What is Craniosacral and how can it help me?  

CranioSacral Therapy is a manual therapy. It can be used to treat not only the patient’s body but the whole person as well. The characteristic feature of CST is a gentle touch. The therapist works in a non-invasive way, using a light pressure of no more than 5 grams. Through connective tissue relationships, the whole craniosacral system is affected.

The craniosacral system is responsible for the normal development and functioning of the central nervous system. It is comprised of structures that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Some of the structures the practitioner is focused on include cranial bones, cranial and spinal membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid, however visceral space and diaphragms can be affected as well through these whole-body connective tissue relationships. This light and at times indirect touch can directly influence the craniosacral system. Indirectly, the functions of the nervous, muscular, fascial, bony, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, and lymphatic systems can also be influenced. Therefore, this type of therapy is recommended for individuals who are suffering from a variety of conditions. CranioSacral Therapy supports and enhances the self-healing mechanism. Therefore, it can be applied regardless of the patient’s age and condition. If appropriately adapted, CranioSacral Therapy techniques can also be used to treat newborns and the elderly alike.

Sessions begin clothed and in a supine, face-up, position. The therapist performs a whole-body evaluation and the therapeutic touch is light. CranioSacral Therapy offers a wide range of techniques, including a hand(s)-on contact with the patient’s body, specific and light compression or traction of the cranial bones applied in the area of restriction, following the patient’s involuntary movements, the direction of the human energy field, or a combination of all of the above. Although the main focus of craniosacral techniques is on the dura – a waterproof sac that surrounds and protects the brain and the spinal cord – the function of the dura can be, and usually is, influenced by other parts of the body. That is why the whole patient’s body is evaluated. When performing the techniques, the therapist’s hands are tuned into the patient’s bony system, but it is primarily the soft tissues and fluid flow that the therapist focuses his/her intention and attention on. This optimization of fluid flow and normalization of movement increases the overall health of the system. By optimizing fluid exchange, the practitioner can enhance physiological processes and trigger the self-healing mechanism. The therapist’s role is to enhance this effect by reducing connective tissue restrictions and improving its flexibility, stretchability, moisturization, and elasticity. These restrictions can be the result of mechanical or emotional trauma, tissue function disorders, inflammation, or pathology. On the other hand, a system in which the flow of fluids has been disturbed is more prone to the development of pathology.

A therapeutic session is a process strongly rooted in the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, but in many respects, it is also a creative process, the outcome of which is equally dependent upon both the patient and the therapist. However, before deciding on this form of therapy, it should be emphasized that it is the patient who makes decisions, formulates the goal for the therapy, and is largely responsible for the success of the healing process. The therapist’s role is more of a guide who supports the self-healing properties, and the patient’s ‘inner physician. To obtain this purpose, the therapist uses his/her palpatory skills and dialoguing techniques. For more information on CranioSacral Therapy visit: https://upledgerinstitute.pl/en/therapy/