What is Cranial Sacral Therapy?
Cranial Sacral Therapy is a gentle form of touch that releases restrictions in the central nervous system caused by injury, trauma and illness.
Cerebral spinal fluid bathes our brain, and travels through the dural membrane that surrounds the spine from the skull to the tailbone. This vital fluid protects brain and spinal cord from trauma, supplies nutrients to nervous system tissue and removes waste products from cerebral metabolism.
CST adjustments are made from the feet to the head, working with the diaphragms, fascia, fluids and bones of the sacrum to the cranium to address root causes of pain and stress. Principal movements are done on the sacrum bones, individual vertebrates and all the bones of the cranium or skull. Intra-oral work can also be done in the mouth to support dental trauma, tooth and facial pain, jaw pain and discomfort. The method is based on osteopathic principals, and my touch is no more than the weight of a nickel. This very gentle technique allows the body to make its adjustments when the body is ready, as opposed to other techniques which require manual manipulation or bone-setting. (which may have their own place and purpose, however are different than CST.)
Clients often feel very calm and rested during a treatment, entering a deep state of relaxation which allows the body to re-organize, re-pattern and return to a state of balance.
How does Cranial Sacral Therapy work?
Cerebrospinal fluid is made in the 3rd and 4th ventricles of the brain (see pic below). This fluid bathes and nourishes all the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges, which houses our nervous system.
When a body endures blunt impact or trauma, bones can move and tissues can tighten. Stress and trauma also causes us to contract, and tighten. This tension causes distortions or restrictions in the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord, which houses our nervous system. This then impacts how our nervous system is functioning. By releasing restrictions in the fascia, or creating decompression for bones that are stuck, the fluid can move freely again, which may mean being able to sleep better, feel less pain, or move with more ease.
Fortunately the body is responsive to change, and has the ability to balance, to heal and to re-establish homeostasis when given the opportunity.
When the nervous system is supported to function optimally, all the other body systems receive these messages, and are able to self-correct.Â
Restrictions in the Cranial Sacral fluid can be detected and corrected using a highly developed sense of touch to palpate (feel) this motion and apply adjustments which can relieve disturbances in the fluid and enhance the vitality and function of the body.
By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.
What conditions does Cranial Sacral Therapy address?
- Migraines and Headaches
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Concussions
- Stress, Anxiety and Tension-Related Disorders
- Birth Trauma
- Infant and Childhood Disorders
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- TMJ Syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- ADD/ADHD
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Orthopedic Problems
- And Many Other Conditions
What Can I Expect on My First Visit?
The massage is given while you are fully clothed, on a massage table with pillows and supports. Sessions are between 75-90 minutes, and people often feel very relaxed and in a state that is somewhere between sleeping and waking while they are on the table. This is a restorative state of regeneratation and healing.
Ensure your meal is fully digested one hour before your session, and plan for an extra 10 minutes to complete your health form on your first visit. Please wear loose, comfortable stretch wear such as a t-shirt, yoga pants or shorts with minimal pockets or zippers. Please remove belts before lying on the table.
It is important to drink plenty of water, and have time after a session to reflect and digest this session. The tissues and fluid will continue to unwind for two to three days, and so finding space and time to be in nature or for relaxation will truly benefit full integration of the session.
Sarah completed her training and certification at Langara College with Brenda Pulvermacher and the incredible team of mentors in Vancouver, BC. She has been practicing for 12 years with adults, children and babies.
Sarah Kane Healing Arts 