What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy, or CST, uses very light touch to release restrictions in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. CST enhances central nervous system performance and allows the body to self-correct. It focuses on the cerebrospinal fluid that is continuously circulating throughout the body and providing a cushion for the brain and spinal cord. As craniosacral fluid is produced in the ventricles of the brain it creates a pulse all its own – the craniosacral rhythm.
Just as breath and blood circulation would cause a problem if hindered, so would cerebrospinal fluid and it shows up in pain, muscle tension, or other symptoms. Craniosacral therapy aims to find restriction in the body within the soft tissue. Since muscles have the inate ability to store energy and experience, energy cysts, fascial tension, facilitated segments along the spine, and diaphragm constriction are all things that can be addressed.
As with all therapy that is not mainstream there tends to be an air of skepticism surrounding it. Nothing speaks more solidly of a treatment than the comments of an individual who has received it. CST has seen recipients with scoliosis, fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, postural tension, sinusitis, and respiratory issues benefit. Enough cannot be said about the importance of overall body balance and release of restriction. Craniosacral therapy can do just that.
This bodywork was developed in 1970 by osteopathic surgeon, John Upledger, who discovered that the spinal column throbbed with a rhythm separate from that of breath or heart rate, the craniosacral rhythm. CST can alleviate pain and stress and is especially effective in treating week-long migraines, TMJ, sinus problems, and insomnia. It has been used to effectively treat cerebral palsy, nervous disorders, some forms of paralysis, and depression. Other things that wouldn’t normally receive treatment like a gag reflex, twitching muscles, or a bruised foot (or other area of the body) are treatable with CST.
“…there seems to be a constantly-changing list of ‘popular’ human maladies. It is though we have a need to suffer…” -Dr. John Upledger, DO
Dr. Upledger notes that back in the 60’s business executives suffered from peptic ulcers, creatively frustrated housewives from depression, and blue collar workers from hemorrhoids. In the 80’s antacids marked the upwardly mobile while today the male has a coronary bypass scar and the woman oral appliances…the “badge of her TMJ.” Rather than brush off these symptoms as passing fads, Upledger regards them seriously disagreeing with their over diagnosis. In his book, Craniosacral Therapy: Beyond the Dura, he mentions that TMJ was called Costen’s Syndrome in 1936. Again, CST is highly effective in treating these symptom trends of different decades.
In receiving treatment, it is best to not skimp. Dire pain is a lot harder to reverse than is a funny twinge in the knee. Often people will feel relief with one session, find the pain more bearable, and wait for a flare up before going back for more treatment. But others will diligently treat their pain making sure it has gone completely and find more thorough and long lasting effects from their treatment. Regardless, CST peels back layers of restriction similar to how one would peel an onion. As pain starts to subside other pain will often show up. For example, the knee pain is gone, but now there is a strange shoulder pain. Because the body is all connected a fall on the shoulder during football season that was never treated muscularly and fascially never really leaves the body. It is stored. And 20 years later the morning jogging routine which seems to be to blame for the sore knee really, from a soft tissue perspective, can be traced back to that shoulder.
Aim to strengthen your health. Approach health care proactively rather than as a fireman would a burning building…with high pressure water hose and ax. Make good choices daily to short circuit major catastrophe. Eat right. Use exercise as a way to reduce stress. Minimize environmental toxins. Address facial and muscle restrictions in the body with massage. And watch yourself soar!
