CranioSacral Therapy: What it is, How it Works, and Top 3 Benefits
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that helps with pain like headaches, side effects of cancer, and more. CST is a hands-on or no-touch method of discovering and increasing the functioning of the body’s system called the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system is made up of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord. By using touch no greater than 5 grams, a craniosacral therapist can gently manipulate the cerebrospinal fluid, release restrictions held in the body, and “reset” the nervous system.
CST has been around since the 1970s, but many individuals still have questions about this form of therapy. If you’re curious about this form of therapy, let’s take a look at how it works and the benefits CranioSacral Therapy has to offer.
How Does CranioSacral Therapy Work?
Your brain and spinal cord are two vital parts of your central nervous system. As stated before, the craniosacral system is what envelopes your brain and spinal cord and protects it from pain. As time goes by, life circumstances or physical pain begin to disturb your body’s system. The difficulties you face cause your body’s tissues to contract and distort the craniosacral system. These same distortions can form tightness around the brain and spinal cord, resulting in restrictions. Finally, this can create an obstacle to prime performance of your central nervous system, and potentially the rest of your body.
Fortunately, CST practitioners can detect and correct this tension with a gentle touch. With light touch, a CST therapist can evaluate the craniosacral system by sensing various locations of the body to test how the cerebrospinal fluid is flowing and pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Using soft-touch techniques, practitioners can release the restrictions creating barriers in the craniosacral system. By enhancing the body’s ability to self-heal, CranioSacral Therapy is used for a variety of dysfunctions.
Top 3 Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy
One of the most common questions I hear regarding CST is, “What are the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy?” If you’re wondering the same thing, I’m here to share the top 3 benefits of CranioSacral Therapy.
CST Can Help With Releasing Trauma
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a process that uses CST to help a person rid their body of the negative effects of past trauma or hard experiences. SER is based on the knowledge that trauma can be held in the body. After a difficult circumstance, the injured body either dissipates the pain or the pain is held onto by the body. More often than not, the emotional and physical pain is held in the body and forms an “energy cyst.” After an extended period, the body weakens because of the presence of the energy cyst and can develop a variety of symptoms. Trapped or unresolved trauma can show up as the following symptoms:
Isolation
PTSD
Insomnia
Panic Attacks
Chronic Anxiety
Suicidal thoughts
Depression
Chronic Pain
Flashbacks
CranioSacral Therapy can be added to ongoing talk therapy and assist in releasing the physical effects of emotional trauma. CST is a holistic mind-body practice that can also help you gain insight as to how trauma is impacting your physical or emotional health.
2. CST Is Used to Treat Both Physical and Psychological Disorders
CST has been applied to help with physical and psychological disorders. Here is a list of disorders that CST has been used to treat:
Alzheimer's disease
Autism
Birth injuries
Chronic fatigue
Concussions
Dementia
Fibromyalgia
Head injuries
Hearing loss
Learning disabilities
Migraine headaches
Orthodontia
PTSD
Scoliosis
Torticollis
Vertigo
The most common psychological benefit of CST is reduced stress and profound relaxation following a session. Following a long day of work or a difficult personal situation, CranioSacral Therapy is a powerful form of therapy used to bring healing and restorative energy back into your body.
3. CST May Offer Help for Unsettled Infants or Children
One thing you may not know about CST is that it’s also extremely beneficial for infants or younger children. Due to the gentle approach of CST, it’s considered a safe form of therapy for infants and children. CST is sometimes used in pediatric healthcare to promote deep relaxation in babies and help children feel nurtured and protected. Here are a few symptoms CST may help treat in babies or children:
Attachment issues for adopted children or newborns
Birth trauma
Congestion
Colic
Feeding issues
Latch problems
Low weight gain
Tongue tie
CranioSacral Therapy is a great way to benefit a baby or child’s sleep, digestion, and overall mood by easing tightness in their mouth, head, and neck.
Are there side effects or risks to CranioSacral Therapy?
The most common side effect following a CST session is mild discomfort. However, this is often temporary and will naturally fade within 24 hours. It’s important to take time to listen to your body after a CST session and take it easy for the next day or two.
Because CST is used to get in touch with your emotional state, there can also be a range of emotions that come to the surface during or following a session. These feelings are normal and are simply a form of communication from your body. Let yourself rest, talk with someone who cares about you, and get in touch with your mind, body, and spirit after a CST session.
While there aren’t risks involved in trying CranioSacral Therapy, there are certain individuals who shouldn’t try CST. These include those who’ve experienced the following:
Severe bleeding disorders
A diagnosed aneurysm
History of recent traumatic head injuries, such as cranial bleeding or skull fractures
Experience the Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy for Yourself
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, interrupted sleep, or want to find a space to unwind and relax, CST is a great place to start. With over a decade of experience in holistic health, I have seen countless clients find healing through CranioSacral Therapy. Book an appointment with me in Salt Lake County, Utah and begin your CranioSacral Therapy journey today.
