Cranial Sacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

Migraine Headaches Chronic Neck & Back Pain Motor-Coordination Impairments Central Nervous System Disorders Orthopedic Problems Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Scoliosis

Infantile Disorders, Colic Learning Disabilities Chronic Fatigue Stress & Tension-Related Problems Fibromyalgia & Connective-Tissue Disordersv TMJ Syndrome

How does it work?

Cranial Sacral Therapy is focused around creating a safe atmosphere or space for the client, holding appropriate practitioner boundaries and using a very gentle touch.

The practitioner listens deeply to the fluctuations of the cerebrospinal fluid within the craniosacral system. The fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid creates a variety of tides within the system. As the practitioner — from a place of stillness — listens to these internal tides, the client's system begins to access its own inner resources ….perhaps a little like finding keys to previously locked doors.

The cerebrospinal fluid — as it bathes and protects the brain and spinal cord — carries an intelligence and potency, which becomes mixed with other bodily fluids via the dural membranes. Therapists learn to listen deeply to the system, tapping into its inherent intelligence, focusing on the system remembering its original blueprint of health.

The therapist encourages the client's system to access its resources, offering new choices and possibilities for the system at every level. Training includes deep perceptual and centering skills as well as extensive study of the anatomy, physiology, and inherent motion of the craniosacral system.

What kind of symptoms respond best to Cranial Sacral Therapy?

Anecdotal evidence shows Cranial Sacral Therapy may be helpful in addressing such situations as impingement of cranial nerves or spinal nerves, left-right imbalances, confusion, feelings of compression or pressure, anxiety, depression, circulatory disorders, organ dysfunctions, neuro-endocrine problems, dental problems, and trauma of all kinds — birth, falls, accidents and other injuries, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, PTSD, loss/grief, surgery, anesthesia, among others. Cranial Sacral Therapy is also excellent as a preventive therapy because it can facilitate the resolution of imbalances within a patient/client's system that s/he may not be consciously aware of.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on what your goals are, what symptoms you suffer from, and how readily your system responds to this therapy. As a general rule, three to ten sessions will have a significant impact on most people's health, and in some cases only one session can make a dramatic difference.

Why do I "fall asleep" during my sessions?

It is common for people to doze off or at least appear to sleep during portions of a craniosacral session. There are times when a deep, meditative state of consciousness is contacted, when the mind gets out of the way to allow the system to reorganize in some profound way. If your system is tired, you’ll relax and rest, which is deeply healing in itself.