What is craniosacral therapy (CST)?

The objective of craniosacral therapy (CST) is to encourage the body and the central nervous system to correct itself. It is a gentle, non-invasive form of light touch therapy which uses the craniosacral system�s rhythm to detect and balance restrictions that can cause pain and dysfunction throughout the body. This light touch allows the practitioner to gently meld with the client and encourage neurologic release to occur. Little by little, this removes tensions from the client's body.

CST can be used to effectively treat pain, brain and spinal-cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, scoliosis, orthopedic disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and other problems. It is especially helpful with childhood disorders such as hyperactivity, dyslexia, and autism, and for people who have trauma following a car accident. Many people receive this specialized form of physical therapy simply to relax and reduce tension, or to increase their general level of well-being and health.

Several decades ago, osteopath John Upledger discovered a pulse in the body, separate from breathing or heart rate, that was generated within the membranes surrounding the skull and spinal cord. By monitoring and regulating this pulse, he found that he was able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions.

Before Dr. Upledger's pioneering work, the existence of the craniosacral pulse was unknown in the United States, and the bones of the skull were considered immovable. CST has been controversial, largely because of skepticism over his unorthodox anatomical discoveries, which have now been verified by numerous researchers.

The craniosacral membranes enclose a circulating fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid, which provides nutrients for the brain and spinal cord. As this fluid moves, the membranes containing the fluid also move, normally at a rate of 6 to 12 cycles per minute. The bones of the cranium and sacrum adjust to allow for these fluctuations of fluid pressure. If restrictions prevent this movement, pressures may be exerted on the soft tissue of the membranes and the central nervous system, adversely affecting the development and function of the brain and spinal cord. This can result in sensory, motor and intellectual dysfunction.

There is a physical dynamic of connective tissue (fascia) that allows traumatic energy to exit the body during CST. Somato-emotional release (the release of negative emotions from current or past traumas by crying, giggling, sighing, etc.) may also occur in addition to tension released physically by the muscles, usually by relaxation or even a feeling of heat.

A craniosacral session lasts about 90 minutes. You, as the client, are fully clothed and you lie comfortably face up throughout the session. It is an opportunity for you to take a part of your busy day for yourself and your well-being. Call 469.438.8634 and make your appointment today!

(Some of the above information provided by: Alternative & Complementary Therapies, December 1997. Excerpted from Spectrum Magazine.)

Sandy Hanne has been a massage therapist since 1999 but has been massaging people for relaxation and pain relief all her life. A (Usui) Reiki Master Teacher since 2000, Sandy's experience with energy work in thousands of client sessions has provided a deep skill basis for the energetic component of craniosacral therapy.

Sandy has done work based in CranioSacral exclusively for ten years, finding that "it does 3-5 times as much for my clients as any massage modality I studied, or Reiki." Sandy has also studied basic swedish massage, chair massage, shiatsu, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, hot stone and deep tissue massage. However, she finds that CranioSacral, although more subtle, provides deeper muscle penetration than deep-tissue work and a deeper relaxation than swedish, Reiki or even hot stone therapy. She has been a teaching assistant for founder Dr. John Upledger at the highest level of training (Advanced II), and has studied with him extensively (eight of her 24 classes).

Most clients experience sensations ranging from heat, tingling, "icy-hot," deep relaxation, or even euphoria. Clients are requested to be sure to wait a few moments if necessary before operating a vehicle.

CranioSacral therapy has provided transformational results for dozens of Sandy's regular clients. Most who come want to return regularly. Sessions include lifestyle counseling, life coaching and goals management if desired, because "your life shows up in your body."

For a cost-effective alternative, try "Flow" relaxing and gentle soft-tissue spinal care; approximately 30 minute treatments for $30, Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30, drop-in basis (no appointment). First session FREE!

For more information about the wonders of craniosacral therapy, please click here and here.