Craniosacral Therapy
CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger
following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan
State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor
of Biomechanics.
CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning
of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised
of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the
brain and spinal cord.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly
used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance
to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated
with pain and dysfunction, including :
- Migraine Headaches
- Motor-Coordination Impairments
- Colic
- Autism
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Orthopedic Problems
- Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Scoliosis
- Infantile Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- Chronic Fatigue
- Emotional Difficulties
- Stress and Tension-Related Problems
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
- Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Craniosacral Therapy with Children
The compressive forces experienced during birth as a result of the passage through the pelvis and the tight fit in the birth canal can cause imbalance in a baby's system; even in natural and apparently problem-free births. Common new-born problems like colic, sucking problems and respiratory difficulties may be due to compression arising from birth trauma. CS therapists believe these can transform later in life into depression, migraine, sinusitis, spinal and pelvic pain. Treatment of young children by a craniosacral therapist may be not only curative, but also helpful in preventing problems later in life. Health issues in adults which are linked to their birth or very early experience can be resolved.