Cranial Sacral Therapy      CST 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 medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:  Migraine Headaches, Chronic Neck and Back Pain, Motor-Coordination Impairments, Colic,  Autism, Central Nervous System Disorders Orthopedic Problems, Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, Scoliosis Infantile Disorders, Learning Disabilities,   Chronic Fatigue, Emotional Difficulties, Stress and Tension-Related Problems,

Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders,   Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) Neurovascular or Immune Disorders,  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-Surgical Dysfunction

Cranial Sacral Therapy is a soft touch, restorative therapy that has developed from discovery of, and interacting with the cranial rhythm. This therapy is very effective with health problems that are less well understood, such as chronic pain, lowered vitality, and recurring infections.

For a long time, it was believed that upon maturity, the cranial bones were fused into a permanent position. Recent research, however, has discovered that these bones do in fact move. The cranial sutures, located where the cranial bones join, are actually linked by connective tissue. There is a gentle cranial rhythm whereby a pulse or rhythm can be felt at a normal rate of 8-12 fluctuations per minute.

The cranial bones are lined on the inside by membranes. When there are blocks or tension in the body, the membranes are pulled out of position. The membranes then pull on the bones of the skull, which cause them to move out of alignment. For example, it is uncomfortable to wear a sweater that has been twisted around the body and that is the feeling in the body when the membranes are pulled.

The causes are many and varied. They can be recent or long standing. For example, the trauma of birth can have a lasting affect as can a recent blow to the head or body. A blow to the body will reverberate up to the head.

There are some very light holds on the cranial bones that can facilitate a release in tension and thereby promote an environment for natural healing from within to occur.

Cranial Sacral Therapy is a process whereby specific techniques are used on the head and spine down to the sacrum to release tension and energy blocks. When a practitioner assists the client to relax and facilitates such releases of tension, the body moves into a state of rest and relaxation. A body that returns to a state of balance allows nature to take over. The innate ability of each person to heal themselves lies naturally within every body when that body is in a state of ease rather than dis-ease.

Since the effects of Cranial work are often very revitalizing for the client, some of the techniques have been modified so that the client can use them at home and do them on themselves or a family member. The benefit of doing extra cranial work at home is to further maintain and enhance the body’s ability to move into a state of healing relaxation. When the body is in such a state, it's own innate healing abilities are triggered. It is a proven fact that the body’s inherent power for rejuvenation and restoration becomes most active during this type of deep rest.

By balancing the life force energy, we have an effect on the brain, spinal cord, and whole body. Messages travel from the brain down the spinal column (also known as the ultrasonic core), to the sacrum and to the tip of the coccyx. From there, the messages travel to all parts of the body via the nerves exiting the spinal column. When the cranial bones are well aligned and the spinal core is free of tension, then the cerebral spinal fluid flows freely. This fluid is found naturally in and around the brain and spinal cord. This is why cranial work that balances and assists the body to restore the optimum rhythm of the spinal fluid has such a profound influence throughout the whole body.

CSTherapy is a very gentle, non-intrusive type of hands on therapy using subtle techniques that are relaxing and effective. Results may be immediate or may come after a series of sessions.

CSTherapy has achieved results with various traumas, acute or chronic medical conditions, migraine headaches, stress, and many types of learning disabilities.

The whole field of Cranial Sacral Therapy is becoming better known and popular. The knowledge has been around for a long time and only recently has gained recognition as people become more open and search for alternative methods that work. Cranial Sacral Therapy is gaining its popularity because it is safe, effective, non-threatening and painless.

When relief occurs there is often a state of relaxation that is felt throughout the whole body accompanied by an improvement in mental performance through clarity of thought. As well, self-esteem increases with a sense of well being, a feeling of wholeness, of being energized, and happy.