What is Craniosacral Therapy

what-is-cstCraniosacral Therapy (also referred to as cranio-sacral therapy, cranial therapy and CST) is a relatively new therapy and is one of the fastest, most effective treatment modalities in use today. The term “craniosacral” comes from the words “cranium“, the head, and “sacrum“, just above the tailbone.

CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger, following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

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 5 cent coin, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

CST is not massage!

Read more about what you can expect from a craniosacral therapy session.

This is a very gentle therapy which gets to the cause of the problem or disorder without medical intervention or medication and allows for the body to heal from within. For example, we are constantly reminded in the press and on TV, the overprescribing of antibiotics has brought about the emergence of “superbugs” that are immune to antibiotics and there is now a trend to move back to more holistic ways of treating childhood ailments which are proving more effective than the route of antibiotics.

That is not to say that conventional medicine does not have its place in our lives, but we need to find other ways to ensure that we and our children have strong, healthy immune systems and are able to manage ailments and illnesses in a more positive way that leaves more and not less of our natural immunity to bacterial infections.