Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, holistic way of working with the body using a light touch. It supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself and helps reduce stress and build underlying energy. It is suitable for everyone, from young to old.
The craniosacral system is the soft tissues and fluids around the brain and spinal cord which protect the area. Tension and restrictions in this tissue influence their function and affect the central nervous system. By releasing these restrictions with light touch techniques, the system rebalances and allows the central nervous system to function better and, with that, the endocrine and immune systems. CranioSacral Therapy has a powerful effect on the whole person, including releasing blocked emotional tensions.
Who can benefit from CST?
Craniosacral therapy helps deal with the long-term effects of trauma, whether through accident, surgery, inflammation, birth trauma, or emotional trauma. It is a very safe treatment due to its gentleness, and so it is suitable for very young right up to older people.
The most common diseases and disorders treated with craniosacral therapy include:
- Headaches / Migraines
- Tinnitus
- chronic conditions
- Whiplash
- Back pain
- Jaw problems
- Pregnancy problems
- Sleep problem
- Stress / burn-out
- Hormonal imbalances
During a session
During your first session, your practitioner will take a written case history, listening carefully to the reasons for your visit. This part of the session is essential for gathering information and establishing a good understanding with your practitioner. The session typically lasts an hour, although it can vary. You remain clothed and will usually lie face up or on your side, or you may be seated. The practitioner makes light contact with your head, the base of your spine, and other areas, encouraging your body to relax and begin to make the changes it needs. Because the body functions as a whole, your practitioner may focus on areas other than where your symptoms occur.
Dr. John E. Upledger
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. In 1985 he founded the Upledger Institute International to teach the effectiveness of this treatment’s approach worldwide.