Craniosacral Therapy FAQ
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
Cranioscral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CST is a “light touch” manual therapy that works with the body to enhance the body’s natural healing process.
How Craniosacral Therapy performed?
A CST session usually takes place in a quite, private setting. Clients remain fully clothed. The session is 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, torso, or feet. A typical CST session is approximately one hour.
How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
CST works by helping the body’s natural healing mechanisms dissipates the negative effect of stress, especially within the nervous system. This is accomplished primarily through utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, the environment in which the central nervous system functions. It consist of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). CST works on the understanding that imbalance or dysfunction of this system can adversely affect the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord and contribute to sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.
What conditions can CranioSacral Therapy help?
Because of its influence on the functioning of the nervous system, CST can benefit the body in a number of ways – from reducing stress and enhancing overall health to alleviating a wide range of specific medical conditions associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Orthopedics Problems
- Occupational Syndrome
- Central Nervous System disorders
- Post-surgical Dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective
- Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
- Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
- Tissue Disorders
- Colic
- Learning Disability
- Traumatic Brain/Spinal Cord Injuries
Among CST’s largest clients groups are those suffering chronic symptoms that haven’t been aided by other approaches. The extremely light touch involved with the application of CST makes it safe approach for people of all ages, including children, infants and newborns.
How Many Sessions are required?
Response to CST varies from individual to individual and condition to condition, therefore the number of sessions required varies widely. Usually, one to four weeks will be enough to demonstrate whether or not CST is likely to be of benefit. A decision is made at this time whether or not to continue.
Contraindications
There are certain situations where the application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure could cause instability such as acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or pre-existing severe bleeding disorders. Please check this out with your doctor before you begin treatment.
Aftercare Treatment
Drink plenty of water and have time after your session to be as idle as possible to allow integration of the session.