The Healing Power of Craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy is an increasingly popular natural healing modality that focuses on helping people relax physically and mentally while reducing stress associated with pain, muscle tension, as well as emotional issues.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) began in the mid-1970s when an osteopath, John Upledger, began studying the rhythmic wave and fluid motion in the spinal cord that would sweep up and down within the membranes. Craniosacral therapy utilizes light touch along the head, neck and back to examine the membrane and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. When a practitioner is able to relieve the tension in the central nervous system, evidence shows there is a boost in immunity, a decrease in pain, and an overall increase in health and wellness. 

Through my own investigation, I have seen Craniosacral therapy improve and transform the lives of many clients. Not only does it bring a renewed sense of peace to their minds, but this powerful form of treatment has numerous physical benefits as well. In this blog I'll discuss how it works, and why its effects are so powerful.

‍

How I discovered Craniosacral therapy

The therapeutic potential of Craniosacral therapy (CST) first captured my attention during my undergraduate occupational therapist studies. In 2006, I had the opportunity to broaden my knowledge of occupational therapy with a 4-day Craniosacral therapy course through Upledger Institute. By this time in my OT career, I was working at a small town hospital in northern Illinois. I worked in all departments - inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facility, and pediatrics.  One day soon after my initial craniosacral therapy training I was seeing a client in our outpatient clinic for elbow pain and I noticed that my hands felt a distinct magnetic pull, as though they were being drawn right to sensitive areas just by using subtle touch.  It felt as though my client's tissues reached into my hands telling me where I needed to focus my attention.   

Over the next few years, I invested in furthering my knowledge of craniosacral therapy with specialized classes on Somato Emotional Release and applying that learning to patients, family, friends - whoever I could get to lay on my table!  As an occupational therapist in a hospital in Portland, it became increasingly clear when and how to best use craniosacral therapy with ICU patients experiencing significant pain. My specialized knowledge in sensory integration and cognitive responses allowed me to identify quickly when and how a craniosacral intervention might be effective.

Following a successful career in occupational therapy, I yearned to focus more on the power of Craniosacral therapy - setting out with my dream of using CST as an intervention for promoting overall health and wellness. Despite working full-time hours at the hospital, I managed to set up a practice that allowed me to see clients one day per week.

With 2021 came not only new beginnings but also a move to Madison, WI.  With this move I was afforded the opportunity to focus on my dream to pursue a practice where Craniosacral therapy was the primary tool in my toolbox.  

Working this way, the client’s body is my “boss”.  I “listen” with my hands, paying attention while suspending my ideas or thoughts about “what is this?” as much as humanly possible.  If you’re familiar with meditation, doing CST work is a lot like meditation where you practice stilling the mind and focusing on the senses.  

‍

Benefits of Craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a unique form of treatment that focuses on providing relief to the body through therapeutic touch, rather than focusing exclusively on particular diagnosis or symptoms. With regular sessions and personal practice, one can deepen their understanding and effectiveness in facilitating such treatments for others. Some potential benefits may include relaxation, improved sleep quality, enhanced physical connection with oneself as well as reduced pain levels from pre-existing issues. Ultimately though everyone's experience will be different depending upon individual needs.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) encourages individuals to take an engaged and thoughtful role in their healing journey. As a licensed occupational therapist, I am able to not only offer hands-on treatment of physical symptoms but also consider the client's lifestyle habits that may be contributing factors for why they sought out CST in the first place - recognizing that successful participation in life often involves taking into account both body and environment.

My Craniosacral therapy practice has helped many individuals find relief from complaints such as headaches and neck pain/tension. One remarkable case study involves a client who sustained a sports injury over 18 months ago, but had been unable to find any respite with other interventions - until receiving CST. After just two sessions of therapy this individual began to feel the tension in their body dissipating; since then they have continued noticing positive changes which have allowed them more days free from discomfort than ever before!

Craniosacral therapy has been used for various conditions such as migraines, back pain, stress-related disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It has also been used to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety that can be caused by physical ailments like chronic pain. Research suggests that craniosacral therapy can help reduce pain levels by up to 90%, making it an effective treatment option for those living with chronic pain. Additionally, it can help improve mobility, reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality – all key components of managing chronic pain effectively.

By working with the body's natural healing mechanisms, CST can help us improve functionality and overall well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic pain, stress, or other health issues, Craniosacral therapy may be worth considering as a possible treatment option.

If you are interested in learning more about how Craniosacral therapy could benefit you please reach out and schedule your free consultation call now!

I am looking forward to learning more about you and chat about how we can get started on your healing journey!

‍

‍

‍

‍