CranioSacral Therapy is a Gentle Alternative Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle touch, hands-on medical technique designed to assist the body in self-correction by monitoring and palpitating the flow of the cerebral spinal fluid. A practitioner providing palpation at the temporal bones on the head is able to detect rhythmic pulses where the skull expands and contracts and is believed to represent the pulses of the cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid and the tissues in the brain and spinal cord protect and nourish the entire body. The process was developed by osteopathic physician John Upledger in the 1970s.
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine included an article on the recent findings of a pilot study that studied the effects of CST on former football players that suffer from physical pain, brain injuries and repeated concussions. The athletes reported improvements that include better range of motion, reduced pain, more restful sleep and enhanced cognitive function.
During treatment, as the body softens and drops deeper into parasympathetic states of relaxation and remains there for longer periods of time between sessions, the ability to rest, digest and reproduce will be restored. As underlying tension dissipates throughout the body, bones, muscles, organs and nerves regain optimal function.
CST is a gentle, yet powerful form of healing therapy that is ideal for alleviating multiple symptoms of injury or disease, recent or old. The results include physical relief and comfort, along with an enhanced sense of well-being.
CST has been shown to help with headaches, migraines, TMJ, arthritis and poor circulation, ulcerative conditions, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, brain and spinal cord injuries including concussions and traumatic brain injury, physical and emotional abuse, chronic fatigue and depression, sensory, motor and intellectual dysfunctions and post-traumatic stress disorder.
CST application and response varies with the individual and condition. The number of sessions depends on the condition, but most people receive treatment once a month for well-being. CST takes place in a quiet private setting. The session lasts about one hour and most people report that they feel extremely relaxed and happy after a session.