Craniosacral therapy (CST)
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle and hands-on form of manipulation that allows therapists to access the core nervous system in a non-intrusive manner. By working with the dura membrane system, which lines the head and extends down to the spinal cord and sacrum, therapists can engage with the body's cranial and sacral regions.
Within this thin membrane system, referred to as the dura membrane, the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flows. The movement of this fluid can be felt throughout the body. As a practitioner, I palpate or listen to your CranioSacral rhythm, which enables me to identify areas of restriction or reduced mobility, as well as areas that are more mobile and less restricted.
By focusing on specific points on the body, I am guided towards areas that would benefit from release or increased mobility. Using targeted techniques, I work to release restrictions and restore balance to the body. The touch employed in CranioSacral Therapy is light, assisting the natural movement of fluid within the CranioSacral system. In fact, therapists generally apply only 5 grams of pressure, approximately the weight of a nickel, when testing for restrictions in different parts of the system.
The outcome of CranioSacral Therapy is often profound relaxation, improved balance in both mind and body, and a restoration of overall health and well-being. By addressing restrictions and promoting fluid movement, this therapy promotes a state of greater harmony within the body. With its gentle and non-invasive approach, CranioSacral Therapy has gained popularity for its ability to provide therapeutic benefits while respecting the body's natural processes.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a holistic approach to healing that focuses on the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Rooted in the principles of Osteopathy, this innovative branch of mind-body medicine harnesses the inner intelligence of the body to facilitate self-regulation and healing.
The applications of CranioSacral Therapy are vast and depend on each individual's unique circumstances. By listening to your body's signals, a practitioner can tailor the therapy to address your medical, emotional, and physical history. CST has shown promising results in alleviating headaches, digestive disorders, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, head trauma, learning difficulties, and the aftermath of car and horse accidents, among others. Additionally, it can aid in post-operative recovery and provide relief from physical insults to the body. This therapy is not limited to adults and has also shown positive outcomes in children.
In essence, CranioSacral Therapy aims to restore balance and harmony in the body's core nervous system. By directly accessing the central nervous system, the therapy enables the body to tap into its inner wisdom and effectively repair, re-regulate, and re-harmonize old traumas and injuries, regardless of their recency or age. It has the potential to release lingering issues that have never fully resolved, enhance comfort and functioning in chronic or irreversible conditions, or simply promote relaxation and a deeper connection with one's body.
CranioSacral Therapy offers a holistic approach to healing, addressing not only physical symptoms but also the emotional and energetic aspects of well-being. By harnessing the innate intelligence of the body, this therapy can assist in unlocking the body's natural healing potential and helping individuals achieve a state of overall wellness.