Craniosacral therap
y (CST) was developed by osteopath John Upledger in the 1970's. The premise behind CST is that therapeutic touch can manipulate the synarthroidal joints of your cranium, releasing tension deep inside you. Once this tension is released, you should be somewhat if not completely free of pain, and you should also have improved function in your body.
Because the focus is on the beginning and end of your spine, it is your central nervous system that is most directly helped. And since your central nervous system connects to your entire body, CST can have far-reaching effects on your health, including the treatment and prevention of disease.
The premise of craniosacral therapy is based on the fact that your brain and spinal cord are composed of three layers of membrane. The outer layer is the dura mater, and is tougher and waterproof. The middle layer is the arachnoid mater, which is more delicate. The pia mater is the innermost layer, and is the most delicate as it carries with it blood vessels and follows the contours of the brain and spinal cord. In between the three layers of membrane (also called ‘fascia’) is cerebrospinal fluid, which helps to lubricate and cushion them.
Craniosacral therapists believe that cerebrospinal fluid rhythmically goes through a rise and fall in volume and pressure, beating within a range of 6 to 12 cycles per minute. This rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid is thought to be what moves the bones in your head and spine, affecting your entire body and is therefore as important as your breathing or heart function. And it is believed imbalance in this rhythm can lead to restriction in your body.
Using light touch or palpation, osteopaths or craniosacral therapists should be able to remove restrictions in your body, restoring ease of movement and therefore allowing the natural rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid to continue.
Craniosacral therapy can help with issues such as:
- migraines and headaches
- chronic neck and back pain
- stress and tension-related concerns
- infant and childhood disorders
- brain and spinal cord issues
- chronic fatigue
- fibromyalgia
- TMJ Syndrome
- scoliosis
- joint problems
- and more….
CST is not generally recommended in situations where a slight increase in intracranial pressure would create issue. Examples of such cases include acute aneurysms or cerebral hemorrhages.
Contact us for a FREE consultation on how craniosacral therapy can help you.
At Yellow Gazebo, CST is performed by our highly-trained osteopathic practitioner. Read about our osteopath, Nazanin Eshghi Moghaddam BSc DOMP.
