Treating POTS With CranioSacral Therapy

Understanding POTS and the Role of CranioSacral Therapy

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood flow. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. One therapy that has shown promise in managing these symptoms is CranioSacral Therapy (CST). This article delves into the intricacies of POTS and explores how CranioSacral Therapy can be beneficial.

Understanding POTS

POTS, a form of dysautonomia, is characterized by the body’s inability to make the necessary adjustments when shifting from lying down to standing up. This results in an excessive increase in heart rate, leading to symptoms such as lightheadedness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat.

The exact cause of POTS is unknown, but it’s often seen in individuals who have recently had a viral illness, surgery, or trauma. It’s also more common in women than in men, and typically affects individuals between the ages of 15 and 50.

Diagnosing POTS

Diagnosing POTS can be challenging, as the symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A tilt table test is commonly used, which involves the patient being tilted at different angles while their heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.

Other tests that may be used include a standing test, where the heart rate and blood pressure are measured after the patient stands up from a lying position, and a 24-hour heart rate monitor, which records the heart rate over a full day.

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork that addresses the bones of the head, spinal column, and sacrum. The goal is to release compression in these areas, which can alleviate stress and pain.

CST is based on the idea that the body possesses its own healing capabilities. It works by helping the body’s natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.

How CranioSacral Therapy Works

In a typical CST session, the therapist uses a light touch to examine the CranioSacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord.

Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the CranioSacral system. By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CST is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.

CranioSacral Therapy and POTS

Research has shown that CranioSacral Therapy can be beneficial for individuals with POTS. By improving the function of the autonomic nervous system, CST can help to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the symptoms of POTS.

Furthermore, CST can also help to alleviate some of the secondary symptoms associated with POTS, such as headaches, fatigue, and anxiety, by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

What to Expect in a CST Session for POTS

In a CST session for POTS, the therapist will begin by gently touching various parts of the body to assess the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid. They will then use light, hands-on techniques to release any restrictions they find.

The session is usually deeply relaxing, and many people report feeling a sense of calm and well-being afterwards. The number of sessions needed can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of their symptoms and their individual response to the therapy.

Conclusion

While POTS can be a challenging condition to live with, therapies like CranioSacral Therapy offer hope for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. By working to enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities, CST can help to regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing the symptoms of POTS and promoting overall well-being.

As with any therapy, it’s important to work with a qualified practitioner and to discuss any new treatments with your healthcare provider.