Craniosacral therapy uses, benefits, and Legitimacy: {Arriving As a client and THerapist}

John Upledger, an osteopathic physician and surgeon who popularized craniosacral therapy, first observed the craniosacral rhythm during surgery. He noticed that the membranes surrounding our brains and spinal cords moved at a cadence unrelated to the pulse of other bodily systems, and served a unique purpose in supporting health. Our craniosacral system is comprised of meninges and cerebrospinal fluid that encapsulate the central nervous system. CSF is derived from plasma and resembles saline- it’s highly conductive which helps the CNS function well. In “Your Inner Physician and You,” Upledger writes that electrical energy from the practitioner is transferred to the client. This encourages muscles, bones, and tissue to adjust to new postures that are conducive to health. Alignment promotes well-being.

Two years ago I hobbled into my first craniosacral session riddled with anxiety, nerve damage, and chronically clenched muscles. I laid down on the table without any expectations or knowledge of what was about to happen. My therapist, Sarah Farwell started with energy work, followed by a hold on the back of my skull. With a strong background in yoga, somatics, and meditation, I intuitively dropped my head over her fingers lengthening and relaxing my back which fell flat on the table. Fluid began rushing out from my spine to all extremities; the pain I held for the last 15 months evaporated and burned off through my skin as I cried for 45 minutes. I felt expansive and warm. The next day I stood straight up and pain-free. The back body shared equally with the front, my tailbone sat low, and I wore pleasant, mellow grief supported by all my bones and muscles.

Bodies absorb situational hardships while we pursue new ways of being each decade. Our spines hold stress until it becomes overwhelming-then our posture, thoughts, and feelings are impacted. Gentle holds along the craniosacral system release adhesions in tissues caused by trauma. When the CSF and membranes surrounding the CNS glide and move properly, stagnation flows back into rhythm. We become fluid.

Craniosacral Therapy Uses:

Autism CNS Disorder

Chronic Fatigue Concussion

Fibromyalgia Migraines

Hyperactivity Neck/Back Pain

PTSD Spinal Cord Injury

Stress and Tension TMJ Syndrome

Conditions to be avoided with CST: acute aneurysm, recent skull fracture, and cerebral hemorrhage or other severe bleeding disorder.

https://www.upledger.com/docs/faq-cst.pdf

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cerebrospinal-fluid

https://www.webmd.com/brain/cerebrospinal-fluid-facts