Craniosacral Therapy

What is Craniosacral Therapy and how does it work?

Craniosacral therapy (sometimes called CST) is a gentle and non-invasive form of bodywork developed by osteopathic physician John Upledger in the 1970s as a form of cranial osteopathy. It focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This therapy aims to promote the body's natural healing abilities and restore balance by addressing any restrictions or imbalances in the craniosacral system. 

It is based on the understanding that the craniosacral system influences the functioning of the central nervous system, which in turn affects the overall health and well-being of the body. By releasing restrictions and promoting balance in this system, craniosacral therapy may help alleviate a wide range of physical and emotional conditions.

This therapy is known for its gentle and non-invasive approach, making it suitable for individuals of all ages, including newborns, children, and adults. It can be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments or as a standalone approach for maintaining overall health and well-being. 

How does Craniosacral Therapy work and what to expect during a session? 

The concept of craniosacral rhythms forms the basis of craniosacral therapy. It refers to the subtle, rhythmic motion and flow of cerebrospinal fluid within the craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid. This rhythm is believed to be influenced by the production, circulation, and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid.

During a craniosacral therapy session, therapists use gentle touch and palpation techniques to assess and manipulate the craniosacral system, including the cranial bones and the sacrum to eliminate blockages in the central nervous system that obstruct the normal flow of the spinal fluid and the body's natural ability to heal itself. Each craniosacral therapy session is unique, tailored to your specific needs and responses, however here’s an overview of what you can expect during a craniosacral therapy session: 

1. Assessment: A craniosacral therapist begins by conducting an assessment to understand the client's health history, current concerns, and goals for the session. They may ask questions and perform gentle palpations or observations to evaluate the craniosacral system's rhythm, motion, and any areas of tension or restriction.

2. Gentle Touch and Palpation: During a craniosacral therapy session, the therapist uses light touch and palpation techniques to tune into the client's craniosacral system. They may place their hands on specific areas of the body, such as the head, spine, sacrum, or other areas where they perceive restrictions or imbalances.

3. Facilitating Release and Balance: Through their gentle touch, the therapist aims to facilitate the release of restrictions, tension, or imbalances in the craniosacral system. They may use subtle movements, holds, or gentle pressure to encourage the body's self-corrective mechanisms and restore optimal rhythm and balance.

4. Supporting the Body's Self-Healing Abilities: The body has an inherent ability to heal itself. The therapist's role is to support and enhance this self-healing process. By addressing restrictions or imbalances in the craniosacral system, the therapy aims to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, enhance nervous system function, and promote overall well-being.

5. Whole-Body Approach: This modality considers the body as a whole, recognizing that imbalances or restrictions in one area can impact the entire system. The therapist may work on different areas of the body beyond the head and spine to address interconnected patterns of tension and promote holistic balance.

6. Client Participation and Awareness: During the session, the therapist encourages the client to actively participate in the process by bringing awareness to sensations, emotions, or subtle changes they may experience. This collaboration between the therapist and client can deepen the therapeutic experience and promote an integrative healing response.

The therapy does not aim to force or manipulate the bones into a specific position but rather to facilitate the body's natural ability to find its optimal state of balance. Sessions typically last around 60 minutes, although session length may vary depending on the therapist and your needs. The frequency of sessions can vary, ranging from weekly to monthly, depending on your goals and the therapist's recommendations.

What are the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy?

• Relaxation and Stress Reduction: This modality promotes deep relaxation, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and tension in the body. It may contribute to an overall sense of calm and well-being.

• Pain Relief: Many individuals find craniosacral therapy helpful in managing various types of pain, including headaches, migraines, neck pain, back pain, and joint discomfort. By addressing restrictions in the craniosacral system, this therapy may alleviate pain and improve overall comfort.

• Improved Sleep: People engaging in this therapy find relaxing effects to their body, which contribute to better sleep quality and help them with sleep disturbances or insomnia. By promoting relaxation and balancing the nervous system, it may support healthy sleep patterns.

• Enhanced Body Awareness: This modality can help individuals develop a greater awareness of their bodies and the subtle sensations within them. This increased body awareness can lead to improved self-care, stress management, and overall physical and emotional well-being.

• Support for Emotional Well-being: The gentle touch and supportive environment of craniosacral therapy can create a space for emotional release and processing. It may help individuals address emotional imbalances, trauma, and promote a sense of emotional well-being.

• Improved Functioning of the Central Nervous System: The therapy aims to optimize the functioning of the central nervous system by balancing the craniosacral rhythm. This may have positive effects on various bodily systems, including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, digestive, and immune systems.

• Support for Infant and Child Development: Craniosacral therapy is often used for newborns and children to address birth-related trauma, support healthy development, and address conditions such as colic, breastfeeding difficulties, and behavioral issues.

What kind of health issues does Craniosacral Therapy address?

While this modality is not primarily focused on treating specific medical conditions, it may be utilized as a complementary therapy for a variety of health concerns. Here are some examples of conditions or symptoms that individuals may seek craniosacral therapy for:

• Chronic pain: Craniosacral therapy may be sought for the management of chronic pain conditions such as migraines, headaches, neck pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

• Stress-related conditions: It can be utilized to help manage stress, anxiety, and tension-related disorders by promoting relaxation and enhancing the body's natural relaxation response.

• Musculoskeletal issues: Concerns about musculoskeletal imbalances, restrictions, or injuries, such as joint dysfunctions or postural issues can be addressed through this modality.

• Central nervous system disorders: It may be sought as a complementary therapy for conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, or post-stroke recovery.

• Sleep disorders: Craniosacral therapy may be used to support individuals with sleep disturbances, insomnia, or difficulties with sleep patterns.

• Emotional well-being: It can be utilized to support emotional well-being, stress reduction, and overall relaxation, potentially benefiting individuals with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or emotional trauma.

• Infants and children: Craniosacral therapy is sometimes sought to address conditions in infants and children, such as colic, breastfeeding difficulties, ear infections, developmental delays, or behavioral issues.

 According to a study by Matarán-Peñarrocha et al. (2011), individuals who seek to improve their quality of life indulge themselves in craniosacral therapy and see results in their adjustment to pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and physical functions. They also see improvement in their anxiety levels, which are found to influence improvements in their mental health. 

What are the specific techniques used in Craniosacral Therapy for newborns?

For newborns and young children, practitioners use gentle and subtle techniques to address the specific needs of the infant's craniosacral system. Here are some of the commonly used techniques:

• Light Touch: The practitioner uses a gentle touch, typically using their fingertips, to assess the craniosacral system and detect any restrictions or imbalances. The touch is light and non-invasive, allowing the therapist to perceive the subtle movements and rhythms within the infant's body.

• Cranial Holds: The practitioner may use specific hand placements on the infant's head, known as cranial holds, to support the release of tensions and restrictions. These holds are gentle and are intended to facilitate the natural self-correction mechanisms of the infant's craniosacral system.

• Fascial Unwinding: Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports various structures in the body. In craniosacral therapy, the practitioner may observe and facilitate the unwinding or release of tension in the fascial system. This can help improve the mobility and balance of the craniosacral system.

• Sutherland's Techniques: Named after Dr. William Sutherland, one of the pioneers of craniosacral therapy, these techniques involve gentle manipulations and movements to address restrictions in the craniosacral system. Examples include the "compressive" and "dural tube" techniques, which aim to release tension and restore balance.

• Listening: A fundamental aspect of craniosacral therapy is the practitioner's ability to listen and perceive the subtle movements and rhythms of the craniosacral system. By attentively observing and responding to the body's cues, the therapist can facilitate the release of restrictions and support the infant's self-healing processes.

It's important to note that craniosacral therapy for newborns should always be performed by trained and experienced practitioners who have specialized knowledge in working with infants. They have the expertise to adapt the techniques to the unique needs of the newborn and ensure their comfort and safety throughout the session.

How is Craniosacral Therapy different from other modalities, such as chiropractic care and massage therapy? 

All these practices aim to promote wellness and alleviate various health concerns, but there are distinct differences in their underlying principles, techniques, and focus. 

1. Craniosacral Therapy is based on the concept of craniosacral rhythms, the subtle motion of the craniosacral system, and the body's inherent self-healing abilities. It emphasizes facilitating the body's natural healing processes and promoting balance and optimal function. It has a holistic approach, aiming to support overall well-being and address a wide range of conditions.

2. Chiropractic Care focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. It is based on the belief that misalignments or subluxations in the spine can interfere with the nervous system's function, leading to various health issues. Chiropractors aim to correct these misalignments through spinal adjustments. 

3. Massage Therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, to promote relaxation, relieve tension, and improve circulation. It can be used for relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being.

Are there precautions in using Craniosacral Therapy? 

When considering seeing someone for craniosacral therapy, there are several precautions and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some important points to consider:

• Training and Qualifications: Craniosacral therapy should only be performed by trained and certified practitioners who have completed appropriate training programs. Ensure that the practitioner you choose has the necessary qualifications and expertise to provide safe and effective treatment.

• Medical Conditions: It's important to inform your craniosacral therapist about any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries you have. Certain conditions may require modifications to the treatment approach or may contraindicate craniosacral therapy. A qualified practitioner will assess your specific situation and determine the appropriateness of the therapy.

• Communication and Consent: Effective communication with the practitioner is essential. Clearly express your concerns, goals, and any discomfort you may experience during the session. Consent is important, and you should feel comfortable discussing any aspects of the treatment that you are unsure about or wish to avoid.

• Individual Sensitivities: People may have different sensitivities, and what feels comfortable for one person may not be the same for another. Communicate any discomfort, pain, or emotional responses during the session to your practitioner so that they can adjust the treatment as needed.

• Pregnancy and Postpartum: If you are pregnant or in the postpartum period, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before receiving craniosacral therapy. Some modifications may be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

• Healing Reactions: After a session, some individuals may experience temporary symptoms such as fatigue, increased emotional release, or transient exacerbation of existing symptoms. These healing reactions are usually considered normal and may indicate that the body is undergoing the healing process. However, if you have any concerns, it's best to discuss them with your practitioner.

Where can we find qualified Craniosacral Therapy practitioners?

Bodhi Holistic Hub provides a platform for a range of qualified practitioners of different holistic practices who can help in various health and wellbeing concerns. It is also an avenue for people to connect with like-minded individuals who value wellness and would like to be a part of a community that is centred in holistic health and self-improvement.