Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a holistic therapy that can help with a wide range of conditions. It is unique in its ability to work with the source of symptoms on every level, whether mental, physical or emotional. It promotes a natural way of helping our bodies to rest and recover.
CST is a hands-on, gentle method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. Craniosacral therapy treats the whole person. It does not focus on symptoms, although it is often the symptoms that bring us to treatment initially. This Therapy stems from osteopathy, an approach that emphasises the musculoskeletal system's role in health and disease.
CST process
Craniosacral therapy happens in a quiet and peaceful environment with the patient lying down, fully clothed. Treatment involves a gentle touch of the practitioner's hands on the cranium, the sacrum, the feet, the trunk, or other body parts as appropriate. The treatment creates mainly a profound relaxation which may affect the whole person physically, mentally and emotionally, often accompanied by a feeling of lightness and ease.
The gentle approach of CST is entirely non-invasive. This light contact supports the body's innate ability to balance, restore and heal as well as helping to reduce stress and build underlying energy.
CST works with underlying causes as well as specific symptoms. It is holistic in approach, recognising that all aspects of a person's life are closely connected and are important in their health and treatment.
Who is it for?
People may come for CST because they have acute physical problems like headaches, back pain or long-standing physical and emotional problems. Others come for ongoing support in their busy lives and for help to meet life's challenges.
Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, cranio-sacral therapy is suitable for everyone from newborns to the elderly. Mothers and babies often come for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of fear and tension held in the body enables both to settle into calmness.
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Seizures
- Scoliosis
- Migraine headaches
- Disturbed sleep cycles
- Asthma
- Neck pain
- Sinus infections
- TMJ syndrome
- Ménière's disease
- Ear problems
Furthermore, CST treats children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who have experienced birth or head trauma.
Benefits of CST
Craniosacral therapy treats people rather than conditions. It is primarily concerned with establishing a healthy, balanced underlying state which enables the body's healing mechanisms to operate at an optimum level and, therefore, to restore health.
Craniosacral therapy works on many levels and influences many different structures within the body. CST influences the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the organs, the connective tissues, the fluids and the energy systems of the body.
The whole person – craniosacral Integration is not merely treating the body. It recognises that body, mind and feelings are absolutely and inextricably intertwined. It engages with every aspect of our being – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. So its effects are profound and widespread and can be effective under various circumstances and conditions. Craniosacral Integration is not treating conditions; it is treating people; it is treating the whole person and everything about the person at a fundamental and profound level. Doing so can enable the body to address whatever symptoms, conditions or disturbances that particular individual may be experiencing.
Wide Application – consequently, the applications of Craniosacral therapy are extensive – from simple aches and pains to the most complex chronic or persistent issues. It can also be valuable in helping to resolve intransigent and persistent conditions that have not responded to other forms of treatment.
Craniosacral therapy is concerned with enhancing health, strength and vitality at the very core of our being, thereby stimulating the body's natural potential and helping the body to eradicate the root of any problem. In addition, it is concerned with integrating all the body's resources to function at their optimum level.
Who can benefit?
CST is appropriate for all ages, from newborn babies to the elderly and can be used through pregnancy.
For everyone
- who wishes to improve their underlying state of health and wellbeing
- and to create a greater sense of ease, clarity and health in their life
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is a preventive health measure to bolster disease resistance and is effective for many medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
