Craniosacral Therapy

Rolf Method of Structural Integration

The craniosacral system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, their surrounding membranes, and the bony attachments. Restrictions and distortions at this level of the body (usually from stress, accidents, and injuries) can lead to numerous health issues.

Even slight deviations of a bone’s movement or position can produce physical or psychological symptoms, and often both. When the cranial wave is distorted, it can consume or divert a disproportionate amount of energy otherwise reserved for maintaining our health. This can lower the strength of the immune system, and increases the likelihood of chronic states like depression for example. By contrast, if the cranial bones are in a balanced place, the brain and central nervous system are more at ease. When the cranial wave is optimized, we feel more healthy and whole.

The therapeutic aim is to facilitate balanced motion within the structures, thereby increasing the function of this system.

In holistic terms, CST is also sought out by people who are perfectly healthy. As a meditative and calming experience, it can be highly effective in the return of mental clarity and abundant energy. In this way, the work can be a deeply personal or spiritual experience.

What to expect

The therapist will use a very light touch to assess and work with the craniosacral system. The therapist will gently place their hands on different parts of the body, such as the head, neck, back, and sacrum to feel for subtle rhythms and restrictions in the tissues surrounding the central nervous system. These techniques are non-invasive and do not involve forceful movements.

Benefits

CST as a treatment approach can be effective for a wide range of issues such as:

• migraine and muscle contraction headaches

• musculo-skeletal and neurological pain

• vertigo, tinnitus, and TMJ dysfunction

• sleep disturbances

• digestive difficulties

• recurring colds or low grade infections

• anxiety ot post-traumatic stress