In Flow Healing Arts
Karly Ridings, RN
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a light-touch whole body treatment developed by Dr John Upledger that supports and nourishes the nervous system & other systems of the body.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method that engages the CranioSacral System—a unified, whole-being system reflecting the integration of physical structures, physiological rhythms, and energetic processes. Therapists gently touch various parts of the body to monitor the rhythm of the craniosacral fluid flowing around the central nervous system. By monitoring the flow, CST therapists are able to determine areas of fluid restriction and sources of dysfunction.
With a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.
By facilitating the body's natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and has been shown to be beneficial for people seeking help with a wide range of healthcare challenges and symptoms, including aches, pains, and the strains of life.
A typical session is 60-70 minutes in length, with a brief discussion beforehand, to discuss the clients needs and intentions, and to answer any questions. Client lays fully clothed on a treatment bed, with blankets for comfort. Light music or aromatherapy may be used to aid in relaxation. There is no channeling of energy in CST, it is body work that works with the body's natural subtle rhythms and anatomy, and is compatible with Christianity or any religious beliefs.
How does CST work?
Few structures have as much influence over the body's ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. And, the central nervous system is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system - the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.
Every day your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.
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.
By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body's ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.
Are there any contraindications to CST?
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 preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.
Disclaimer:
CST practitioners do not diagnose conditions, nor do they prescribe substances, nor interfere with the treatment provided by a licensed medical professional. The services provided during a CST session are in no way a substitute for medical treatment or advice. It is recommended that I also see a licensed health care professional for any ailment I have.