Introduction of Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive, hands-on healing modality that focuses on the manipulation of the skull, spine, and pelvis to promote healing and relaxation throughout the body. It is based on the concept that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, has its own rhythm that can be detected and manipulated. The therapy aims to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, reduce pain and stress, and enhance the body’s natural healing processes.
What’s the history of CST
An American osteopath Dr. William Garner Sutherland devised cranial osteopathy almost a century ago. Craniosacral therapy (CST) was developed in the 1970s by John Upledger, a doctor of osteopathy, as an offshoot of cranial osteopathy into craniosacral therapy (CST).
Dr. William G. Sutherland had observed that the bones of the skull are joined together in a zig-zag pattern, like the gills of a fish. He had an astonishing, ground-breaking realization that maybe the skull bones are not completely fused as is widely believed. Possibly, there is some scope for minute movements. Even he thought the idea was ludicrous, and developed the techniques of CST while he tried to prove himself wrong!
As he refined his theories, he found out that not just the cranial bones, but every muscle, bone and organ in the body has a particular type of movement to some sort of a rhythm.
He recognized a connection between the rhythmic movement of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord, as well as a corresponding rhythmic movement of the sacrum, with health and well-being.
In health, these movements are unrestricted and free. When some injury or disease affects some area, the movement is compromised.
A Craniosacral Therapist is trained to feel this dance of the various systems of the body through “thinking, feeling fingers” – and when they perceive it to be restricted, to gently nudge them back into synchronicity. The body then reorients itself towards health.
The cranial system is a semi-closed, hydraulic system comprising the spine, the skull, its cranial sutures, diaphragms, fascia of the body and the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) which flows through the spinal cord. There are three approaches to craniosacral therapy that have evolved since Dr. Sutherland first began investigating the cranial system. They are called the mechanical, functional and biodynamic models.
Conditions that can be treated using CST
CST has been used to treat a variety of conditions, both physical and psychological.
The Upledger Institute lists the following disorders as suitable for treatment with CST:
How could it benefit health and wellbeing
Some people use craniosacral therapy as an adjunct to other forms of treatment, including migraine headaches, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma of any kind, post-surgical recovery, Temporomandibular joint pain, and others.
Craniosacral therapy does no harm when practiced sensitively and respectfully by a trained practitioner.
What to expect during a CST session
A typical CST session is similar to massage therapy, except the individual lies quietly, fully clothed, The treatment session begins with a consultation with your trained therapist to identify troubled areas. The therapist makes gentle contact at selected points around the head, torso, knees, and feet. This light contact consists of gentle finger pressure, with no bone manipulation or forceful thrusts such as those used in chiropractic work, bone-setting, or osteopathy.
The practitioner notes what he or she perceives at selected points on the body and in the craniosacral system (the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord), as well as the client’s attitude and intentions. The light touch and fascial release may help your muscles and organs naturally relieve stress, which improves function. Many individuals often report feeling a sense of deep relaxation. The goal of craniosacral therapy is to help get rid of restrictions in this system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
Precautions
In general, there are no precautions needed to be taken. Anyone can take CST – including new-borns, pregnant women and the elderly.
CST can be even given pre and post-surgery with the consent of the operating surgeon – though in many cases, CST has helped prevent surgery in the first place. It’s great when your Craniosacral therapist can work with your health care physician and supplement your existing treatment.
How long is each CST session? And how many sessions does one typically need?
A CST session could be between 45 minutes to an hour. Each person’s experience and response to the treatment is unique. The number of sessions required could vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some people feel “cured” in just one or two sessions, others may need many more sessions over the course of a few months or even years.
Most people will return for sessions long after they are completely alright, to relax and rejuvenate themselves, enhance their sense of well-being and make sure they don’t fall ill.
What can I expect from Craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy impacts the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardio-vascular, circulatory and immune systems to relieve diseases and their root causes. Chronic issues gradually decrease pain. Migraines, back problems, arthritis, depression, anxiety etc problems get relieved. Students have better focus and clarity. Professionals are better at their jobs.
How often is Craniosacral therapy?
Once per week to twice or thrice a week depending up on the adversity of the ailment.
