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What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a light-touch approach that can create dramatic improvements in your life. It releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.

Few body structures have more influence over your health and well-being than your central nervous system. And a few body systems have more impact on your central nervous system than the craniosacral system -- the soft tissues and fluid that protect your brain and spinal cord. 

Every day you endure stresses and strains and your body absorbs them. But your body can only handle so much tension before the tissues begin to tighten and potentially affect the brain and spinal cord. 

Unfortunately, this can compromise the function of the central nervous system -- and the performance of nearly every other system in your body,

CranioSacral Therapy releases those tensions to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct. Using a gentle touch -- starting with about the weight of a nickel -- practitioners evaluate your internal environment. Then they use distinctive light-tough techniques to release any restrictions they find. 

By freeing the central nervous system to preform at its best, CranioSacral Therapy naturally eliminates pain and stress, strengthens your resistance to disease, and enhances your health and well-being. 

How Was This Gentle Therapy Developed?

CranioSacral Therapy was developed by Dr. John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician features in TIME magazine as one of America's next wave of innovators. 

From 1975 to 1983, Dr. Upledger was a professor of biomechanics at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University . While there, he led a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists, and bioengineers preformed and published the clinical research that formed the basis for CST.

In 1985, Dr. Upledger founded The Upledger Institute to teach people worldwide about the value of this effective approach. Over 100,000 therapists have since been trained in CranioSacral Therapy. 

What Conditions Does CST Address?

Body Diagram

CranioSacral Therapy improves your body's ability to take better care of you. It helps relieve a full spectrum of pain, illness, and dysfunction, including:

  • Migraines and Headaches

  • Chronic Neck and Bacl Pain

  • Stress and Tension-Related Disorders

  • Motor-Coordination Disorders

  • Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Fibromyalgia

  • TMJ Syndrome

  • Central Nervous System Disorders

  • Learning Disabilities

  • ADD/ADHD

  • Post-Tramutic Stress Disorder

  • Orthopedic Problems

  • .... and many other conditions 

The information on this page has been provided by Upledger Institute International ​

Contraindications:

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle manual therapy that focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the bones, membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While CST can benefit many conditions, there are contraindications to be aware of, including:

  • Acute Stroke, Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage, Active Cerebral Vascular Condition or any active brain bleed: Once these conditions have been stable for six months, CST can be beneficial. Get clearance from your physician.  

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage: which occurs when the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord are breached, causing a loss of cerebrospinal fluid.

  • Recent Epidurals: individuals who have recently undergone epidural procedures should exercise caution when considering craniosacral therapy. Waiting for at least six weeks after an epidural minimizes the risk of complications. 

  • Arnold Chiari Malformations: structural abnormalities in which the lower part of the brain extends into the spinal canal. CST can be helpful to reduce symptoms, however, seeking an experienced craniosacral therapist with knowledge and training in working with this condition is crucial. 

  • Recent Skull Fracture: It’s advisable to wait for a minimum of six weeks before considering craniosacral therapy. Consult your physician 

Being aware of contraindications and exercising caution in certain situations is crucial If you have any of the conditions mentioned,

it is important to consult with your healthcare professional and experienced CST practitioners to ensure your safety and receive appropriate care.

 

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