Everything You Need to Know About Craniosacral Therapy

What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy, or CST, is an alternative form of massage that utilizes a gentle hands-on, non-invasive approach to manipulate and release tension in the bones of the head, spinal column, and sacrum. CST primarily addresses asymmetry in the fluid and membranes that protect the spinal cord and brain while simultaneously relieving pain and dysfunction to improve whole-body health and performance.

This form of therapy regulates and manipulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which protects the brain and spinal cord from trauma. This gentle, hands-on treatment may relieve a variety of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, and side effects of cancer treatment.

CST uses a light touch to examine membranes and the movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity.

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?

Our bodies endure stresses and strains daily, which take a heavy toll on our bodies. These stressors can cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system, which means our central nervous system can’t operate as well.

A CST session is similar to massage therapy, except you stay fully clothed. This makes it an ideal treatment for people who are uncomfortable disrobing. The treatment session begins with a consultation with your trained therapist to identify troubled areas. Soft music and low lighting are often used to increase your state of relaxation. The therapist uses gentle pressure techniques to assess the existence of possible disruptions and/or restrictions in your fascial system.

What Conditions Can Craniosacral Therapy Treat?

CST can address numerous physiological issues primarily associated with blockages in the craniosacral system. These conditions include migraines and headaches, autism, chronic neck and back pain, complex regional pain syndrome, stroke, and many others.

How Many Craniosacral Therapy Sessions Will I Need?

Each individual will respond differently to CST, and some conditions may require more CST than others. The number of sessions needed varies widely and depends upon your own conditions, stressors, and comfort level.

What Will I Experience After A Session?

Just as each individual will respond differently to the therapeutic experience, the results can vary widely as well. You could leave the session in a sleepy, relaxed state, or with limitless energy. Regardless of what you experience, CST helps the body resume its natural healing processes, and these improvements can continue for weeks following the session.

At Rockwall Medical Massage, we have four highly trained craniosacral therapists. Danni Hudspeth, RN LMT; Tina Rizzo, LMT; Amy Weber, LMT MMP Reiki; and Karen Tabor Charles, LMT CCT. In addition to craniosacral therapy, we offer a variety of treatments to help people in all states of health.

Danni says, “I’m always amazed at how such a gentle touch can result in a client experiencing a profound shift in pain and tension by the end of the session.”

Tina says, “I find it fascinating how every organ, every cell responds by allowing the body to unwind itself from any injuries or traumas while renewing the mind from stress and restoring balance to the nervous system through gentle touch.”