Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive form of cranial osteopathy, developed by John Upledger in the 1970s for the purpose of evaluating and enhancing the Craniosacral system, the environment in which the brain and spinal cord function. This hands-on healing bodywork involves holding and light touch (less than 5 grams of pressure) of the synarthrodial joints in the cranium (skull) and sacrum (a triangular bone in the lower back formed from fused vertebrae and located between the hipbones of the pelvis) with almost imperceptible movement to help reach deeper layers of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and membranes in the spinal canal, the brain and the spinal cord itself.
How Craniosacral Therapy Works
The nearly imperceptible movements of CST affect the pressure and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, which intervenes in the autonomic nervous system functions and helps release bone and membrane restrictions. The gentle CST manipulations reduce body tension and increase parasympathetic nervous system activity, which enhances the body's own healing capabilities, helps promote relaxation, facilitates pain relief and decreases symptoms associated with stress, anxiety and depression.
Some of the conditions for which we provide CST treatment can include:
- Back Pain
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Concussion
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache / Migraine
- Neck Pain
- Musculoskeletal Pain / Inflammation
- TMJ/TMD
- Post-surgical Recovery
- Motor-coordination Impairments
CST can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other physical therapy treatments, including mind-body practices such as soft tissue adjustments, massage, healing touch, deep breathing and other relaxation techniques. Craniosacral therapy sessions typically last 45-60 minutes and are very relaxing to the patient.
Craniosacral Therapy Demonstration
Watch the video below by the Craniosacral Therapy Association (CSTA) for a demonstration of a treatment session and more information about Craniosacral Therapy.
