CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
How does it work?
‘CST’, as it is sometimes known, is becoming much better known these days. It is a physiological system, as is the cardiovascular or of the respiratory system. The Craniosacral motion expresses a rhythmic, tide like, ebbing and flowing movement. By using gentle, non-invasive, light touch, this rhythm can be perceived by the hands of an experienced therapist. In response to physical knocks or emotional stresses, the body may retain some of the energy of the force of the trauma, in the body tissues. This ‘energy cyst’ may give rise to symptoms, either emotional or physical, sometimes arising hours, months or even years, after the time of the actual trauma.
By monitoring the rhythm at various body points, the therapist is able to pinpoint the source of this stress. Once the source has been determined, she can assist the natural movement of the fluid by gentle touch technique, and so assisting to help the body to self-correct. All this is performed using only your own body’s natural healing processes. As the indications of these findings were realised, CST has gradually been refined and developed over the years, so leading it to become the deeply powerful, subtle healing process which is available today.
What conditions can Craniosacral Therapy help?
It can benefit the body the number of ways, from boosting the immune system, to alleviating a wide range of specific medical conditions. Among some of its largest patient groups, are those suffering longstanding or unexplained suffering & symptoms. Very often these people feel as though they have tried everything and may have begun to believe that they must just resign themselves to it and “Learn how to live with it”. Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related problems, such as low-energy, anxiety, or depression. The list of issues that Craniosacral therapy can address is endless.
How is a CST session performed & what might I experience during the session?
The client remains fully clothed, wearing comfy trousers, (not jeans), will be reclining on a massage or treatment table, while the practitioner sits positioned at various levels of the clients head, trunk or feet. Experiences during a session are very individual. They may also differ from session to session. Some people may deeply relax or even fall asleep. Some may talk, recalling memories they may have, while others may remain still during the entire session, hardly noticing the practitioner’s evaluation and treatment. Others will experience different sensations within the body, such as tingling’s, pulsations or body temperature changes.
During the course of the therapy, it is possible the client might recall circumstances surrounding a past shock, trauma or injury. Releasing past hurts, assists the body in reversing its uncomfortable symptoms, and restores the body to its previous level of well-being. CST is client led, meaning that it is your body that will set the pace of work, so you will remain comfortable, in control, and able to integrate the changes as they occur.
What might I experience following a session?
The immediate results can be diverse. This relaxed state may cause some people to sleep for many hours after the session. Others may experience an increase in energy, reduction of pain, and an increase in function. These occurrences may happen immediately after the session, or they may develop gradually, over the next few days. Since CST uses its own natural healing processes, it is not unusual for improvement to continue over some weeks. For some the may be a reorganisation phase, as the body adapts to the release of previously held patterns. Occasionally it may feel as things get worse before they get better. Again this is natural, particularly if the body has held uncomfortable patterns for a long period of time, and now it is starting to unwind and heal itself.
“This therapy respects the client’s body and mind as an intelligent system, which under healthy circumstances is striving to maintain optimal well-being. This therapy can be profoundly relaxing, exhilarating, deeply moving, or involve the resolution of old material. Sometimes the benefits are not immediately noticeable, but become obvious, on returning to a familiar environment”
Is there any condition for which ‘CST’ shouldn’t be used?
There are certain situations where it would not be recommended, such as acute aneurysm, cerebral haemorrhage, recent skull fractures, or other pre-existing severe bleeding disorders.
How many CST sessions will I need?
Response varies from each individual and each condition. Your response is uniquely your own, and cannot be compared to anyone else’s, even those cases that may appear similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies widely from just one session to many, over the course of several weeks. Sessions last around 30 minutes.
Securing your future health
The potential for CST for preventative measures is huge. Even if you think you are in peak condition, a few weekly treatments, followed by long-term regular treatment programme, perhaps 4-12 times per year, could make a big difference to your life. The effects of CST tend to be permanent and cumulative. My personal experience and that of many other people, suggests that as the person becomes freer inside, emotionally, physically, & even spiritually, life become increasingly more balanced and harmonious……
Additional Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
Gentle Non-Invasive, light touch therapy, lying fully clothed
Can assist in alleviating both Physical and Emotional Pain
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Works well with other Therapies
