IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH WITH
Craniosacral Therapy
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, systemic therapy that assesses the cranial pulse in order to discover and treat restrictions in the cranial and spinal connective tissue.
Capable of alleviating deep-seated tension in the body, CST can help lessen pain, address dysfunction, and enhance overall health and performance.
At Center Point Healing, we practice Biomechanical Craniosacral Therapy (also known as Functional Craniosacral Therapy).
Who benefits from Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) can help you manage symptoms of:
- Autism, ADHD
- Chronic pain, including back and neck pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches like migraines
- Neuralgia & Neuropathy
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Stroke
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome
What is the Cranial Pulse?
The cranial pulse, also known as the craniosacral rhythm, is a holistic physiological rhythm that influences the movement of cerebrospinal fluid. The craniosacral system (CSS) is comprised of the bones, membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Distinct from other internal rhythms like breathing and heart rate, it was previously theorized that the CSS functions as a hydraulic pump, circulating and reabsorbing cerebrospinal fluid throughout the brain and body. Recent research has updated our understanding of the system and new theories are now being formed as to the nature of the craniosacral rhythm.
Cerebrospinal fluid assists the brain by providing protection, nourishment, and waste removal.
*Photo: Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2).
FAQ
What can I expect during my Craniosacral therapy session?
Before your Craniosacral Therapy session begins, your therapist will conduct a thorough intake assessment. Once you’re comfortable on the treatment table, they will assess your Craniosacral Rhythm (CSR).
Treatment consists of light touch therapy that works with your CSR to relieve restrictions throughout the body.
Typically treatment begins at the head, and generally moves to the pelvis, rib cage, neck, and back to the head.
Treatment is typically performed without the need to dress down.
Will I experience improvement after one session?
It’s certainly possible to experience improvement after your first session. This is in fact a common occurance. As with all therapeutic interventions, it really depends on the nature of your condition and the response of your body.
What is Biomechanical Craniosacral Therapy (BMCS) vs. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST)?
At Center Point Healing, we practice Biomechanical CST (also called Functional Craniosacral Therapy), not Biodynamic CST.
Practitioners of BCST take a highly non-invasive, hands-off approach. There is no actual manual manipulation of structure or tissue, and the approach is more similar to energetic healing modalities than manual therapy.
Biomechanical CST is more anatomy-based, and focuses on addressing structural or functional issues within the craniosacral system. It still takes a gentle approach but has a more direct intention to correct dysfunctions within the neurofascial musculoskeletal systems, including bones, nerves, connective tissues, and fluids.
How can such a light touch help with severe pain?
Since this therapy is directed toward the body’s connective tissue, we have to approach the connective tissue at the pressure that most effectively influences its nature. The connective tissue matrix is designed to resist big forces in the body, and at its nature it is very delicate, so light touch is more resonant than the pressure applied during other forms of therapy.
How long is a typical craniosacral therapy session?
While session length varies based upon assessment, typically a standard treatment takes about an hour. Your therapist may suggest a longer session length based on the trajectory of your treatment and the intended outcome.
Can Craniosacral Therapy be a preventative treatment?
By facilitating the body’s natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive healthcare measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease.
Upledger Institute International. (n.d.). www.upledger.com
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH WITH
Nick Forsberg, LMT
Craniosacral Therapist in Salem Oregon
Office
2765 12th St. SE
Salem, Oregon
Phone Number
(503) 999-8796