What is it:

CranioSacral Therapy is a style of bodywork that specifically treats the central nervous system. Using light touch, a practitioner helps release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which comprises the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Since this is where the nervous system originates, CranioSacral Therapy (CST) improves its overall function, as well as many other systems of the body.  CST complements traditional massage by treating the nervous system as well as the muscles and connective tissue. It has also shown to help with the somatic elements of mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. 

The Benefits:

Cues muscles to relax on their own

It is the nervous system that sends impulses to your muscles to contract and relax. If muscles are chronically tight no matter how much you massage them, it may be because your nervous system is continuously sending signals to tighten. CST helps stop that loop by relaxing the nervous system and improving its function. The result is that your muscles calm down too. 

Treats chronic, hard-to-figure-out conditions

Headaches, jaw pain, stress-related muscle tightness, digestion issues, and so much more can all be helped by CranioSacral Therapy. The reason is that the nervous system is crucial to the health of all the systems in your body. If it isn’t functioning well, it will impede the function of everything else. Your migraines may be the downstream effect of nervous system dysregulation and CST may help. 

Direct benefit to your mental health

The central nervous system is also the key player in your mental health. If your nervous system is hyperaroused (in other words, working too hard), this can lead to anxiety and stress. If your nervous system is hypo-aroused (working sluggishly or not enough), this can lead to depression. CranioSacral Therapy helps regulate the nervous system back to a baseline state, helping with mood issues and mental health disorders. 

Common conditions CST can treat:

• Whiplash, headaches, and traumatic brain injuries

• TMJ issues (intraoral work is especially helpful!)

• Anxiety and depression

• PTSD

• Chronic pain

• Sleep issues

• Other injuries that won’t resolve with more traditional approaches 

Who it’s not for:

• Recent brain hemorrhage or stroke

• Recent epidural or puncture of the craniosacral system

• Arnold Chiari malformation

• Recent fracture of skull bones, vertebral column, tailbone, or ribs

• Brain swelling

• Brain aneurysm