What is craniosacral therapy?
How does it work?
Who can benefit from CST?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands on technique that uses light touch to evaluate and enhance the body's fascial system. CST was invented in the 1970s by John Upledger, as an offshoot of osteopathy. This therapy has been shown to relieve physical and somatic conditions. A CST session will begin with consultation with the therapist about health history, health concerns, and the client's goals for the session. Craniosacral therapy is done with the client fully clothed. Some of the benefits from receiving CST may include pain relief, relaxation, improved emotional well-being, and stress relief.
CST focuses on gentle placement of hands to help release tension and restrictions in your body's connective tissue. This tissue is known as fascia, a consistent network of fibers found throughout the body that covers your organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord. Fascia creates a body-wide connective tissue network.
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Treatment of one area of the body may help other connected parts of your body function better through:
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self-regulation
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self-correction
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self-healing
Craniosacral therapy may help manage symptoms of the following conditions:
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Chronic pain
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Complex regional pain syndrome
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Fibromyalgia
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Headaches/migraines
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Post-concussion syndrome
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Scoliosis
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Stroke
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Temporomandibular joint syndrome
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Craniosacral therapy may be beneficial for adults and children with many different conditions. If you recently experienced one of the following conditions, you should wait until your healthcare provider clears you for treatment:
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Blood clots
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Concussion
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Brain swelling
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Brain aneurysm
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Chiari malformation
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Any condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid pressure, flow, or buildup.