What is Cranio-Sacral Therapy?
How does CST work?
CST is named after the craniosacral system – the structures, membranes, and fluids that house, protect and nourish the central nervous system (CNS).
Anatomically speaking, craniosacral therapists work with the rhythmic motion as expressed by the craniosacral system – the bones of the skull (cranium), the spine and the tailbone (sacrum), with the meningeal membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord, with the precious cerebrospinal fluid contained within those membranes, and with the fascial tissue that envelopes all body structures including the nerves emerging from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. These structures work together to pump cerebrospinal fluid around the central nervous system, as expressed by the craniosacral rhythm in a continuous wave like motion of expansion and contraction that can be palpated and assessed.
Because nerve function is compromised by anything that interferes with the effective transmission of impulses – physical, psycho-emotional, neurological, energetic – CST seeks to restore, enhance and support free and unrestricted rhythmic motion and flow of fluids throughout the craniosacral system and all other body systems.
We also work with deeper rhythmic patterns that underpin and lend vitality and potency to this rhythmic motion. Our aim is to harness the self-corrective potential in the body, facilitating the restoration of balanced expression signifying health and wellness.
Why does CST work?
When we treat the cranium and body we are also treating the mind, helping to restore and enhance balance in the craniosacral, CNS and related systems.
As a holistic therapy, CST treats the body, mind, emotions and spirit as interrelated facets of the whole person. What we experience as a physical accident, injury or trauma is held not just in our body, but in our mind, our memory and emotions and can impact our very sense of self.
Chronic stress, physical and psychological trauma and adverse experiences affect our central and somatic nervous systems, impacting our cortisol and adrenalin levels, heart rate, digestion, sleep, immune system, fertility and menstrual cycles, muscle tension with a negative effect on our ability to rest and repair.
CST is so powerful becasue treatments downregulate the stress (sympathetic) response, enabling the rest and digest (parasympathetic) response to engage and begin the process of restoring the body’s equalibrium and healing, resulting in improved sleep, digestion, heart rate, tissue repair and relaxation.
This process may be surprisingly quick, while more persistent conditions and patterns may take longer to release.