What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a type of “hands on therapy” where the therapist uses light touch to facilitate your body’s healing. During a 45 to 60-minute session the therapist assesses and monitors your craniosacral system and uses light touch to encourage the body to “let go” of restrictions. Unlike massage or myofascial work, you remain fully clothed during your session.
The craniosacral system is made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surround, nourish and protect your brain and spinal cord. The pumping of the CSF between the cranium (skull) and sacrum (pelvis) is called the craniosacral rhythm.
“You will be amazed at how powerful a gentle touch can be and at the miracle of your own body’s healing capacity!”
The craniosacral system is made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surround, nourish and protect your brain and spinal cord. The pumping of the CSF between the cranium (skull) and sacrum (pelvis) is called the craniosacral rhythm.
This gentle rhythmic moving is accomplished by slight widening and narrowing of the cranium along with slight lengthening and shortening of the spine.
The Craniosacral Rhythm (CSR) is 6-12 cycles per minute as compared to the respiratory rhythm 12-20 breaths per minute and the pulse rate of 60-80 beats per minute. The CSR can be felt and treated throughout the body. Treatments focus on encouraging the body on “resetting” to restore a normal CSR.
This technique improves the function of the central nervous system, and other systems including the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and musculoskeletal systems. This unique treatment approach is used to treat both physical and mental health conditions including headaches, dizziness, TMJ pain, chronic pain (neck, back, pelvis), orthopedic injuries, trauma, PTSD, concussion, and autism.
I find incorporating CST in treatment sessions with my clients with pelvic pain is very beneficial as it calms the nervous system which in turn decreases muscle guarding and pain.
You should know within one or two sessions if you will benefit from CST. People generally experience a decrease in pain and a deep sense of relaxation after a session. During your session you may experience heat, a feeling of pulsing in your tissue or a change in your breathing pattern. Some people with chronic pain or a history of trauma may experience an emotional release, this may be manifested as laughing or crying. This is normal and just know that you are in a safe space!
You will be amazed at how powerful a gentle touch can be and at the miracle of your own body’s healing capacity!