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The
Craniosacral system (a physiological system like the cardiovascular
and respiratory systems) provides the physical environment in which
the brain and spinal cord develop and function. The light-touch
technique works with natural and unique rhythms of our different
body systems to pinpoint and correct source problems.
CST 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.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the
weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the
craniosacral
system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is
increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to
bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of
medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
- Migraine Headaches
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Motor-Coordination Impairments
- Colic
- Autism
-
Central Nervous System Disorders
-
Orthopedic Problems
-
Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
-
Scoliosis
-
Infantile Disorders
-
Learning Disabilities
-
Chronic Fatigue
-
Emotional Difficulties
-
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
- Fibromyalgia and other
Connective Tissue Disorders
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
- Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
-
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Experience A CranioSacral Therapy Session
How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
CranioSacral Therapy works by helping the body's natural
healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the
central nervous system.
This is accomplished through utilizing a physiological body system
called the craniosacral system, which maintains the environment in
which the central nervous system functions. It consists of the
membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the
brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the
skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down to the
tailbone area (or sacrum).
The role of this
system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal
cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause
sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.
Like the pulse of the cardiovascular system, the cranio-sacral
system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Using a
touch generally no heavier than the weight of a nickel, skilled
practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint
the source of an obstruction or stress.
Once a source has
been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid
and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. This simple
action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Other times,
CST may be combined with other complementary therapies to help
restore the body to its optimum functioning level.
What conditions can Cranio-Sacral Therapy
help?
Because of its influence on the functioning of the central nervous
system, Cranio-Sacral Therapy can benefit the body in a number of
ways from bolstering overall health and resistance to disease to
alleviating a wide range of specific medical conditions.
Among CST's largest patient groups are those suffering chronic
symptoms that haven't been aided by other approaches. In particular,
CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries
resulting from an accident be it from a car, sports or work
mishap or from a fall.
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. They especially can benefit from the timely
identification and release of restrictions in the cranio-sacral
system, thereby preventing future difficulties such as learning
disabilities or hyperactivity.
Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related
dysfunction's. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety
and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction are just a few
examples.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy works to reverse the debilitating effects of
stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can
rest and rejuvenate. In fact, it's this capacity to reduce stress
that's leading an increasing number of people to include CST as part
of their wellness routines.
Other conditions for which Cranio-Sacral Therapy has shown to be
effective are various sensory disorders. Among these are eye-motor
coordination problems, autism, dyslexia, loss of taste or smell,
tinnitus, vertigo and neuralgias such as sciatica.
Frequently Asked Questions about
CranioSacral
Therapy
How a session is performed?
A CranioSacral Therapy session usually takes place in a quiet,
private setting. We recommend that clients wear loose, comfortable
clothing. Clients remain fully clothed, though most choose to remove
their shoes. The session is performed with the client reclining on a
massage or treatment table while the practitioner stands or sits,
positioned at various times throughout the session at the client's
head, middle torso or feet.
What you may experience during a session?
Experiences during a CST session are as individual as the clients
and practitioners themselves. They also may differ from session to
session. At times, a client may deeply relax or even fall asleep; at
other times, he or she may talk a great deal, recalling hidden
memories or expressing emotions.
Some will remain
still during the entire session, hardly noticing the practitioner's
evaluation and treatment, while others will experience sensations
within the body as the evaluation process is carried out.
What you may experience following a
session?
Just as individuals experience CST sessions differently, the
immediate results can be diverse as well. This relaxed state may
cause some to sleep for many hours after a session. Others may
experience an increase in energy. Reduction of pain or an increase
in function may occur immediately after the session, or it may
develop gradually over the next few days.
Since CST helps the
body resume its natural healing processes, it isn't unusual for
improvement to continue weeks after the session. For some there may
be a reorganization phase as the body adapts to the release of
previously held patterns.
Is there any condition for which CST
shouldn't be used?
There are certain situations where application of CST would not be
recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or
slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability.
Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other pre-existing severe
bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected
by small intracranial pressure changes.
How many CranioSacral Therapy sessions will
I need?
Response to CST varies from individual to individual and condition
to condition. Your response is uniquely your own and can't be
compared to anyone else's even those cases that may appear to be
similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies widely
from just one up to three or more a week over the course of several
weeks.
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