Craniosacral Therapy

Photo of Craniosacral practitioner working

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy or CST, is a form of Therapeutic Bodywork derived from Osteopathic Medicine. CST involves working with the whole body. Traditionally involving the membranes and cerebro-spinal fluid that surrounds both the brain and the spinal cord, and extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, down to the tailbone (Sacrum). These components of interconnected muscles, nerves, fascia and bone are considered part of the CranioSacral Therapy System.
If there is an imbalance in the body, be it physical, mental, spiritual or emotional, the CranioSacral system will be affected. The CST practitioner "listens" to the body by paying attention to literal physical composition and structure of the body-"sensing" the energetic channels looking for patterns of "restriction" or lack of flow or movement.
It is then through non-invasive, gentle guided touch and movement, that these restrictions are identified, shifted and released. Years of chronic pain and discomfort may be alleviated within the very first session(s).
AND.. the non-invasive gentle nature of CST makes it extremely effective for almost anyone. There are little to no contraindications for Craniosacral Therapy.

More About Craniosacral Therapy

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?

Like your pulse and breathing rhythms, the CranioSacral system has a rhythm of its' own. It is this rhythm that is gently affected to bring the body back to a state of Homeostasis (balance). The CST System involves the ENTIRE body not just the membranes that surround its core. The CST System has its own enteric rhythm that is separate from the respitory rate or heart rate (pulse). This movement can be monitored and felt so that wherever there is a restriction or lack of movement - ANYWHERE in the body, this rhythm is affected. Once identified, the CST practitioner can begin to use hands on techniques along with verbal and communication techniques to affect this rhythm and bring it back into the bodies natural state of being, BALANCE

What Does a Craniosacral Session Look Like?

We will have a brief consultation, discussing concerns and symptoms. Completely clothed the entire time, you will gently lay down, on your back, on a comfortable padded massage table. Starting at your feet, I will do an assessment of alignments issues, energy patterns and body restrictions to ascertain how they may relate to your symptoms and concerns. As the work progresses I will talk with you regarding any intuitive insights, concerns or imbalances that I may uncover and discuss with you your particular situation - looking at how we might best be able to work through it and how to assist you to bring your whole "being" into awareness & balance. This process works by applying gentle touch and pressure to affect the bodies energy, muscular and skeletal structure. We will use the CST system to open up blocked channels and/or restrictions. These "restrictions" may indicate certain physical conditions within the body. The root causes of certain conditions can run the gamut, from a physical ailment of the bodies structure, to high emotional levels of stress that have forced the body to adapt to temporary changes for its support.
By complimenting the bodies natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventative health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and its effectiveness for a wide range of problems associated with pain and discomfort.

What You May Experience During a CST Session:

You will experience a safe, supportive environment. Many clients feel various movements throughout the body during a session. You may sense energy-flow and tingling in areas separate from the area being affected....you may become keenly aware of tension and/or emotional components of your discomfort. At times, root causes of a particular concern, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual - can be uncovered and balanced. Many clients claim that a CST session is more relaxing than a massage.

NOTE: You may experience intense insight into the core issues of your current condition and develop a program of action required for its solution. Remember that this is about you and your needs. We maintain an open dialogue during a session. CST can be subtle, but is extremely powerful work and requires your commitment and permission. Nothing is ever forced... CST works with your body to bring back balance and facilitate healing.

Craniosacral Questions and Answers:

Q: When can I expect results?

A: Each person is different and treated as such.Many report very rapid results, although it is not magic. The goal is to stimulate and support the body to address imbalances that have often damaged your overall health.

Q: Is this like Chiropractic?

A: There can be some similarities, but I hesitate to make the analogy that it is like Chiropractic work. In it's simplest form CST looks to bring the body back into balance by removing "restrictions". A Chiropractic treatment may look to remove "subluxations" to bring the body into balance. These CST "restrictions" can be mental, emotional and spiritual as well as physical. In CST, we deal with the entire being.

Q: Why would someone choose CranioSacral Therapy?

A: Truth be told, most of the time clients come to me as a last resort, in a chronic situation, having tried almost everything else and looking for relief. Choose CST to get to the core of your issue. Many have experienced relief on the very first session.

Q: Is this covered by insurance?

A: Unfortunately, CST is not covered under insurance at this time.

Q: Can medications interfere with CST?

A: Medications do have a strong effect on the body, however a CST session works WITH the body, right where it is at that moment and it's innate intelligence to gather information. Taking medications does not affect the overall outcome of the session.

Q: Can children benefit

A: Yes, since CST works so closely with the bones of the skull, the spine and extremities, years of difficulty can be avoided.

Q: Are there any restrictions to have a CST session?

A: There really are not many situations in which CST is NOT effective and safe. Since it works so closely with the needs of the individual body in the moment and is a subtle technique, most symptoms can be addressed without compromise.

Q: How long is a session?

A: an average session runs from 50 minutes to an hour.

Q: What are the fees for a CST session?

A: CST sessions are $95.00 per session