How does it 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 it work?

As a holistic therapy, CST addresses the mind, body and spirit, treating all these aspects as interrelated parts of the whole person. What we experience as a physical accident or injury is held not just in our body, but in our mind, our memory and emotions.

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.

Chronic stress, 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.

Treatments are so powerful becasue they downregulate the stress (sympathetic) response, enabling the rest and digest (parasympathetic) response to engage and begin the process of restoring the body’s equalibrium, 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.

Can CST help me?

People come to CST for help with a wide range of symptoms and most report benefits after one or a series of treatments.

Pilot studies suggest that CST may relieve and help manage conditions associated with stress, general pain, chronic pain, lower back pain, fibromyalgia, migraine, neck pain, acquired brain injury, quality of life/general wellbeing, infantile colic, autism and ADHD and more.

After treatment, many experience coming out of a profoundly relaxed state, and others experience emotional releases. Most feel tired and report deep sleep. It may take a few days for the effects of a treatment to 'filter' through, and most people report feeling looser, more open, relaxed, and energised.

Read more in the FAQs