CranioSacral Therapy

Patricia Blackburn with a patient.

These localized areas of negative energy are called "energy cysts." The severity of the effect is greater, of course, if there are other energy cysts from other (unresolved) injuries. Often there are layers of this negative energy starting from birth, which is rarely without some negative effect on the individual. A classic case in point can be seen when you lean over to tie your shoes and your back goes out; this is not an isolated incident, really, but is like the final pebble in a bowl of water which makes the bowl overflow (dysfunction and pain). We all have layers of this entropic energy in our bodies to a greater or lesser extent. Craniosacral therapy releases these areas of negative energy by the application of gentle pressure. With regular craniosacral treatments, a build-up and major catastrophic limitations are prevented.

HOW DOES CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY WORK? *

This is accomplished through a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which maintains the environment in which the Central Nervous System functions. This system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord; these extend from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area, or sacrum.

The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.

Like the pulse of the cardiovascular system, the craniosacral system has a rhythm which can be felt throughout the body. Using a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a nickel, skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint a source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, practitioners can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. This simple touch is often all it takes to remove the "energy cyst." At other times, Craniosacral Therapy may be combined with other complementary therapies to promote healing.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY HELP?

Because of its influence on the functioning of the central nervous system, Craniosacral Therapy can benefit the body in a number of ways: from bolstering overall health and resistance to disease to alleviating a wide range of specific medical conditions.

Among Craniosacral Therapy's largest patient groups are those suffering chronic symptoms that have not responded to other approaches. In particular, CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from an accident, be it from a car, sports, a work mishap or from a fall.

The extremely light touch of Craniosacral Therapy makes it a safe approach for children, infants and newborns with early traumas, including birth trauma. Newborns, infants and children can especially benefit from the timely identification and release of restrictions in the craniosacral system. This helps prevent such future difficulties as hyperactivity and learning disabilities. Craniosacral Therapy is also very effective for newborns and infants with deformities of the skull or suffering from colic.

Another area where Craniosacral Therapy is extremely effective is with stress-related conditions. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety and temporomandibular joint (jaw pain) all respond well to this wonderful manual therapy. CST works to reverse the debilitating effects of stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. in fact, it's this ability to relelieve stress that's leading an increasing number of people to include CST as part of their wellness routine.

Sensory disorders respond well to Craniosacral Therapy also. Among these conditions are eye-motor coordination problems, autism, dyslexia, loss of taste or smell, vertigo and neuralgias such as sciatica, tic douloureux and Bell's Palsy.

And Craniosacral Therapy can help with a number of additional conditions and disorders; the list is extremely long. This just begins to convey what this technique can do to help you overcome health problems.

ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS FOR WHICH CST SHOUD NOT BE USED?

Craniosacral Therapy should not be used in the case of a condition where a variation or a slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other pre-existing severe bleeding disorders are examples of problems that CST is inappropriate for.

HOW IS A SESSION PERFORMED?

A craniosacral therapy session takes place in a quiet, private setting. We recommend that clients wear loose, comfortable clothing. It is preferable to not wear blue jeans as the fabric is stiff and thick and makes it difficult for the practitioner to feel how the body is, and how it reacts to treatment. Clients remain clothed, removing shoes only. A session is performed with the client reclining on a massage table while the practitioner stands, or sits, positioned at various times throughout the session at the client's head, torso or feet.

WHAT YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DURING A SESSION

Experiences during a CranioSacral Therapy session are as individual as the clients and practitioners themselves. These experiences may differ from session to session. At times, a client may deeply relax or even fall asleep. At other times, he or she may talk, recalling memories or expressing emotions. Some people will remain still during the entire session, hardly noticing the treatment while others will experience various sensations within the body.

At various times throughout the session, the practitioner will support the client's limbs and spine while facilitating the release of acccumulated tension: energy cyst release or tissue release. During a release, the client may recall circumstances surrounding a post shock, trauma, or injury. Releasing and re-experiencing past hurts assists the body to restore itself to its best function.

WHAT YOU MAY EXPERIENCE FOLLOWING A SESSION

Just as individuals experience Craniosacral Therapy differently, the immediate results can be diverse as well. This relaxed state may elicit the desire to sleep after a session. Others may experience an increase in energy. Reduction of pain or an increase in function may occur immediately or it may develop gradually over the next few days. Since Craniosacral Therapy helps the body resume its natural healing processes, it is common for improvement to continue for weeks after the session. For some, there may be a reorganization phase as the body adapts to the release of previously held patterns.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Response to Craniosacral Therapy varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. It is impossible to compare even in similar cases. The number of sessions needed varies widely - from just one (rare) to three or more a week over an extended period of time. My policy is to do three sessions and then confer with the patient to assess progress and the patient's desire to continue. Often I will recommend a certain amount of time depending on the condition. The treatment regimen is variable. I always work with the client in terms of their needs and capacities.

* Adapted from an Upledger Institute hand-out