Supporting Your Body’s Ability to Heal with Craniosacral Therapy
Your body is innately designed to heal and function at its highest level. Craniosacral Therapy helps the body release tension and blocks within the craniosacral system to help your body heal.
What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and How Can It Help Stimulate Your Body’s Ability to Heal
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is responsible for most of our bodily functions and the transmission of information in our body. When our CNS is in an optimal state, our ability to relax, move, think clearly, digest, rest, feel joy, and socialize is optimized. When our CNS is in a stress state, our daily functions will switch into a stress response. Hormones will kick in and can activate our fight or flight responses, depression, fear, frustration, anxiety, collapse, and/or immobility.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method that helps optimize the craniosacral system, the soft tissue and fluid that helps protect the brain and spine. CST has been shown to improve the CNS function and many other systems of the body, such as the digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and circulatory systems. CST is used as an alternative therapy for the treatment of headaches, migraines, chronic pain and inflammation, insomnia, anxiety, sinus infections, digestive disorders, and more.
How CST Works
Craniosacral Therapy is used to promote the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the craniosacral system. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless plasma that bathes the Central Nervous System. When we experience stress or strain, the tissues in our body can tighten and create blocks where the cerebrospinal fluid will not flow optimally. When the fluid is weak in an area it can indicate areas of tightness or restriction, pain or numbness. By assessing the areas of weakness, a CST practitioner, using a light, gentle touch can help release those areas of blockage and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the system. These releases will have a direct impact on the Central Nervous System and the body’s ability to function at its highest capacity.
What Does CST Look Like
CST, usually, takes place in a quiet room similar to what you would find with a body massage. You will lie clothed on a padded table, similar to a massage table, and your therapist will assess the cranial bones (head and face), spine (back), sacrum (lower back), and extremities (arms and legs) for areas of restriction. Your practitioner will then use delicate manual techniques to help release those areas of tension throughout your body.
What Does CST Feel Like
CST feels differently for everyone. The body innately knows how to heal, and CST taps into the body’s wisdom of releasing what it needs to release. For the most part, CST helps put you in a state of calm and deep relaxation. When areas release, different sensations can occur in the body such as: mini twinges of static electricity, heat or warmth, nothing (this usually happens when we are not yet ready to let go), flow or movement, twitching or itching sensations in different areas, seeing colors, and/or sensing pulsations. Releases usually occur quickly and are followed by a deeper sense of felt relaxation.
Can I Have CST If I Am Pregnant
CST is performed on women trying to conceive, who are pregnant, who are birthing, as well as on newborn babies, infants, and children. CST has been known to aid with morning sickness, fatigue, emotional release, and physical pain. It has been used to help support labor’s progression in optimizing whatever time it takes for birth by encouraging the body to relax, so it can respond innately. CST has also been known to aid in unwinding tension within baby’s body after the rigorous process of birth and the restrictions of pregnancy. CST work on babies may help support breastfeeding, sleep, digestion.
As with anything, different modalities will resonate for some and not for others. If you are curious about CST, I encourage you to reach out and ask questions or come in for a session. In any case, it is always recommended that you consult your physician to see if CST is right for you prior to treatment. April is Craniosacral Awareness Month, so check for a local practitioner to see if there are any options for trying out this treatment this month. Mothering Life will have offer free 20-minute sessions on April 25 and 26 in Evergreen, Colorado to help raise awareness for this incredible practice. Check out our website for more information or register now.
Danielle Hughes is the Founder of Mothering Life and a mother of two. She is an INNATE Postpartum Care practitioner and provides information and resources to expectant and new mothers, so motherhood can be the celebration that it is meant to be.