Unlocking Brain Health: The Power of CranioSacral Therapy for Autism, Seizures, and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Developed over 40 years ago, craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, light-touch therapy accessing the craniosacral fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. By measuring how the whole body responds to the subtle pumping of liquid (about 10 cycles per minute), a craniosacral therapist can find and release restrictions in the body that are likely the source of life-long pain and various mental and emotional disabilities. CST is the answer for countless individuals who’ve searched for alternatives to manage and alleviate their health burdens. In the past few decades, craniosacral therapy has proven to be especially helpful for brain-related disorders.

In this blog post, we’re going to discuss how craniosacral therapy can treat autism, seizures, and traumatic brain injuries. I’ll dive into how CST impacts the brain and answer a few common questions regarding craniosacral therapy and brain health. If you’d like to maximize your brain’s health and heal from various mentally-induced illnesses, keep reading to see how CST can benefit you!

Craniosacral Therapy & Brain Health: 3 Brain-Related Disorders It Treats

Craniosacral therapy is simple and non-invasive, leaving most who receive it extraordinarily relaxed, noticing clarity and heightened awareness after the session. With continued treatments, you will also notice diminishing symptoms as the body takes over the healing process and internal restrictions are removed, resulting in the treatment of a variety of physical and mental issues. Below are 3 brain-related illnesses CST can help heal: 

CranioSacral Therapy For Autism

Did you know that 1 in 36 children in the US are diagnosed with autism? Additionally, boys are nearly 4 times more likely to obtain autism than girls. An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis can be challenging news to hear, whether it's for your child or yourself. Depending on the severity, ASD can result in communication and social interaction difficulties, restricted or repetitive behaviors, learning disabilities, narrow interests or focus, and sensory processing disorders. 

Fortunately, one treatment method for ASD that parents and individuals have been trying has resulted in a massive payoff: craniosacral therapy. CST is a sweet relief for those diagnosed with ASD, but how does this form of treatment help heal autism? Here are a few reasons craniosacral therapy can be utilized for those with autism:

• Enhanced fluid movement surrounding the brain: Modern research has shown that brain inflammation contributes to autism and various brain conditions. Fortunately, CST directly reduces brain inflammation by targeting pent-up tension, optimizing drainage of interstitial fluid (which brings oxygen and nutrients to cells), and enhancing the overall flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. In turn, this reduces the pressures within the cranium system that cause ASD-induced behaviors such as impaired social skills, cognitive function issues, and poor sensory reactions.

• Release of bonding hormones: Due to CST’s gentle approach, this therapy can help kick-start oxytocin production. Oxytocin is the hormone associated with childbirth and breastfeeding but can occur throughout the human life cycle, resulting in feelings of connectedness and improved well-being. The body produces oxytocin when we experience extended physical touch between people, generally skin-to-skin contact. Some children and adults with ASD may produce less oxytocin than the average person, resulting in feelings of depression, loneliness, and anxiety. However, with the help of a compassionate craniosacral therapist, people with ASD can experience a heightened sense of connection to those surrounding them. 

• Offers a meditative and peaceful experience: Frequently, individuals with ASD are working harder than those around them. Things like being in school, interacting with people, and even driving can be strenuous and stressful for those with autism. CST quiets the body, mind, and soul, producing a meditative space where recipients can relax and feel more empowered to handle emotions and life circumstances. For children and adults with ASD, craniosacral therapy can be an appreciated technique that decreases their anxiety and improves their ability to deal with stress. 

Craniosacral Therapy for Seizures

Various conditions, including brain injuries, chronic stress, and numerous underlying symptoms, can cause seizures. Not everyone who has seizures is diagnosed with epilepsy, but CST can be a healing tool for both. Often, seizures happen due to unusual electrical activity in the brain, which craniosacral therapy directly addresses. 

To understand how craniosacral therapy can be used for seizures, it’s essential to understand the brain and nervous system. Your central nervous system sends and receives messages about how every internal structure functions and how your body needs to respond. Frequently, you enter into a fight/flight/freeze response due to external or internal stress, fear, or traumatic circumstances. When you experience constant seizures, your body can stay stuck in the stressed response (fight/flight/freeze), leading to a more significant number of intensified seizures.

However, one method to decrease the likelihood of seizures is by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which brings you into a relaxed and clear-headed state. The parasympathetic nervous system improves digestion, immune responses, and the ability to connect to those around you. Since CST naturally activates the parasympathetic nervous system, this form of therapy can be a powerful tool for those experiencing seizures. In addition to impacting the nervous system, CST helps your body clear excess waste in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Since higher levels of waste in the CSF are shown to promote seizures, craniosacral therapy can help improve the flow of fluids and unlock internal tensions that can be the cause of seizures. 

Craniosacral Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can affect you on a physical and mental level. Below are the common symptoms of a TBI: 

• Headaches

• Brain fog

• Lightheadedness

• Slurred Speech

• Repeated vomiting

• Tiredness

• Insomnia

• Blurred vision

• Mood and behavior changes

• Convulsions

TBIs can range from mild to severe, preventing individuals from being fully present and engaged with life. Fortunately, CST is a therapeutic tool that can help treat traumatic brain injuries, no matter the intensity of the symptoms. As stated before, CST helps the central nervous system, improving the operation of various bodily functions and overall well-being. Craniosacral therapy also betters the performance of the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and musculoskeletal systems, directly improving the symptoms caused by a TBI. 

Research conducted a study on a group of ex-NFL players with severe post-concussive symptoms, which is one form of a traumatic brain injury. Following ten 2-hour CST sessions, the individuals experienced dramatic improvement in their memory, range of motion, and cognition. On the first day of treatment, the players averaged 2 hours of sleep, and increased to 4 hours by the end of the treatment, continuing to grow after a 3-month evaluation. It’s important to note that these individuals also received visceral manipulation and neural manipulation modalities in addition to CST. 

If you have a traumatic brain injury and want to try CST, consult with a doctor to ensure you’re safety and well-being.

3 FAQs About Craniosacral Therapy and Brain Health

Here are a few common questions I hear regarding utilizing craniosacral therapy for increased brain performance:

1. Can craniosacral therapy cause seizures?

While CST can result in lightheadedness or dizziness, craniosacral therapy will rarely cause a seizure. In fact, many individuals have reported a lessened number or decreased intensity of seizures after receiving consistent craniosacral therapy. 

2. Does craniosacral therapy help memory loss?

CST can improve the overall functioning of all bodily fluids, which leads to more oxygen being delivered to the brain and improved memory. As stated above, the study conducted with the ex-NFL players who attended 10 CST sessions strengthened memory and provided a range of other benefits. It’s also known that CST can help with overall cognitive functioning that declines with age. 

3. How can craniosacral therapy help with migraines? 

Yes, CST can help treat and lessen migraines. Craniosacral therapy is a healing tool for intense headaches, reducing the tension in the head/neck muscles and tissues. Furthermore, CST calms the central nervous system, reduces pain perception, and addresses the underlying issues that often cause migraines. If you’d like an improved quality of life, try out CST to see how it can reduce headache frequency and intensity. 

Invest in CranioSacral Therapy & Maximize Your Brain’s Health

Are you seeking relief from seizures, a traumatic brain injury, or autism? It’s time to get the healing you deserve and experiment with craniosacral therapy. It’s genuinely a modality of natural healing that’s quickly gaining respect and recognition from many who have experienced it and friends, family, and medical professionals who have participated in one’s healing journey. I’ve been practicing craniosacral therapy for five years and have seen firsthand its incredible impact on my clients. Throughout the years, I’ve never treated the same thing twice, whether it’s for a traumatic brain injury or chronic insomnia. 

Each individual that visits me presents a different experience, as each ailment is different. It makes for interesting work and a more profound compassion for the many people who live in pain and dysfunction. Every year, I increase my skills and study of CST, and I’ve now added working with children and infants and helping those with brain-specific issues. While no professional can guarantee the complete resolution of any problem with one's health, I know CST is a viable and worthwhile option that has proven the right choice for numerous people. If you’re a Utah resident and want to experience how craniosacral therapy can heal you, book a free consultation with me to get started.