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What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Cranio Sacral Therapy (CST) is based on a number of findings about the body’s physiology, made by osteopaths in the USA at the turn of the century (Dr. William Garner Sutherland).

Treatment is hands on without manipulation

The cerebro-spinal fluid, which bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord was observed to exhibit a slow rhythmic movement now referred to as the cranio-sacral motion. This movement extends to bones, organs and other structures of the body via the connective tissue and membranous system.

In response to physical or emotional stress encountered in day to day life, the body’s tissues contract: when the shock is severe or occurs in a highly emotional situation the tissues can stay contracted. Stresses, strains, tensions and traumas which have been stored in the body in this way impact on the cranio-sacral system and restrict the body’s healthy functioning, manifesting in physical or emotional complaints such as back pain, migraine, anxiety or depression

Cranio-sacral therapists tune in to these patterns of restriction in the cranio-sacral system enabling them to identify problem areas and possible causes of these restrictions. Using the hands to reflect back to the body the pattern it is holding the therapist facilitates the body’s natural healing abilities, providing an opportunity for the body to let go of the holding required to stay in a compressed state. As tensions are released the bound energy used by the body to hold these contractions is also released resulting in an increase in the client’s general energy level. Cranio-sacral therapy facilitates an easier and freer mode of functioning throughout the body, enhancing vitality and well-being.

Because of CST’s extremely gentle and non invasive techniques, it is suitable for people of all ages and conditions, and can be particularly beneficial for babies and the elderly and for fragile or acutely painful conditions.

Some of the Conditions CST can benefit:

Alergies, arthritis, asthma, autism, Back pain, birth trauma, bone/joint disorders, breathing disorders, cronic fatigue, colic, depression, digestive problems, drug withdrawal, emotional problems, exhaustion, frozen shoulder, headaches & migraines, hormone imbalances, hyperactivity, impotence, insomnia, muscular aches and sprains, sciatica, stress-related conditions, menstrual pain, trigeminal neuralgia, visual disturbances and many other conditions.