Cranio-Sacral Therapy:
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the CranioSacral system, the environment in which the brain and spinal cord function.
Developed by John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., this manual therapy encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve the operation of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance health, and strengthen resistance to disease.
The CranioSacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth - which make up the cranium- down to the sacrum, or tailbone.
An imbalance or restriction in the CranioSacral system can cause sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairment, learning disabilities and other dysfunctions.
The gentle use of five grams of pressure - roughly the weight of a nickel - to test for restrictions in various parts of the CranioSacral system. It's often possible for the evaluation alone to remove the restriction and allow the system to correct itself.
It is hands-on manipulation of the bones of the cranium & sacrum, as well as the fascia (connective tissue of the body & skull) to release restrictions which cause stress within the body & skull leading to physical symptoms. Gentle & non-invasive.
A CranioSacral Therapy session takes place in a quiet, private setting. I recommend that clients wear loose, comfortable clothing. Clients remain fully clothed, removing shoes. Sessions are performed with the client reclining on a treatment table while the practitioner stands or sits, positioned at various times throughout the session at the client's head, middle torso or feet.
Experiences during a session are as individual as the clients and practitioners themselves. They also may differ from session to session. At times, a client may deeply relax or even fall asleep; at other times, he or she may talk a great deal, recalling memories or expressing emotions. Some will remain still during the entire session, hardly noticing the practitioner's evaluation and treatment, while others will experience sensations within the body as this process is carried out.
At various times throughout the session, the practitioner will support a client's limbs and spine while facilitating release of accumulated tension. This process is called energy cyst release or tissue release. During this release, the client might recall circumstances surrounding a past shock, trauma or injury. Releasing and re-experiencing past hurts assists the body in reversing dysfunction and restoring the previous level of mobility.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) enhances the body's natural healing processes and has been effective for a wide range of medical problems accociated with pain and dysfunction, including:
~ Migraine headaches ~ Chronic neck and Back pain ~ Motor-Coordination Impairments ~ Central Nervous System Disorders ~ Orthopedic Problems ~ Scoliosis ~ Infantile Disorders ~ Colic ~ Autism ~ Learning Disabilities ~ Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries ~ Emotional Difficulties ~ Stress and Tension-Related Problems ~ Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) ~ Chronic Fatigue ~ Neurovascular or Immune Disorders ~ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ~ Post-Surgical Dysfunction ~ Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
CranioSacral Therapy utilizes gentle touch to enhance the body's own natural healing ability to release restrictions and eliminate the effects of stress on the central nervous system.
This is accomplished through working with the craniosacral system, which includes the bones of the face, skull & spine, along with the meningeal membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the head to the tailbone. This system is vital to our health & well-being, influencing the function of the central nervous system. Dysfunction and/or imbalance in the craniosacral system can result in related motor, sensory, &/or neurological problems.
The craniosacral system has it's own subtle rhythm (like a pulse or respiratory rate, but unique) that can be felt throughout the body, typically 6-12 cycles per minute. This rhythm was first discovered in 1970 by Dr. John E. Upledger, osteopathic physician, during a neck surgery in which he was assisting. Dr. Upledger's subsequent research looked first at the work of Dr. William Sutherland, the father of cranial osteopathy, who theorized that the the cranial bones were built for mobility, and later (1975-83), while Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, supervised a team of physiologists, anatomists, biophysicists nd bioengineers, thereby clarifying the mechanisms mechanisms behind this motion.
The skilled CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner monitors this rhythm and pinpoints sources of obstruction and/or imbalance, enabling him/her to support the body in facilitating it's self-correcting mechanisms, and restoring optimum function & well-being.
At times, Energy Cysts (due to injury, disease, emotional trauma, prolongued stress, etc.) may form and remain trapped within the body's tissues. The release of past traumas and/or emotions may occur as part of the healing process - this is known as SomatoEmotional Release (SER). Therapeutic Imagery & Dialogue are often utilized as effective tools in creating a bridge between the client and his/her "Inner Physician", allowing for the communication of vital healing information to be shared.
CST/SER is easily combined with other complementary healing methods (alternative modalities & traditional medicine) for maximum results .
Since dysfunction/imbalance in the craniosacral system can result in sensory, motor &/or neurologic disabilities, CranioSacral Therapy (CST) can benefit the body in many ways, addressing both acute & chronic issues, as well as acting as an agent of preventive care. CST can have very positive effects on many types of problems, some of which include:
* Headaches / Migraines * Colic * Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries * Learning Disabilities * Orthopedic Problems / Injuries * Autism * Immune System Disorders * Chronic Fatigue * Post Traumatic Stress Disorder * Fibromyalgia * Emotional Difficulties * Anxiety * Post-Surgical Dysfunction * Tinnitus * Neurovascular Disorders * Vertigo * Head / Neck / Back pain (acute/chronic) * Immune Disorders * Sensory-Motor Dysfunction * Scoliosis * Infant Feeding Difficulties * Stress Related Issues * Central Nervous System Disorders * Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
CST is helpful during pregnancy, both pre- and post-natal and during the delivery process, and for newborns, infants and children.
CranioSacral Therapy varies from individual to individual, and from session to session depending upon the condition involved.
The number of sessions required varies widely, from just one to up to several a week over the course of several weeks. Serious &/or chronic/long-term issues may require more intensive/extended treatment.
Once initial problems have been resolved, many choose to continue CST tune-ups on a monthly basis to maintain harmony & function at the deepest level.
