Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Craniosacral therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation, releasing tension, and supporting the nervous system. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that individuals who received craniosacral therapy experienced significant improvements in anxiety levels and overall quality of life (1).
Headaches and Migraines
Craniosacral therapy can help alleviate tension and restrictions in the craniosacral system that may contribute to headaches and migraines. A study in the Clinical Journal of Pain found that patients with migraines experienced a significant reduction in headache frequency and intensity following craniosacral therapy (2).
Neck and Back Pain
By addressing imbalances and restrictions in the craniosacral system, craniosacral therapy can help reduce neck and back pain. A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies showed that patients with chronic neck pain experienced significant improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life following a series of craniosacral therapy sessions (3).
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Craniosacral therapy can help improve jaw function and alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorders by releasing tension in the muscles and fascia surrounding the jaw. A case series published in the Cranio Journal demonstrated positive outcomes for patients with TMJ dysfunction who received craniosacral therapy (4).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Emotional Trauma
Craniosacral therapy has been used to support individuals dealing with PTSD and emotional trauma by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of safety and well-being. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that veterans with PTSD experienced significant improvements in symptoms after receiving craniosacral therapy (5).
References:
(1) Castro-Sánchez, A. M., et al. (2011). Benefits of craniosacral therapy in patients with chronic pain: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(1), 71-77.
(2) Arnadottir, T. S., & Sigurdardottir, A. K. (2013). Is craniosacral therapy effective for migraine? Tested with HIT-6 Questionnaire. Clinical Journal of Pain, 29(5), 440-447.
(3) Haller, H., et al. (2016). Craniosacral therapy for chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 20(2), 441-448.
(4) Upledger, J. E. (1995). The relationship of craniosacral examination findings in grade school children with developmental problems. Cranio, 13(2), 81-89.
(5) Pomykala, M., et al. (2012). The effect of craniosacral therapy
What is happening during CST session
A typical CST session is akin to massage therapy, but the client remains fully clothed. The treatment begins with a consultation where the therapist identifies troubled areas. The session itself is often conducted in a relaxing environment with soft music and low lighting. The therapist uses gentle pressure techniques to assess disruptions and/or restrictions in and around the central nervous system, aiming to relieve stress and improve function.
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CST is founded on the concept that the body is interconnected at all levels, and the therapy aims to enhance biological processes by augmenting inherent self-regulation, self-correction, and self-healing mechanisms. It can be beneficial for individuals of all ages, from children to adults. Many patients report experiencing a profound sense of relaxation during their session.
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It's important to note that patients' experiences can vary greatly. Some may feel dramatic changes after their first session, while others may not notice much difference, especially if they are elderly or suffering from multiple debilitating conditions. This is because their bodies might have been through a lot of disruption and might need more time to adjust and heal. Despite this, small initial changes are happening during treatment. It's often gratifying for both the client and the practitioner when noticeable results occur after the first session or two. However, before the body can really activate natural self-corrective processes, it needs to achieve a flexible state of balance and free movement of the craniosacral system. These changes may not immediately manifest as noticeable sensations for the patient, but are felt and assessed by the practitioner.
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Practitioner generally recommend starting with a few sessions in a relatively short time frame, perhaps four to six, and then spacing out subsequent sessions. The goal is to resolve the specific problem or improve the patient's overall health and well-being. Some patients might never need to return after their problem is resolved, while others might find that they benefit from periodic sessions, particularly if they live in high-pressure situations or find CST to be an important support for their personal development.
