CranialSacral

Cranial sacral therapy (CST) was developed in America in the early 1900's and is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the cranial sacral system.  This system consists of the cranium, or head, the sacrum, or tailbone, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and the cerebrospinal fluid that flows throughout this system.  Originally it was taught that the bones of the adult human skull were fused solidly together and that there was no movement between them, but it was discovered that the bones of the cranium do in fact move in relation to each other throughout life.  There is a cranial sacral rhythm or pulse which, with practice, can be perceived throughout the body.  This rhythm is the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid and the corresponding movement at the head and at the base of the spine.  In addition, because the body is intricately connected in all its parts, the cranial sacral rhythm extends throughout its tissues.

Cranial sacral therapy is performed with the client fully clothed lying face up on the massage table.  With a very light touch, only about five grams of pressure - about the weight of a nickle, CST gently enhances and assists the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid and the delicate movements of the bones of the cranium and sacrum.  The therapist tests for restrictions in various parts of the cranial sacral system and often it is possible for the evaluation alone to remove the restriction and allow the system to correct itself.  CST encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease.

Just about anyone can benefit from CST and because the cranial sacral system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, people with sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities may especially benefit.  An inbalance in the cranial sacral system could possibly cause problems such as chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system.

My clients with Parkinson's Disease have gotten relief from some of their symptoms and had very good results from CST, for more information on that connection,