CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral(CST) is a gentle, hands- on approach that supports the body’s natural ability to heal- especially when pain, trauma, or chronic stress overwhelms the system.
By working with the craniosacral system, which directly influences the central nervous system, this therapy helps release deep restrictions in the body that may contribute to chronic pan, tension, or dysfunction.
As life happens, the body can hold on to stress. Over time, this may lead to compensations and tightening that impact the spine, brain and overall health. CST gently helps the body relax, self-correct, and return to balance by addressing the root causes of dysfunction- not just the symptoms.
This therapy is deeply calming and appropriate for people of all ages, as training allows. Sessions are performed with clients fully clothed in comfortable attire.
Conditions that benefit from CST
CranioSacral Therapy enhances your body’s ability to heal and self-correct. CST has been shown to help a wide spectrum of dysfunction and pain, including, but not limited to:
Migraines and Headaches
Chronic Pain- especially neck and back
Chronic Fatigue
Stress and tension related disorders
Motor-Coordination impairments
Infant and childhood disorders
Spinal cord injuries
Post-concussion symptoms
Fibromyalgia
TMJ dysfunction syndrome
Scoliosis
Central Nervous System disorders
Learning disabilities
ADD/ ADHD
Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder
Orthopedic problems
And much more
CranioSacral Therapy Mouth Work
As Craniosacral therapy progresses, gentle intraoral (mouth) work may be recommended. Using gloved hands and light touch, the work is done slowly with full communication.
This technique can be especially beneficial for TMJ issues, past dental work, facial injuries, breathing difficulties, allergies, or sinus and lymphatic stagnation. It often brings deep release, easing tension in the jaw, head, nervous system and vagus nerve.
SomatoEmotional Release Therapy
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that moves deeper into patterns presenting consistently in CST sessions. It helps release emotional and physical patterns stored in the body. When the body experiences stress, trauma, injury, or emotional overwhelm, it sometimes can’t fully process the event- and the leftover energy can become trapped in the tissues.
These areas of held tension are referred to as “energy cysts” – places where the body has walled off unresolved experiences in order to keep functioning. Over time, these patterns or “energy cysts” may contribute to chronic pain, fatigue, emotional imbalances, other pathologies, or a general feeling of being stuck.
Through light touch, deep listening, and a safe, non-invasive approach, SER therapy helps the body gradually unravel these patterns at your body’s own pace.
Often during the session the body will assume the positions it was in when the external injury forces were imposed upon it. As this occurs the therapist can feel the body relax as the energy cyst is expelled. The client may likely feel heat as this occurs. The release frequently results in some re-experiencing of the pain, fear, anger, etc. This is a good sign the treatment is releasing the retained problem. It is important to allow these emotions to unfold, not suppressing, but allow them move out naturally toward healing resolution.
Many clients report a deep sense of relief, clarity, and release- as if a burden they didn’t know they were carrying has finally been let go.
NOTE
For more information and history on CST & SER visit the Upledger Institute where I completed training. There are case studies and research articles available for common conditions and the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy.
