MODALITY SERIES - CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
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.
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.
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.
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.
How is CST performed, and how does it affect the body?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) involves light holding of the skull and sacrum. A pulse through the fluids proceeds through the entire craniosacral system, like a tidal wave, from the sutures in the skull to the spinal cord. Cycling about six to ten times a minute, it causes tiny movements measuring no more than one-or two-sixteenths of an inch. When the membranes and lubricating liquids lose their freedom to glide freely, we hurt and symptoms start.
Also, the body holds onto emotional connections with trauma - whether it is emotional, physical, or from an accident - in the body (in muscles, fascia, etc) they could be released and you may be reminded of the emotion involved in the initial trauma.
What does CST help with?
CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Colic
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Chronic Fatigue
Emotional Difficulties
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
And Many Other Conditions
How does CST feel?
It is very relaxing and you might fall asleep. Some clients notice an “unwinding” - or releases in their body, while others might not. Since all modalities are subjective to the person, each person might experience something different than the other.
What should I expect after a session?
Just like with MLD, I have had clients go home and take a nap, so expect to experience relaxation and some tiredness. There is an overall sense of well-being. Avoid extreme exercise or activities that tax your energy and healing resources. You may be “re-calibrating” and re-learning to move in a new neutral alignment with your body. Allow yourself a day or two to become settled in this new balance. Most people feel benefits from a single session, but for lasting results, more sessions will likely be needed. Many people find the results they seek by the end of 3-5 sessions.
ANY QUESTIONS? LEAVE IT IN A COMMENT DOWN BELOW!
https://www.upledger.com/therapies/faq.php