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Craniosacral therapy is a distinct form of subtle energetic body work that can be used to treat a variety of illnesses and physical injuries. The body is made up of individual systems that have their own innate rhythm including the respiratory system, digestive system and the cardiovascular system. The body contains another subtle rhythm known as the craniosacral system. The craniosacral (CS) system consists of the membranes that form around the brain and spinal cord (including the sacrum), the bones of the skull to which the membranes attach, the cerebrospinal fluid, and the structures that produce, contain and reabsorb the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The craniosacral rhythm and the cranial and sacral bones can become out of balance due to trauma, repeated injury, or any physical or mental stress placed on the body. The system will try and protect itself and compensate for the stresses placed on it which results in the CS rhythm becoming out of balance, or subtle misalignment of the cranial or sacral bones. Incidents that may cause damage to the CS include: car accidents, sport injuries, birth trauma, chronic misalignment of the skeletal system, poor nutrition, chronic disease, a compromised immune system or repeated emotional stress. A connective tissue sheath that surrounds all body parts is known as fascia. Because the CS system is connected to the rest of the body by its connection to the fascia, restriction in the fascia can affect many other systems. Most notably these include the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, vascular system and the endocrine system. Because of these relationships, CS therapy is used to treat many different conditions. This therapy has been found to be helpful for headaches, sinus problems, anxiety, stress in general, endocrine problems, muscular fatigue or stress, depression, TMJ problems and many others.  The treatment is a very relaxing, non-invasive energetic body work. The patient will lie fully clothed, face up on a table. They may or may not be covered by a blanket. The practitioner will apply a light touch to different areas of the body focusing on the sacrum and the cranial bones. The practitioner may use her hands on the abdomen and chest to release restrictions of the fascia at these points. The goal is to unwind the restrictions in the fascia to bring the body back into a state of balance. This is very gentle treatment because the clinician is not manipulating the body in anyway but rather following the bodies own natural rhythm. The treatment typically is between 45 to 60 minutes in duration. Patients can feel a variety of sensations which may include a “release” of restricted areas, decrease in pain sensitivity and a deep state of relaxation. CS therapy is a highly effective treatment that can be used effectively to treat a variety a complaints ranging from the muscular physical, to pathological to emotional. |