Is CranioSacral Therapy Safe? Can CST Be Harmful?
CranioSacral therapy is quickly becoming a trending method of natural healing. However, as with any therapeutic practice, some people may wonder if this form of therapy is safe. With CranioSacral therapy still being fairly new in the past few decades, it makes sense why some individuals may be hesitant to try CST.
In this article, I will share the potential risks of CranioSacral therapy and whether or not it’s dangerous. I’ll also explain why certain individuals shouldn’t try CranioSacral therapy. After reading, you’ll know if CranioSacral therapy is the right next step for you or not.
A Quick Overview of CranioSacral Therapy
If you’re completely new to CranioSacral therapy, it’s important to know what it is and how a typical session plays out. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is the gentle manipulation of the connective tissue (known as fascia) that holds your nerves, muscles, glands, spinal cord, and more. With less than 5 grams of pressure or the weight of a nickel, a CranioSacral therapist can treat the head, neck, and body with light pressure to initiate the body’s natural healing process.
What Does a Typical CST Session Look Like?
Before CranioSacral therapy, I sit down with individuals to determine how they feel, what pain they’re experiencing, and what they hope to gain from our our CST sessions. After the initial consultation, it’s time to have our first CST session! At the start of a session, I have clients lay in a comfortable position. Using gentle non-invasive touch, I assess the restrictions and tension held within the fascia. For about an hour, I will gently release restrictions at the neck, head, and body through light touch to release stress and ease tension throughout the body. A craniosacral treatment is not a massage although many people agree that they feel more relaxed when their session is over.
During therapy sessions, I’m extremely intentional about where I apply pressure and how this will affect the central nervous system. My goal is to relieve pain, release pent-up tension, and leave you feeling relaxed and emotionally regulated. It’s common for my clients to walk away with a sense of lightness and peaceful internal energy.
Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy
Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy
CST is known for its relaxing techniques and the power it has to bring the body’s nervous system into a state of regulation. However, CST can do more than just that. CranioSacral therapy has been used for decades to aid in the healing of numerous conditions and emotional illnesses. Here are common symptoms that CST has been used to treat:
Tongue Tie
Depression
Anxiety
TMJ
Insomnia
Chronic Pain
The best thing about CST is that it can be used from infancy to adulthood. No matter the age, CranioSacral therapy is extremely beneficial to the overall well-being of a person. While CST aids in treating a variety of health conditions, there are many questions still surrounding this form of therapy. Numerous people question whether CranioSacral therapy is safe or not. Let’s take a look at how safe CST is, and I’ll explain who shouldn’t try this form of natural healing.
Is CranioSacral Therapy Dangerous Common Side Effects of CST
CranioSacral therapy is a very safe procedure. With 5 grams of pressure applied to a patient's head, neck, and body, CST is an extremely gentle and non-invasive healing modality. Although uncommon, you may experience mild discomfort, dizziness, or brain fog after a session. What causes these side effects? Since CST addresses tension in the fascia, it’s normal for the body to go into a detoxification process after a therapy session. During this time, your body releases the toxins or pressure it’s been holding onto which translates to you feeling pain or discomfort. It’s worth noting that similar processes take place during and following a traditional relaxation massage, and the same symptoms are more likely to occur following a massage than a CST session.
Nevertheless, if you try CranioSacral therapy for TMJ, for example, you may feel less pain during the session, but experience an increase of discomfort in the jaw after CST. This is an important part of the healing process, and it’s usually a signal your body is using to tell you that it’s letting go of the dysfunction it’s been holding onto. The good news is that many clients who experience discomfort, dizziness, or brain fog after CST experience relief within 48–72 hours. In any case, consult with your CranioSacral therapist throughout the entire process.
While CST is generally a safe form of natural pain relief, it can pose a risk to people with specific health conditions.
CranioSacral Therapy Can Be Harmful to Certain Patients
Before investing in CranioSacral Therapy, it’s important to make your safety the #1 priority. There are a few people with certain health concerns who are advised to hold off on CST until they’ve fully recovered. They include:
Diagnosed aneurysm - acute
Traumatic brain injury - acute. After the acute phase, CST is an excellent therapy to use for recovery.
Any defects in the cerebellum, such as Arnold-Chiari malformation
Cerebral swelling - acute.
Any condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid pressure, flow, or buildup
The best cautionary step you can take is to meet with your healthcare provider to see if CranioSacral therapy is safe for you to try. It’s also vital to let your CranioSacral therapist know of past health concerns to ensure your safety every step of the way.
Try CranioSacral Therapy As a Natural Healing Tool
If you feel you are ready to try CST, then don’t wait any longer to book your session! Experience the relief my clients rave about, and connect with your body in a new way. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, I’m a licensed massage therapist exclusively practicing CranioSacral therapy with over a decade of experience in the holistic health world. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of CST on countless clients, and I’m passionate about using this powerful form of therapy to heal the body, mind, and soul.
Whether you crave deepened sleep or desire to release your baby’s tongue tie, CST could be the solution for you. If you’re feeling hesitant about trying something new, I offer free consultations for those who want to learn more about CST. Contact me to book your free appointment, and we’ll determine if CST is the right fit for you! It’s time to step into holistic healing and discover a pain-free life.
