CranioSacral Therapy

 CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on treatment for the central nervous system. During a session, the therapist works primarily on the cranium ("Cranio") and along the spine down to the sacrum ("Sacral").  

There are various goals that can set the intention of a CST session.

One intention that is beneficial for every body, is to flush and reset the central nervous system. In this type of session, the therapist first evaluates circulation of the fluid that lubricates and nourishes the brain and spinal column, called  cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). There is a ten-step protocol followed to identify where fluid is not flowing efficiently, release restrictions, reassess, and repeat.  

Some examples of how restrictions can occur are:

• Taking a fall - landing on the buttocks can jam the spine upwards 

• Being thrown or jarred as in a car accident 

• Forceps used to pull an infant from the birth canal

• Compression within the spine from sitting long durations over time

CranioSacral Therapy can release restrictions and ensure nerves operate at their best.  Some benefits can include:

• Reduce or halt pain signals that were previously a mystery

• Reduce or eliminate migraine headaches 

• Reduce or eliminate colic

• Reduce chronic neck or back pain

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Visit www.upledger.com/therapies for more.

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A second intention for a CST session can be to release memories physically stored in the body tissues, referred to as Somato-Emotional Release (SER). This type session is helpful  for reducing depression, reducing anxiety, alleviating PTSD, among many other benefits.  It is highly recommended that for SER sessions, you have support, such as a counselor or close contact, to help you handle memories and emotions that can arise. 

 

With SER, the therapist looks for any part of the body with pulsing or oscillating energy, spiking, throbbing, or any other odd behavior in a specific area. The therapist then works on that area with several possible techniques to remove imbalances, and can also subsequently cause release of a memory. The memory may or may not reveal itself in the session, but at a later time, which is also why it is so important to have support. Once the memory releases from the physical body the entire being can heal without recurrence. The book, "Working Wonders" contains numerous accounts of the healing power of CST and SER, and how it has dramatically improved people's lives where standard medicine could not. Another reference, "Waking the Tiger" explains the dynamic of how our body stores memories and by releasing them, we achieve persistent, not just temporary resolution.