Cranio Sacral Therapy
What Is Cranio Sacral Therapy?
Originating from the Osteopathic field, Cranio Sacral Therapy aka Cranial Sacral or CST is a light touch technique where the client is fully clothed and the therapist works to find and release restrictions found in the fascial or connective layers of tissue. Restrictions around the brain and spinal cord are also released. These restrictions can manifest symptoms that are both physiological or emotional. Both physical or psychological trauma can be stored in the body and CST works to release the trauma-caused restrictions.
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Why Is It Called Cranio Sacral?
Although Cranio Sacral Therapy affects the whole body many of the techniques directly effect the bones of the skull, spine, and all the way down to the tailbone. Restrictions released between bones and sutures of the skull also release restrictions in the tissue that surround the brain and spinal cord. The whole body is then effected because of the soft tissue or fascial connection from spinal nerves that exit the dural tube and run throughout the rest of the body.
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Why Your Massage Therapist Loves It
Being a pain management therapist for since 2002 I'm always looking for more tools for the toolbox. When I worked for a Chiropractor I would use CST for 5-10 minutes in areas that were really painful and it worked well for the majority of those clients. Some others obtained jaw-dropping results!
Why You Might Love It Too
It's very non-invasive, clients don't have to disrobe, and for someone who is nervous about getting a massage for the first time, it's a great ice-breaker.
You should know that CST is not massage, at least not in the traditional sense. You won't have your muscles massaged and no oil or lotion is necessary. All you have to do is relax.
If you have heard of Somato-Emotional Release or SER work, you've found it here. And if you haven't heard of it, don't let the name intimidate you. Becoming emotional in a session can happen, but doesn't always and is not required for SER to be effective. Not all CST practitioners are trained in SER work so be choosy when you are looking for one. But why not just start with a session here? I'd be more than happy to help you.
For all of the years I have done deep tissue massage, CST is the least painful technique that has the ability to have the same effects as deep tissue massage.
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I am trained in CST through the Upledger Institute and have taken courses in Cranio Sacral Therapy, Somato-Emotional Release and brain and spinal cord restrictions and injury.