CranioSacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on, manual treatment that works with the body’s natural craniosacral rhythm—the subtle movement of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord—to release tension, calm the nervous system, and support the body’s natural healing processes through light touch and precise adjustments.
As the name implies, CST involves mobilizing restrictions within the cranium and the sacrum. However, because of the anatomical and physiological connections, CST is really a whole body approach and can be utilized throughout the body.
Coined by John E. Upledger to describe the treatment modality that he developed during his research at Michigan State University
Cra•ni•o•sa•cral Ther•a•py
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A complimentary method of hands-on bodywork; works with the natural and unique rhythms of the different body systems to pinpoint and address problem sources
Helps to alleviate the aches, pains, and strains of life; improves coping mechanisms to allow for better management of stress
Improves the body's ability to self-care; can produce profound, positive changes
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A light-touch, whole-body treatment technique that works with the body's craniosacral system to support and nourish the central nervous system - improving overall health and well-being
"Every treatment protocol should be dictated by the wisdom of the patient's own body."
- Dr. John E Upledger
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It 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 professor of biomechanics.
Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams (about the weight of a nickel) to release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
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How does CranioSacral Therapy Work?
Few structures have as much influence over the body's ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. And, the central nervous system is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system - the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.
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Every day your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.
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Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses his or her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.
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By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body's ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.
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How many CranioSacral Therapy sessions will I need?
Response to CST varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. Your response is uniquely your own and can't 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 several weeks.
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How can CranioSacral Therapy help me?
CST has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.
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By facilitating the body's natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and has been shown to be beneficial for people seeking help with a wide range of healthcare challenges and symptoms including:
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Migraines, Headaches
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Chronic Pain
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Motor-Coordination Impairments
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Central Nervous System Disorders
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Orthopedic Problems
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Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
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Alzheimer's
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Spinal Cord Injuries
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Scoliosis
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Conception, Pregnancy, Birth
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Pediatric Challenges
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Learning Differences, ADD, ADHD
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Autism and Sensory Processing
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Chronic Fatigue
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Emotional Difficulties, Depression
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Stress and Tension-Related Problems
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Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
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Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) and Dental Challenges
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Immune Disorders
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Post-Surgical Dysfunction
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Sleep Challenges
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Cancer Support Treatment
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Is there any condition for which CranioSacral Therapy should not 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 hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.