CST encourages the body to release deeply held patterns of physical or emotional dysfunction, that it has been unable to overcome on its own. These patterns can come about through:

• injury
• illness
• trauma (including birth trauma)
• shock
• emotional stress
• postural strain
• other personal circumstances affecting wellbeing.

These restrictions cause the body’s tissues and membranes to contract and tighten up, creating further tensions and restrictions elsewhere in the body. Eventually this prevents the body functioning at its optimum level, which may manifest as pain, loss of function, and/or lack of emotional wellbeing.

A craniosacral therapist works with the craniosacral system; this extends from the skull (cranium), face and mouth, down to the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone). It is made up of the fluid that bathes the central nervous system (cerebrospinal fluid) and the systems that regulate the flow of this fluid, along with the bones and joints, with their attachments to the membrane system, and the sutures that interconnect these bones. CST therefore aims to release restrictions in the craniosacral system, in order to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

Rather than the therapist deciding how these restrictions should be released, the therapist follows the body’s innate response as to how to proceed. Craniosacral therapy can be useful as a primary treatment on its own, or used in combination with conventional or alternative medicine, such as chiropractic, or other complimentary techniques, such as massage therapy. It is also increasingly being used as a preventative health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease.

Conditions that may be helped by Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy, being safe for all ages, treats a wide range of conditions, having a positive affect on overall wellbeing on all levels, physical, mental and emotional. Conditions that may be helped by Craniosacral Therapy include:

• chronic neck pain
• chronic back pain
• headaches
• migraines
• TMJ Syndrome
• stress and tension related disorders
• chronic fatigue (M.E)
• adrenal fatigue
• infant and childhood disorders
• infantile colic and reflux
• birth trauma
• pregnancy-related conditions
• ADD / ADHD
• autism
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• depression and anxiety
• insomnia

What does treatment involve?

After going through an initial consultation, including a detailed medical and family history, you will be asked to lie on the treatment couch, usually on your back, and will have the option of having a blanket over you – not just for warmth but some people feel more settled this way. You will also have the option to have gentle music playing in the treatment room but some people prefer it to be quiet.