Craniosacral Therapy Explained
Cranial sacral
therapy, or CST as it is often referred to, is a mild non-evasive form of
therapy that aids in the release of deep bodily tension to alleviate pain and
help to restore a balance to the mind body connection so that the body is
better able to heal itself, as well as promoting better overall performance.
CranioSacral practitioners
help to monitor, detect and liberate restrictions in the soft tissues that surround
the central nervous system by using a very soft touch that applies only the slightest
of pressures. This method of therapy is gaining popularity for its benefits to preventative
health care in addition to the effectiveness it has demonstrated when applied
to various pain associated disorders.
Craniosacral Therapy Discovered
While
assisting with a neck surgery in the early 1970's an osteopathic doctor by the
name of John E. Upledger discovered the basis for what was to be known as the craniosacral
system. During the surgery Dr. Upledger perceived the rhythmic movement of this
system that is comprised of the membrane and fluid that surround, protect and
nourish the brain as well as the spinal cord.
Dr. Upledger examined
the research of a maverick in the cranial osteopathic field, Dr. William
Sutherland, who during the early 1900's had studied the idea that the bones of
the skull were designed to tolerate a certain degree of movement. Dr. Upledger felt that the rhythmic movement
he encountered during surgery could have a viable explanation based on the
concepts that Dr. Sutherland had theorized.
After years as
a clinical researcher and a professor of Biomechanics, Dr. Upledger determined the elucidation of the
processes behind the rhythmic movement, identifying the craniosacral system and
then continuing on to develop the therapy known as CranioSacral.
Craniosacral Therapy Benefits
The central
nervous system which is comprised of the brain and spinal cord is greatly
influenced by the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system can become
distorted due to body tissues tightening as a direct result of the stresses
that the body endures every day when it encounters stress and strain. Tension can form around the brain and the
spinal cord creating restrictions that may result in the body's impairment of normal
bodily functions that are regulated and influenced by the central nervous
system. These restrictions can be revealed and amended using the gentle touch
of a CST therapist. The therapist will gently manipulate different spots of the
body to assess ease of motion as well as monitoring the rhythm of the
cerebrospinal fluid that pulses around the brain and spinal cord. The soft
touch techniques of Craniosacral therapy are then applied to the craniosacral
system in order to alleviate any restrictions that may be negatively impacting
tissues and creating problems.
As well as
empowering the body to better regulate itself and better develop natural
recuperation abilities, Craniosacral therapy has been found to have an
effective response in many conditions, some of which are:
-
Chronic
fatigue syndrome
-
Persistent
neck and back pain due to injury or strain
-
Central
nervous system disorders such as MS
-
Emotional
and behavior disorders such as OCD
-
Infant
and childhood disorders
-
Migraines
and headaches
-
Stress
and tension related disorders such as anxiety or PTSD
-
Motor-coordination
disabilities like developmental dyspraxia
-
Brain
and spinal cord injuries
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Orthopedic
impairments like scoliosis
Consulting a
Craniosacral
therapist to determine if this method of therapy can be used in a wellness program is a
step in the right direction for the individual who is interested in achieving
and maintaining better overall health.