What Is CranioSacral Therapy, and How Can It Help You?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the body’s CranioSacral system. The CranioSacral system is composed of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
By freeing the central nervous system to perform at its best, CST naturally reduces pain and stress, strengthens resistance to disease, and enhances health and well-being. Because it’s so gentle, CST has proven effective for people of all ages.
How is CST Performed?
A typical CST session is performed fully clothed on a comfortable padded table, or in a seated position. Through gentle touch, the therapist begins monitoring the rhythm of the fluid flowing around the central nervous system. Delicate manual techniques facilitate the release of restrictions in the body and head, thus improving the function of the central nervous system.
The sessions are generally deeply relaxing, creating feelings of gentle pulsation, warmth, and tissue release. A CST session can last a few minutes to over an hour. It can be used alone or integrated with other therapies to enhance well-being.
CranioSacral Therapy and the Treatment of PTSD
Research and numerous case studies have shown CranioSacral Therapy (CST) to be beneficial when treating physical and mental injuries from:
● Combat
● Natural disasters
● Sports
● Family violence
● Acts of terrorism
"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is not an incurable, hopeless mental disorder. PTSD has been shown to have physical roots. I hope you will join us in the years to come as we seek to eliminate PTSD from the trauma equation."
— Dr. John E. Upledger
CST is particularly effective for patients who have suffered PTSD, including concussion and head trauma. When provided by advanced CST therapists trained to evaluate and treat changes in the CranioSacral system, integration into the medical treatment plan can be started as soon as clearance from the attending physician is obtained. When CST is incorporated consistently throughout the acute and rehabilitation process, long-term benefits and the potential of full recovery are maximized.
What Conditions Can CST Help?
CranioSacral Therapy improves your body's ability to take better care of you. It has been shown to help a full spectrum of pain and dysfunction including:
- Migraines and Headaches Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
- Motor-Coordination Impairments
- Infant and Childhood Disorders
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Post-Concussion Symptoms Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- TMJ Syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- ADD/ADHD
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Orthopedic Problems
- And Many Other Conditions
Results Reported by Individuals
● Reduced physical pain and discomfort
● Reduced panic attacks
● Significant improvement in insomnia and return to normal sleep patterns
● Alleviation of hypervigilance and appropriate responses to the environment
● Reduction/elimination of intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
● Memories recalled without the negative charge
● Willingness to participate in healthy activities
● Depression and suicidal thoughts reduced and even eliminated
● Reduction in need of psychotropic medications, and in some instances, discontinued over time
● Return to clear mental functioning
● Relationships with family and friends becoming meaningful again
● End of social isolation and reconnection with community