Craniosacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger. It is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This system extends from the bones of the head (cranium) down to the bones at the base of the spine (sacrum).
The fluid within the membranes is continuously draining and refilling. This filling and draining creates gentle, rhythmic, expanding and contracting movements that can be felt anywhere in the body by a trained therapist. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams (or about the weight of a nickel) CST practitioners monitor this rhythm to identify and release any restrictions in the craniosacral system thus improving the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes and dissipating the negative effects of stress, CST can benefit the body in a number of ways - from bolstering overall health and resistance to disease, to alleviating a wide range of conditions including:
The extremely light touch involved in the application of CST makes it a safe approach as well for children, infants and newborns with early traumas, including birth trauma. Children especially can benefit from the timely identification and release of restrictions in the craniosacral system, thereby preventing future difficulties such as learning disabilities or hyperactivity.
Response to CST varies from individual and condition to condition. The number of sessions needed varies widely - from one or more a week over the course of several weeks.
The fluid within the membranes is continuously draining and refilling. This filling and draining creates gentle, rhythmic, expanding and contracting movements that can be felt anywhere in the body by a trained therapist. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams (or about the weight of a nickel) CST practitioners monitor this rhythm to identify and release any restrictions in the craniosacral system thus improving the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes and dissipating the negative effects of stress, CST can benefit the body in a number of ways - from bolstering overall health and resistance to disease, to alleviating a wide range of conditions including:
Stress and Tension-Related Problems:
insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxious, and depressed states
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, hyperactivity, etc.)
- Chronic Fatigue
- Migraine Headaches
- Autism
- Chronic Head/Neck/Back Pain (due to injury or otherwise)
Neuralgias:
sciatica, tic douloureux, etc.
- Eye-motor coordination problems/visual disturbances
- Loss of taste or smell
- Tinnitus, vertigo
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
- Scoliosis
- TMJ Syndrome
Response to CST varies from individual and condition to condition. The number of sessions needed varies widely - from one or more a week over the course of several weeks.