Massage Message

Craniosacral therapy is a light-touch, non-invasive bodywork modality that is a gentle, hands-on approach of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system.  The craniosacral system is a physiological system that provides the physical environment that is needed for the brain and spinal cord to develop and work efficiently as well as effectively. It plays a vital role of maintaining a functional  environment of the central nervous system. This system is made up of the cranium, brain, spine, and sacrum as well as the meninges (membrane) and cerebrospinal fluid which surrounds and protects the spinal cord and brain.  It extends from the cranium to the base of the sacrum. This system is thought to have a rhythm throughout the body that can be felt and measured by the hands of the therapist. Good health is also thought to be determined by a balance and flow of this rhythm.

Craniosacral therapy’s foundation is based on the understanding that form and function are inseparable and to correct the imbalances or problems at their source.  This type of bodywork uses a very light touch that allows the practitioner to tune into the craniosacral system by monitoring the rhythm and pinpointing sources of obstruction. The rhythm comes from the fluid within the membranes continuously draining and refilling itself. This creates a gentle, expanding, and contracting movement that can be felt anywhere in the body by a practitioner trained to know how to find it. By listening to the subtle rhythms and pulsations, the practitioner can hear the body’s patterns of stress and resistance. Craniosacral therapy is not only used by massage therapists but also by osteopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths, and occupational therapists.

The patient will typically rest himself fully-clothed on a massage table or a mat on the floor. Then the practitioner applies a gentle touch, about five grams of pressure, to feel for and check the craniosacral system and its rhythm. What the practitioner is trying to accomplish is to release restrictions, which the body has been unable to do on its own and to help restore and assist the body’s normal self correcting mechanisms. They will work with the spine, the skull, and the fascia to release restrictions of nerve passages, to optimize the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord, and to realign bones back to their proper position.

The human body has the inherent ability to heal itself where possible and by using these gentle manipulative techniques, it encourages the body to restore its ability to do just that. The body uses a good amount of energy to adapt to its restrictions or blockages so the patient will usually feel a deep relaxation when they are released. Many conditions and disorders are alleviated with this therapy such as migraine headaches, motor-coordination impairments, chronic neck and back pain, stress and tension related problems, fibromyalgia, and scoliosis to name a few. As you can see craniosacral therapy or CST has a wide range of ailments that it can help. It is also used as a preventative measure to help build resistance to disease and to maintain good health.

1.  Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America
2.  Craniosacral Therapy – Joseph Lee
3.  Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
4.  Massage Today
5.  Craniosacral Therapy – American Cancer Society

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