Cranial Sacral Therapy, or CST, is a hands-on treatment procedure aimed at relieving the tensions in the central nervous system. It was developed by John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician. While he was assisting a neck surgery in the 1970s, he observed the rhythmic movements which later came to be known as the craniosacral system. He continued his research on cranial bone motion while serving as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University. It led to the development of Cranial Sacral Therapy. This article explores the topic in detail and how it helps in boosting your overall health.
Defining Cranial Sacral Therapy
The craniosacral system is composed of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid which surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Cranial Sacral Therapy uses a gentle, hands-on approach to evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system. In fact, CST is an alternative treatment method that helps to relieve the compression in the bones of the head, sacrum, and spinal column. It is a non-invasive approach that examines the movement of fluids in the central nervous system. CST is derived from osteopathy, the kind of approach that focuses on the role of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease.
Cranial sacral practitioners use a soft touch to release the restrictions in the craniosacral system which will improve the functioning of various bodily systems. It helps to boost the functioning of the central nervous system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, circulatory system, and more. Further, it helps in boosting mental health as well and gives relief from post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, etc.
How does Cranial Therapy work?
In CST, practitioners use a light touch to release restrictions in the soft tissues which surround the central nervous system. CST is based on the belief that the body is interconnected at all levels. The practitioner uses gentle touch to assist the release of the fascia, which is a connective tissue in the body. It is a covering that is found in various organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, the brain, and spinal cord. Thus, it forms a connective network in the body.
During a CST session, the practitioner uses light touch to monitor the rhythm of the craniosacral system. They are trained to detect restrictions and other imbalances in the body. They will use various delicate techniques to release the restrictions and relieve intracranial pressure in the central nervous system. Sessions usually last for 60 minutes. Generally, it requires 3 to 10 60min sessions to gain the benefits of CST. It can either be used alone as a therapy, or alongside other therapies.
What are the benefits of Cranial Sacral Therapy?
CST facilitates the innate and natural healing processes which ultimately help you prevent various illnesses and diseases. For the same reason, it is considered one of the effective preventive health therapies. By relieving the tension in the central nervous system, CST facilitates a feeling of well-being. It is effective in relieving pain and other symptoms associated with various diseases. It also boosts immunity and it is believed to improve the efficiency of all biological processes in the body. CST helps in self-healing and self-correction of the body.
Cranial Sacral Therapy gives relief to people suffering from different health issues, ranging from orthopedic problems to cancer. It is often used to prevent migraine headaches and other chronic pains in the neck and back. CST is effective in relieving symptoms of various central nervous system disorders: depression, anxiety, autism, motor-coordination impairments, concussions, learning disabilities, and more. People who have a history of traumatic injuries in the spinal cord or the brain can benefit from CST.
Cranial Sacral Therapy is helpful for people suffering from various health challenges which include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Dementia
- Scoliosis
- Infantile disorders
- Neurovascular diseases
- Immune disorders
- Post-surgical dysfunctions
- Fibromyalgia
- Connective-tissue disorders
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic Pain
- Sports injuries
- Difficult pregnancies
Furthermore, Cranial Sacral Therapy can help in getting relief from various emotional difficulties. It is beneficial for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders, stress, mood disorders, sleep disorders, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties.
Cranial Sacral Therapy is basically a non-invasive, gentle, hands-on therapy with a focus on the rhythmic pulse which goes through the entire body. It uses gentle finger pressure on selected areas of the body – which is near the head, torso, knees, and feet. It doesn’t use bone manipulation or forceful thrusts as in bone-setting, or osteopathy. It is a very gentle and kind technique.
Various studies show that cranial sacral therapy is an effective and safe treatment method for multiple health conditions. Some studies show it is highly effective for infants, toddlers, and children.
Cranial Sacral Therapy is an approach to relieving tension in the central nervous system using a gentle hands-on technique. It is a safe and natural way that aims at boosting the natural healing mechanism of the body. It is a therapy that is found to be effective in getting relief from various health challenges. Developed by John E. Upledger, it aims at enhancing neurological functions and alleviating emotional stress in the body. In our experience it can lead to greater overall peace of mind and well-being.
At Loves Hidden Policy we find Cranial Sacral Therapy very useful for couples to use alongside couples counseling or couples coaching work, to get more in touch with their body and heart, and so to bring a deeper connection to their loving relationship.
