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:
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Migraine Headaches
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Chronic Neck and Back Pain
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Motor-Coordination Impairments
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Colic
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Central Nervous System Disorders
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Orthopedic Problems
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Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
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Spinal Cord Injuries
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Scoliosis
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Infantile Disorders
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Learning Disabilities
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Chronic Fatigue
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Emotional Difficulties
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Stress and Tension-Related Problems
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Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
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Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
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Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Post-Surgical Dysfunction
What Can I Expect From a Session? A typical CranioSacral Therapy session takes place in a quiet, private setting. You remain fully clothed as you relax on a comfortable, padded table. Your therapist begins by gently touching various parts of your head and body to monitor the rhythm of the fluid that is flowing around your central nervous system. By carefully listening with the hands to locate areas of weak fluid flow or tissue motion, your practitioner can trace those areas of weakness through the body to the original source of dysfunction. Delicate manual techniques are then used to release those problem areas, and improve the form and function of your central nervous system. A CranioSacral Therapy session can last up to an hour or more. It can be used alone or integrated with other therapies to facilitate powerful changes. What you experience from your own session is highly individual. The sessions are generally deeply relaxing, creating feelings of warmth or gentle pulsing in the areas the therapist is working on.