CranioSacral Therapy
Other Names : cranial therapy, cranial sacral therapy, and cranial osteopathy, CST
Craniosacral therapy is a holistic, gentle, and noninvasive osteopathic manipulation technique developed by the late Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic physician. It’s frequently used to treat physical trauma, chronic pain, headaches, and numerous other medical issues and physiological symptoms. Craniosacral therapy isn’t limited to the treatment of physical health issues, however. It has been used effectively in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and several other mental health disorders.
Craniosacral therapy has developed from clinical experience, which shows that health is something active and not just an absence of disease. Health is the expression of life, responsible for the organisation of the millions of things that are constantly happening in the body.
Craniosacral therapy developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. He discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and his further research revealed different rhythms in the body. He inferred, from further observation, and later went on to demonstrate to his satisfaction, that these movements are inextricably linked with mental and emotional health and that restriction of these movements corresponds to a reduction of the natural capacity to self-heal.
A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands on the patient, which allows them to "tune into the craniosacral rhythm".Craniosacral therapists claim that this treatment modality has the ability to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.In a typical craniosacral session, you will usually lie (or sometimes sit) fully-clothed on a treatment couch. The therapist will make contact by placing their hands lightly on your body and tuning in.The first thing you will probably notice is a sense of deep relaxation, which will generally last throughout the session. This release of tension often extends into everyday life. Sometimes the benefits are not immediately noticeable but become obvious on returning to a familiar environment. The work is often deeply moving and exhilarating.
Special Precautions of CranioSacral Therapy
Although CST is generally safe due to its non-invasive, gentle approach, there is a small number of individuals for which this therapeutic approach wouldn’t be recommended. They include individuals who have suffered a recent skull fracture, are experiencing cerebral bleeding, or have had a recent aneurysm – basically anyone with a condition that could be rendered unstable by slight changes to intracranial pressure. If you’ve experienced any of these conditions, or have any similar medical issues (or any other medical concerns) consult with your physician before starting craniosacral therapy.
Benefits and uses of CranioSacral Therapy are
Craniosacral therapy is a holistic therapy that helps restore the flow of craniosacral fluid. In turn, the body’s natural ability to heal itself is restored. This makes craniosacral therapy a beneficial intervention for a variety of physical and psychological disorders, conditions, and problems. They include:
- PTSD and unresolved emotional trauma
- Anxiety disorders / fear
- Depression
- Chronic stress and related disorders
- Unresolved grief
- Insomnia
- Disrupted circadian rhythms
- Traumatic brain injury (TMI)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADD and ADHD
- Physical trauma
- Acute and chronic pain, particularly localized back and / or neck pain
- Migraine and other types of headaches
- Congestive heart failure
- Alzheimer’s
- Spinal cord injuries
- Central nervous system disorders
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Tension
- Chronic fatigue
- Learning disorders
- Impaired motor coordination
- Birth injuries
- Aphasia
- Colic in infants
- Tinnitus
- Lupus
- Sinus problems
- Dermatitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Crohn’s disease
- Bell’s Palsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Constipation
- Scoliosis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Menstrual cramps
- Post-partum problems
- Seizure disorders
- Meniere’s disease
- Ear problems
- Asthma
Craniosacral therapy offers numerous potential benefits, including the following:
- Sense of calm / greater ability to relax
- Improved mood
- Increase in ability to handle stress
- Reduction in symptoms of anxiety
- Better sleep
- Decrease in PTSD symptoms
- Improved overall sense of well-being
- Greater joy
- Increased self-confidence
- A sense of being more grounded
- Reduction in pain symptoms
- Decrease in muscle tension
- Greater ability to concentrate
- Improved immune function
- Improved anger control
- Improved memory
