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What Is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on treatment that may provide relief from a variety of symptoms including headaches, neck pain, and side effects of cancer treatment among many others. CST uses a light touch to examine membranes and the movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity. The focus of CST is a gentle placement of hands to assist the release of the body’s connective tissue, or “fascia.” Fascia (Latin word for “band”) is a covering found throughout the body including organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord. This covering forms a body-wide connective network. CST is based on the idea that the body is interrelated at all levels. CST is thought to improve the efficiency of biological processes by boosting inherent self-regulation, self-correction, and self-healing. The therapy can be used successfully with children and adults.
How does Craniosacral Therapy Work?
The theory behind CST is that the cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, moves through the body along specific pathways. If these pathways are impaired, the brain and spinal cord may become damaged or inflamed, which can lead to a variety of medical complications.
CST aims to restore the normal flow of this fluid by working with the bones, joints, and muscles in the sacrum and spine to rebalance their position. This can be done by holding the patient in various positions, or by applying pressure with the hands to different parts of the body. A therapist will massage your body with their hands to restore balance and allow the cerebrospinal fluid to flow freely again.
The first goal of CST is to find out where there are imbalances in the sacrum or spine that may be contributing to the problem. That accomplished, the CST practitioner will apply pressure to those places to balance them out. Once the cerebrospinal fluid has been re-balanced, the provider may repeat the process to make sure the proper flow of the fluid has been restored.
What is Craniosacral Therapy Good For?
CST can be used as a complementary therapy for any condition where there is muscle tension, stress, anxiety, or pain that originates from compression and/or tension in the head, neck, and back.
CST is most commonly used to treat and offer relief for:
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Digestive issues like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Sleep issues and insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Strokes
- Speech impairment
What Can I Expect from a Craniosacral Therapy (CST) Session?
A CST session is similar to massage therapy, except you stay fully clothed. The treatment session begins with a consultation with your trained therapist to identify troubled areas. Soft music and low lighting are often used to increase your state of relaxation. The therapist uses gentle pressure techniques to assess the existence of possible disruptions and/or restrictions in your fascial system. Light touch and fascial release may help your muscles and organs naturally relieve stress, which improves function. Other patients often report feeling a sense of deep relaxation.
What Does Cranial Sacral Mean?
The term craniosacral, a portmanteau of the words cranial and sacral, references the fact that these two structures are the center of gravity for the skull and spine, respectively. The therapy seeks to balance these structures through gentle, rhythmic pressure applied by the hands and is intended to normalize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord, which can become impaired through disease, injury, or emotional stress. CST may also promote relaxation and ease symptoms of migraines, headaches, and back pain, and help people manage their stress and depression.
Is Craniosacral Therapy Effective?
Research on CST is limited and of low quality, as highlighted by several systematic reviews. However, its potential to cause harm is low and some people may experience benefits from CST, particularly concerning stress and anxiety reduction. According to the University of Minnesota, CST may benefit individuals by inspiring a change in their attitude to their health and well-being.
A 2006 article in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy advised practitioners of CST that it is their responsibility, to be honest with their clients about what CST can and cannot do, based on proven research.
Practitioners should never use CST on a person in place of medical treatment or other therapy that is proven to work.
How Many Craniosacral Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
Response to CST varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. Your response is uniquely your own and can't be compared to anyone else's - even those cases that may appear to be similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies widely - from just one up to three or more a week for several weeks.
Is Craniosacral Therapy Right for Everyone?
CST can benefit almost everyone. With a few conditions, however, craniosacral therapy may not be appropriate and you’ll need to talk with your CST practitioner and physician.
Your session needs to wait if you have experienced any of the following and have NOT been released for treatment by your physician:
- Recent concussion.
- Cerebral swelling.
- Structural defects in the cerebellum such as Arnold-Chiari malformation.
- Brain aneurysm.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Blood clots.
- Any disorder that causes instability of cerebral fluid pressure, flow, or build-up.
What Will I Experience After a Session?
Just as each individual experiences CST sessions differently, the results can be diverse as well. You may leave in such a relaxed state that you feel like sleeping for hours. Or you may leave full of boundless energy. You may feel a decrease in pain or an increase in function immediately after the session, or the effects may develop gradually over the next few days.
Does Insurance Cover Craniosacral Therapy?
CST is not covered by insurance. An out-of-pocket payment is required prior to treatment.
When was Craniosacral Therapy Developed?
It was in 1970, during a neck surgery in which he was assisting, that osteopathic physician John E. Upledger first observed the rhythmic movement of what would soon be identified as the craniosacral system. None of his colleagues nor any of the medical texts at the time could explain this discovery, however.
His curiosity was piqued, and Dr. Upledger began searching for the answer. He started with the research of Dr. William Sutherland, the father of cranial osteopathy. For some 20 years beginning in the early 1900s, Sutherland had explored the concept that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. For decades after, this theory remained at odds with the beliefs of the scientific and medical communities. Dr. Upledger believed, however, that if Sutherland's theory of cranial movement was true, this would help explain, and make feasible, the existence of the rhythm he had encountered in surgery.
It was at this point that Dr. Upledger set out to scientifically confirm the existence of cranial bone motion. From 1975 to 1983 he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, where he supervised a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists, and bioengineers in research and testing. The results not only confirmed Sutherland's theory but led to clarification of the mechanisms behind this motion - the craniosacral system. Dr. Upledger's continued work in the field ultimately resulted in his development of CranioSacral Therapy.
What Does Research Say about Craniosacral Therapy
Studies on craniosacral therapy (CST) are limited, and the results are not always proven. Some researchers suggest that CST does not produce the effects as propagated. However, some support CST although there is a lack of evidence. CST does provide relief for certain ailments.
Positives
1. A study looked at the effects of CST on people who have fibromyalgia. A 20-week period study reported that people who underwent CST improved their medium-term discomfort.
2. Another study on CST and fibromyalgia suggested that the therapy may reduce anxiety and increase the quality of life.
3. A study investigating the effects of acupuncture and CST on people with asthma reported that when used with standard asthma therapy, both treatments offered potential advantages. However, combining CST and acupuncture had no advantage over either treatment alone.
4. According to a 2009 study, CST may enhance both quality of life and the capacity of people with multiple sclerosis who have lower urinary tract symptoms and trouble emptying their bladders.
Negatives
1. Research revealed some harmful side effects of CST on people with traumatic brain injuries.
2. The existing evidence from various studies on CST is insufficient to draw any judgments on the effectiveness of CST.
3. Six randomized-controlled trials were examined. Five studies were noted to be flawed, whereas the sixth did not yield any findings to demonstrate the usefulness of CST.
Conditions that Craniosacral Therapy Treat
- Chronic pain.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Migraine headache.
- Complex regional pain syndrome.
- Fascial adhesions.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Neuralgia.
- Neurodegenerative diseases.
- Temporo-mandibular joint syndrome.
- Stroke.
- Post-concussion syndrome.
- Speech impairment.
- Epilepsy.
The Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
1. Improved Mobility
A major benefit of CST is that it can help restore the flexibility of the joints, especially the spine. It helps to relieve pain and tension and can prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.
2. Stress Relief
CST is thought to relieve stress and tension and release both emotional and physical sources of anxiety. Research has shown that it may be effective for people suffering from conditions like migraines, neck pain, or insomnia.
3. Improved Sleep
One study showed that patients who underwent CST experienced fewer instances of sleep disorders. Plus, those who had CST treatments after suffering from sleep disorders saw an improvement in their symptoms.
4. Reduced Pain
People who have experienced CST report less pain in their neck, shoulders, and back. Some people also report having fewer headaches or migraines.
What will You Experience During a CST Session?
Experiences during a CST session are as individual as the clients and practitioners themselves. They also 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 a great deal, recalling memories or expressing emotions. Some will remain still during the entire session hardly noticing the practitioner’s evaluation and treatment, while others will experience sensations within the body as their process is carried out.
At various time throughout the session, the practitioner will support a client’s limbs and spine while facilitating release of accumulated tension. This process is called energy cyst release or tissue release. During this release, the client might recall circumstances surrounding a past shock, trauma or injury. Releasing and re-experiencing past hurts assists the body in reversing dysfunction and restoring the previous level of mobility. This entire process has been named SomatoEmotional Release.
What to Expect After CranioSacral Therapy
You may feel relaxed, refreshed, or tired and “different” after your Craniosacral therapy session. It is wise to avoid exertion and any abrupt motions that put a strain on your structural system after your treatment. Your body has likely undergone some soft tissue releases and realignment and needs time to become accustomed to this new posture. Avoid extreme exercise or activities that tax your energy and healing resources. You may be “recalibrating” and re-learning to move in a new neutral alignment with your body. Allow yourself a day or two to become settled in this new balance. Feel justified in pampering yourself for a while and allow yourself to finish processing.
Drink plenty of water…hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Many body chemicals have been moved and “freed” up in your body, and some toxins may have been released from storage. Your body is trying to flush these toxins out and improve the electrochemical communications within your body. By giving your body lots of water it can detoxify and improve the fluidity of communication within the body.
For a few days, you may still be aware of your body processing the changes that began during your treatment. Be kind to yourself and be aware that emotions may come up more freely or unexpectedly. Sometimes a new layer of awareness is coming to the surface and old symptoms may be stirred up. This should resolve shortly and your awareness, attention, and patience with yourself can help the process. If you do not have an opportunity to allow this at the moment, jot a reminder note and take time shortly to allow this cleansing process to complete itself. You may wish to make your immediate family or support network with whom you spend time, aware that this can happen. Take your time with any big decisions.
Over the next few days, you may wish to give yourself time for “listening” to your body or make this a regular daily habit. Find a comfortable position; let your body become heavy and relaxed focusing on your breathing – allowing full free breaths – and ask yourself if there are any insights or messages regarding your health or any body system or area that seems to be “lighting up” since your last CST session. Change takes time and intention, but your body will thank you for asking and paying attention.
If a young baby or child has received treatment, remember that their sleeping patterns can change, and don’t be alarmed if they take a long nap, or sleep through the night if this isn’t typical. Like adults, they are processing and can be more emotional. Feel free to call with any questions.
Craniosacral Therapy Procedure and Techniques
When you arrive for your appointment, your practitioner will ask you about your symptoms and any preexisting conditions that you have.
You’ll typically remain fully clothed during the treatment, so wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. Your session will last about an hour, and you’ll likely begin by lying down on your back on the massage table. The practitioner may begin at your head, feet, or near the middle of your body.
Using five grams of pressure (which is about the weight of a nickel), the provider will gently hold your feet, head, or sacrum to listen to their subtle rhythms.
If they detect it’s needed, they may gently press or reposition you to normalize the flow of the cerebrospinal fluids. They may use tissue-release methods while supporting one of your limbs.
During the treatment, some people experience different sensations. These may include:
- feeling deep relaxation
- falling asleep, and later recalling memories or seeing colors
- sensing pulsations
- having a “pins and needles” (numbing) sensation
- having a hot or cold sensation
CST for Babies, Infants and Children
A baby can be treated at any stage but generally ‘the earlier the better; even as early as a few days old. This helps to prevent many difficulties with infants before they take root. Their cranial experience tends to differ from adults as they have ‘no layers’ and they generally ‘feel’ everything as a result. Instinctively, they trust it.
After the initial session, some babies continue to improve. However, some babies respond by improving after all the treatments are completed and this can be quite normal. As a parent, it's important to know this so as not to get frustrated.
Craniosacral treatment can become undone:
- during times of “growth spurts” which can often bring back symptoms experienced immediately after birth
- after injections
- a heavy fall
- teething
When this occurs, I would encourage the parent to bring their little one back for a “top-up” session to restore homeostasis in the body.
Who Can Benefit from CST?
As a therapy, CST is often recommended for individuals who are experiencing acute or chronic pain in their neck, head, back, legs, or feet. It's also sometimes used by massage therapists and physical therapists as part of rehabilitation programs or for the prevention of injury. It's not intended as a direct treatment for any illness. Rather, CST is used to support more conventional treatments and, in the right circumstance, can be an excellent aid to their use.
Moreover, CST may be useful for those whose bodies are imbalanced or damaged in some way —as may be the case for individuals who've experienced a stroke, head injury, or other medical issues. Provided that they're otherwise healthy and have checked with a healthcare provider, people who have no structural damage to the spine and are free from severe health complications are usually suitable candidates for craniosacral therapy.
People living with a range of conditions often appeal to CST to find relief from their symptoms, for instance, those living with back pain, migraines, osteoarthritis, neck injuries, back injuries, cervical spondylosis, sciatica, and psychographic segmentation.
Side Effects & Risks Associated with Craniosacral Therapy
Soon after treatment, patients feel uncomfortable. However, this is quite normal and temporary in nature. Generally, it goes away within 24 hours of therapy. Some other side effects are dizziness, nausea, heavy sensations in the head, and lastly, lower back pain.
If you ever fall prey to any of them, always bring it to the notice of the practitioner. They are the best people to guide you toward steady and complete healing.
An interesting aspect of Craniosacral therapy is that it is devoid of risks, meaning, it does not create new problems of its own or show abnormal signs in suitable candidates.
However, if those unsuitable for this therapy opt for it, it can turn out to be risky. Problems like acute bleeding, diagnosed aneurysm, and fractures or bleeding in the skull shall be inevitable. Also, people with a long history of traumatic injuries in heads must refrain from this therapy.
Finding a Craniosacral Therapist
Many healers are adding “craniosacral therapist” to their lists of titles. They have diverse backgrounds, ranging from dentistry and osteopathy (when done by these licensed physicians, the therapy is often covered by insurance) to massage, shiatsu, rolfing, and acupuncture. Massage therapists, especially, choose to add craniosacral work to their practice.
Lots of these healers attended an accredited school and have been certified. Because there are five to ten different levels of certification, you should double-check their background and specialty. Ask your practitioner which level they have studied and how often they do it.
Remember: A good craniosacral therapist doesn’t force anything. You’re in it together, working with each other. If your symptoms aren’t getting any better, the practitioner should refer you to another specialist.
To find a craniosacral bodyworker, contact any of the teaching institutions and ask for someone in your area. Or call a massage therapist for a referral. Physicians can also hook you up with a trusted practitioner.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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