CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on modality, evaluating and balancing the body in accordance with the rhythmic movement of cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid together with the dural tube membranes create the body’s craniosacral system. The craniosacral system encloses and protects the brain and spinal cord, thus enhancing the well-being of the central nervous system. By supporting homeostasis of the nervous system, CranioSacral Therapy powerfully influences a wide variety of bodily functions. The craniosacral system also surrounds the pituitary and pineal glands, through which it exercises a crucial impact upon the function of the endocrine system and hormone secretion.
In short, CranioSacral Therapy improves the body’s ability to self-heal. It has been shown to help a full spectrum of pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraines and headaches
Chronic neck and back pain
Stress and tension-related disorders
Anxiety and depression
Spinal cord injuries
Central nervous system disorders
ADHD and learning disabilities
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
And many others!
CranioSacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as a professor of biomechanics. Dr. Upledger composed various techniques helping to free the membranous fluid barrier (dura mater) of the craniosacral system, and the bones that are attached to the dura mater, including freeing the skull bones, the vertebrae of the spine, the sacrum at the end of the spine and all the little openings in the skull and vertebral column that allow the passage of major nerves going to and from all parts of the body. By using these techniques, CranioSacral Therapists remove any potential restrictions causing compromised production and flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which is the main, palpable indication of a craniosacral system dysfunction.
Through monitoring and re-establishing the normal motion of cerebrospinal fluid, CranioSacral Therapy greatly contributes to a healthy bodily environment and the function of the nervous and endocrine systems, potentially healing a myriad of issues.
CranioSacral Therapy also creates a safe environment to get in touch with long-held emotions. During a session, a SomatoEmotional Release can facilitate in ridding the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma, thus freeing the central channel of the body.
During SomatoEmotional Release sessions, the therapist may ask permission to gently dialogue with the patient in a way that helps release emotional energy from the tissue. This may be supported with simple guided visualization exercises that allow the release of emotions without the need to analyze or understand them.
Some say that CranioSacral Therapy feels magical, but I assure you it is not magic! Firmly grounded in the anatomy of the craniosacral system, CranioSacral Therapy provides a deep state of relaxation and support for the "rest and digest" function of the nervous system. It is in this profound, often meditative state, that our body has a chance to realign, reset and move in the direction of healing. CranioSacral Therapists work with the body in order to support every facet of innate cellular wisdom through following the tissue, gently releasing restrictions in fascial movement, and facilitating return to the natural homeostasis of body and mind.
Especially in the face of difficult challenges, we need to take care of ourselves and nourish our bodies the best we can. It is important for our health and well-being to de-stress and release tension and emotional burdens in order to support our body’s natural defense mechanisms and self-corrective capabilities. Such self-care - which CranioSacral Therapy represents - is not just a privilege, it is a must.
If you’d like to learn more and try a free, short CST session for yourself, I welcome you to join us for CranioSacral Therapy Awareness Day at The Vervain Collective inside of Roots Zero Waste Market on Saturday, December 4th anytime between 2:00 and 5:00 pm!
Wishing you good health,
Certified CranioSacral Therapist