There are several therapies that can augment the treatment of chronic conditions. One such modality is craniosacral therapy, also known as CST. CST offers advantages for a variety of health concerns, including chronic pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, as well as depression and anxiety.
CST is a complementary treatment that releases tensions deep in the body to help reduce pain, relieve dysfunction, and improve whole-body health and performance. By facilitating the body’s natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive healthcare measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease.
The skull and the sacrum are connected via the spine. The spinal cord and brain make up the central nervous system (CNS).
Connective tissues and cerebrospinal fluid work alongside the structures of the CNS, and help it to work properly.
The craniosacral system refers to the skull, cerebrospinal fluid, and the membranes of the brain and the spinal cord.
Where a therapist identifies an imbalance, they reposition the client to “release” the flow of fluid. Some people fall asleep, others enter a meditative state and feel relaxed or energized (sometimes both). By using a soft touch, lighter than 5 grams, restrictions on the bone and membrane are helped to release.
The body is capable of healing itself, under the right conditions and circumstances.
Craniosacral therapy is considered to be more than just a way to help reduce stress and tension in the body.
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the center of the brain in hollow spaces called ventricles. The production and absorption of this colorless fluid by the three membranes of the brain and spinal cord cause a rhythmic expansion and contraction in the cerebrospinal system.
Helps the body regain Harmony
The Cranial Rhythm or Cranial Rhythmic Impulse is the rhythmic motion. The expansion and contraction stages are flexion and extension. Dr. William Sutherland, who pioneered cranial osteopathy in the ’30s and ’40s, referred to the craniosacral rhythm as the “Breath of Life.”
He believed that all other rhythms and flows in the body, such as the rhythm of breathing and the blood flow, were connected to and influenced by the flow of craniosacral fluid.
When the Breath of Life becomes restricted, for whatever reason, the other rhythms and flows are put out of balance. Craniosacral therapy helps the body to regain harmony.
The hands-on, rhythmic movements of craniosacral therapy create small vibrations that help the different parts of the Central Nervous System, and the body in general, by encouraging better communication.
CST was pioneered and developed by John E. Upledger after extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach to evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system.
This gentle therapy has been proven to help with headaches, migraines, concussions, chronic pain, temporomandibular joint disorder, Alzheimers, scoliosis, autism, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, emotional difficulties, depression, spinal cord injuries and much more! For more information, check out http://www.upledger.com