resistance to disease and facilitating stress management.

What conditions can CranioSacral Therapy assist with?

CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

• Headaches

• Chronic neck and back pain

• Motor-coordination impairments

• TMJ Dysfunction and Jaw Pain

• Tinnitus and Vertigo

• Concussions

• Stress and Tension Disorders

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Anxiety, Insomnia and Low Spirits

• Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

• Central Nervous System Disorders

• Infant and Childhood Disorders

• Infant Colic and Feeding Issues

• Learning disorders

• Orthopedic Problems

• And Many Other Conditions

How does CranioSacral Work?

Craniosacral therapy can be best described as techniques which help to release held life experiences. Throughout life our bodies experience trauma, we may get injured, suffer illness, or have a job with repetitive motions and develop strain injuries. Every day the body senses these tissue changes and compensates for both large and small stresses - making small adjustments and developing restrictions. Unless these restrictions are addressed, the body may begin to over compensate. Over time this can tighten tissues and distort the fascia throughout the body, affecting the function of the central nervous system and potentially creating a ripple effect, affecting the entire body.

Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses his or her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.

Tissue restrictions can be corrected using light touch, the CranioSacral Practitioner uses their hands to test for ease of motion, restrictions and assess the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid and then uses techniques to release any restrictions felt in tissues influencing the cranio sacral system and promoting whole body health.

Read more about your first osteopathic manual therapy appointment? Contact Us to book your initial consultation or call 619-712-3448 to book your appointment today.