What is CranioSacral Therapy and why might I benefit from this body work?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, minimally invasive method for enhancing the function of virtually every system in the body, as well as facilitating the harmonious coordination of body, mind and spirit. So, what is CST and why can it influence so many areas of our existence?

The craniosacral system is a coherent physiological system that has only recently come to be recognized as a functioning unit. It is concerned with the production, reabsorption and containment of cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is secreted by the brain and provides a fluid environment for the brain and the nervous system. This fluid circulates through the closed hydraulic craniosacral system that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, from the cranium to the sacrum. Cerebrospinal fluid flows between each of the three layers of membrane that make up this system. If these layers stick together in an area, the result is pain. Where the pain is felt depends on where the membranes are stuck together and whether or not nerves are involved or "pinched" in the stuck areas. Pain can be local or "referred" to a distant point in the body. It is the job of the CST Therapist to identify areas where membranes are not free to glide and thus are sources of pain and/or dysfunction.

CST releases those tensions to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct. Using a gentle touch, starting with about the weight of a nickel, your CST Therapist evaluates you for strain patterns. Then they use distinctive light-touch techniques to release any restriction they find.

By freeing the central nervous system to perform at its best, CST has shown to naturally reduce pain and stress, strengthen your resistance to disease and enhance your health and well-being. It has been shown to help a full spectrum of pain and dysfunction, including migraines and headaches, chronic back and neck pain, stress and tension-related disorders, chronic fatigue, TMJ syndrome, PTSD and many other conditions.

A typical CST session takes place in a quiet, private massage room. You remain fully clothed as you relax on the comfortable, padded table. Your therapist will gently touch various parts of your head and body to monitor the rhythm of the fluid flowing around your central nervous system. Delicate manual techniques are then used to release problem areas, and improve the form and function of your central nervous system.

What you experience from your own session is highly individual. A CranioSacral Therapy session can last up to an hour or more. It can be used alone or integrated with other therapies to facilitate powerful changes. The sessions are generally deeply relaxing, creating feelings of warmth or gentle pulsing in the areas your therapist is working on. And because it's so gentle, CST has been shown to be effective for all ages.

For more information or to schedule a session, please call 563-207-8932.

~Teresa Sage, LMT