CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY (CST) is a light touch manual therapy that addresses restrictions, evaluating and enhancing the function of the physiological body system called the Craniosacral System – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This vital system extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth down to the sacrum, or tailbone area.
HOW IS CST PERFORMED AND HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS ARE REQUIRED? A session takes place in a quiet and private setting and the client remains fully clothed. Using a light touch of 5-20 grams, the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. Using delicate manual techniques, the practitioner releases problem areas and relieves undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord, giving the client a central nervous system free of restrictions and a body that is able to return to its greatest level of performance.
The session is performed with the client laying on a massage table, while the practitioner stands or sits, positioned at various times throughout the session at the client's head, torso or feet. A typical session lasts for at least one hour.
Response to CST varies between each person, and condition to condition, therefore the number of sessions required also varies widely. Usually, one to four sessions will be enough to demonstrate whether or not CST is likely to be of benefit to a client.
CST FOR NEWBORNS AND CHILDREN
Childbirth can be a challenge for Mum, yet it barely compares to the shock and potential long-term effects in store for the child. Research strongly suggests that the birth process is responsible for many brain dysfunctions and central nervous system problems. CST carried out in the delivery room or within the first few days of life could potentially reduce a wide variety of difficulties, many of which might not become apparent until your child is in school. Even problems with head shape and skull-bone override can be corrected with the skilful use of CST.
CST is risk free so the benefit is, your child can have it at any age, it's never too late to benefit.
Conditions that may be avoided or improved by treating newborns:
"I am thoroughly convinced that one of the best things we can do for our children is to have them begin life with smoothly functioning craniosacral systems, a removal of physical restrictions so their body tissues aren't burdened by destructive or traumatic memories, and very clean energy fields. This can all be accomplished in a very short time within the first few days of life"
– John E. Upledger, DO, OMM
THE HISTORY OF CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY (CST) dates back to 1970 when osteopath physician John.E Upledger first witnessed the rhythmic movement of the the craniosacral system during a spinal surgery operation. None of his colleagues nor medical text books could explain the phenomena.
Two years later, Dr Upledger attended a short course on cranial osteopathy developed by Dr William Sutherland. The course focused on the bones of the skull and the fact that they weren't fused together as doctors had been taught in medical school. Instead, Sutherland's material demonstrated that skull bones continue to move throughout a persons' life.
Recalling the odd pulsing rhythm he'd observed years before during the surgery, Dr Upledger theorized that a hydraulic system of sorts was functioning inside the craniosacral system that encased the skull and spinal column. He then set out to confirm his theories.
In 1975 he joined the Osteopathic College at Michigan State University as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. There he led a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bio-engineers to test and document the influence of therapy on the craniosacral system.
For the first time they were able to explain the function of the system, and demonstrate how light-touch therapy could be used to evaluate and treat malfunctions involving the brain and spinal cord. Indeed, some of Dr Upledger's most effective results come from work done with hundreds of school children.
In 1985, Dr Upledger went on to establish The Upledger Institute to teach the public and healthcare practitioners worldwide in the use of Craniosacral Therapy.
In 1987 Dr Upledger established The Upledger Foundation to reach out to those less fortunate and help improve their life experiences. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the ongoing research and development of new therapeutic applications, and the establishment of community-outreach programs that enhance total health.
Dr John as he is fondly referred to passed away at his home in Florida USA on the 26th October 2012. His work continues in very good hands at the Upledger Institue International Inc. More can be read at http://www.upledger.com/content.asp?id=5
- CST works by helping the body's natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress, especially within the nervous system. These effects can be caused by anything from birth trauma, injury, emotional based impacts on the whole being and more. This is achieved primarily through utilizing the craniosacral system, the environment in which the central nervous system functions.
- CST works on the understanding that imbalance or dysfunction of this system can adversely affect the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord and contribute to sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.
Because of its influence on the functioning of the nervous system, CST can benefit the body in a number of ways – from reducing stress and enhancing overall health to alleviating a wide range of specific conditions associated with pain and dysfunction, including:- Neck and Back Pain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Post-Surgical Dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective Tissue Disorders
- Colic
- Learning Disabilities
- Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
HOW IS CST PERFORMED AND HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS ARE REQUIRED? A session takes place in a quiet and private setting and the client remains fully clothed. Using a light touch of 5-20 grams, the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. Using delicate manual techniques, the practitioner releases problem areas and relieves undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord, giving the client a central nervous system free of restrictions and a body that is able to return to its greatest level of performance.
The session is performed with the client laying on a massage table, while the practitioner stands or sits, positioned at various times throughout the session at the client's head, torso or feet. A typical session lasts for at least one hour.
Response to CST varies between each person, and condition to condition, therefore the number of sessions required also varies widely. Usually, one to four sessions will be enough to demonstrate whether or not CST is likely to be of benefit to a client.
CST FOR NEWBORNS AND CHILDREN
Childbirth can be a challenge for Mum, yet it barely compares to the shock and potential long-term effects in store for the child. Research strongly suggests that the birth process is responsible for many brain dysfunctions and central nervous system problems. CST carried out in the delivery room or within the first few days of life could potentially reduce a wide variety of difficulties, many of which might not become apparent until your child is in school. Even problems with head shape and skull-bone override can be corrected with the skilful use of CST.
CST is risk free so the benefit is, your child can have it at any age, it's never too late to benefit.
Conditions that may be avoided or improved by treating newborns:
- Colic
- Dyslexia
- Vomiting
- Hearing Problems
- Motor Problems
- Seizures
- Spasticity
- Strabismus
- Down Syndrome
- Pylorospasm - Spasm of the pyloric portion of the stomach or the pyloric sphincter
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Erb's Palsy (C5/6 vertabrae damage with difficult birthing)
- Abnormal Fears
- Failure-to-Thrive Syndrome
- Klumpke's Palsy - partial palsy of the lower roots of the Brachial plexus
- Torticollis
- Chronic Otitis - middle ear inflammation
"I am thoroughly convinced that one of the best things we can do for our children is to have them begin life with smoothly functioning craniosacral systems, a removal of physical restrictions so their body tissues aren't burdened by destructive or traumatic memories, and very clean energy fields. This can all be accomplished in a very short time within the first few days of life"
– John E. Upledger, DO, OMM
THE HISTORY OF CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY (CST) dates back to 1970 when osteopath physician John.E Upledger first witnessed the rhythmic movement of the the craniosacral system during a spinal surgery operation. None of his colleagues nor medical text books could explain the phenomena.
Two years later, Dr Upledger attended a short course on cranial osteopathy developed by Dr William Sutherland. The course focused on the bones of the skull and the fact that they weren't fused together as doctors had been taught in medical school. Instead, Sutherland's material demonstrated that skull bones continue to move throughout a persons' life.
Recalling the odd pulsing rhythm he'd observed years before during the surgery, Dr Upledger theorized that a hydraulic system of sorts was functioning inside the craniosacral system that encased the skull and spinal column. He then set out to confirm his theories.
In 1975 he joined the Osteopathic College at Michigan State University as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. There he led a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bio-engineers to test and document the influence of therapy on the craniosacral system.
For the first time they were able to explain the function of the system, and demonstrate how light-touch therapy could be used to evaluate and treat malfunctions involving the brain and spinal cord. Indeed, some of Dr Upledger's most effective results come from work done with hundreds of school children.
In 1985, Dr Upledger went on to establish The Upledger Institute to teach the public and healthcare practitioners worldwide in the use of Craniosacral Therapy.
In 1987 Dr Upledger established The Upledger Foundation to reach out to those less fortunate and help improve their life experiences. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the ongoing research and development of new therapeutic applications, and the establishment of community-outreach programs that enhance total health.
Dr John as he is fondly referred to passed away at his home in Florida USA on the 26th October 2012. His work continues in very good hands at the Upledger Institue International Inc. More can be read at http://www.upledger.com/content.asp?id=5
