How does CranioSacral Therapy works?
CranioSacral
Therapy works by helping the body’s
natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress
on virtually every
system in the body (nervous system, endocrine system, immune system,
musculoskeletal system, vascular system, lymphatic system and respiratory
system) and facilitate the harmonious coordination of body, mind
and spirit.
This is accomplished through utilizing a physiological body system called
the craniosacral system, which maintain the environment in which the
central nervous system functions. It consists of the membranes (meninges
and dural tube) and the 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 (sacrum).
It also consists of other connective tissues related to the cerebrospinal
fluid, the membranes and their attachments.
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 craniosacral system
has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Using a touch generally
not 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.
What conditions can CranioSacral Therapy help?
Because
of its primary influence on the functioning of the central nervous
system and the related communication of
the craniosacral rhythm/pulse
to the connective tissues of virtually every system/organs in the
body, CranioSacral 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 the 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 (car, sports,etc…).
The extremely light touch involved in the application of CST makes
it a very safe approach as well for children, infants and newborns
with
early traumas, including birth traumas. They 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.
Another area of principal effectiveness is
with stress-related dysfunctions. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor
digestion, anxiety and temporomandibular
joint (TMJ) dysfunction are just a few examples. CranioSacral 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
routine.
Other conditions for which CranioSacral Therapy
has shown to be effective are various sensory disorders. Among
these are eye-motor coordination,
autism, dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, Down syndrome. Developmental delays,
seizure disorder, Microcephali, loss of taste or smell, tinnitus, vertigo,
neuralgias,
etc…
CranioSacral Therapy is also greatly benefiting conditions like spinal
cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, emotional difficulties, scoliosis,
neurovascular or immune disorders, infantile disorder, colic, post traumatic
stress disorder, fibromyalgia and other connective tissues disorders.
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
haemorrhage or other pre-existing severe bleeding disorders.
How many CST sessions
will I need?
Response to CST varies
from individual to individual and condition to condition. Your response
is uniquely your own
and cannot 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 weeks or months.
When was CST developed?
It was in 1970, during a neck surgery in which he was assisting, that
osteopathic physician John E. Upledger first observed the rhythmical
movement of what would soon be identified as the craniosacral system.
None of his colleagues nor any of the medical texts at the time could
explain this discovery, however.
His curiosity piqued, Dr Upledger began searching
for the answer. He started with the research of Dr William Sutherland,
the father of craniosacral
osteopathy. For some 20 years beginning in the early 1900s, Sutherland
had explored the concept that the bones of the skull were structured
to allow movement. For decades after, this theory remained at odds
with the beliefs of the scientific and medical communities. Dr Upledger
believed,
however, that if Sutherland’s theory of cranial movement was
in fact true, this would help explain, and make feasible, the existence
of the rhythm he had encountered in surgery.
It was at this point that Dr Upledger set out
to scientifically confirm the existence of cranial bone motion. From
1975 to 1983 he served as
clinical researcher and Professor of biomechanics at Michigan State
University, where he supervised a team of anatomists, physiologists,
biophysicists
and bioengineers in research and testing. The results not only confirmed
Sutherland’s theory, but led to clarification of the mechanisms
behind this motion – the craniosacral system. Dr Upledger’s
continued work in the field ultimately resulted in his development
of CranioSacral Therapy.
Dr Upledger founded The Upledger Institute in 1985 in order to educate
the public and healthcare practitioners about the benefits of CranioSacral
Therapy. It conducts hundreds of workshops throughout the world each
year and to date more than 40,000 have been trained.
Experience a CranioSacral Therapy
Session
How is a session 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 lying 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 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 this process
is carried out.
At various times throughout
the session, the practitioner will support a client’s limb
and spine while facilitating release of accumulated tension. This
process is called energy cyst release or tissue release.
During this release, the client might recall circumstances surrounding
a past shock, trauma or injury. Releasing and re-experiencing oast
hurts assists the body in reversing dysfunction and restoring the previous
level of mobility. This entire process has been named Somato-Emotional
Release.
What you may experience after a session
Just as individuals experience CST sessions differently, the immediate
results can be diverse as well. This relaxed state may elicit the
desire 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 is common for improvement to continue weeks
after the session. For some there may be a reorganization phase as
the body adapts to the release of the previously held patterns.
For more information about CranioSacral Therapy and/or
to schedule a CranioSacral Therapy session, please call Healing The
Generations
at
(727) 535-6746
CST Testimonials
Very pleased with therapy,
it’s definitely helping.
Winifred Slack, palm harbour, Fl.
After getting therapy for several months I have seen many positive,
good changes in my life. The therapy has helped me in many ways. I
feel better physically, mentally and spiritually. I now look forward
to my sessions because I know I will leave with a feeling of peace
and a positive attitude.
Trish Sinwelski, St Petersburg, Fl.
The first thing that happened when I started CST was that Nadine helped
my body get rid of a pain in my butt. (from a very ungraceful fall
into a friends jacuzzi). I then noticed that after some sessions I
started to feel less depressed, less stressed, less headaches and more
at peace.
Laurie Gleason, Dunedin, Fl.
My children, Lindsay and Lucas are clients of Healing the Generations.
Lindsay receives CST. I see great improvements in her. She is 15 years
old with low muscle tone, moderate mental challenges and roller coaster
hormones. Her muscles and stamina are getting much stronger. Her anxiety
has decreased tremendously. Her head sensitivity is also much better.
This clinic is well worth the drive of 40 minutes I make.
Pam Young, Clearwater, FL.
