CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he was a researcher.
The craniosacral system is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of this system.
By using a soft touch; generally no greater than 5 grams, practitioners release restrictions in the CranioSacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. The gentle handling assists the bodys’ own “inner physician” to function better and to normalize all systems.
By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is being used more and more by its practitioners as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. Here is a list of some of the conditions it can help with:
- Migraine Headaches
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Motor-Coordination Impairment
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Orthopedic Problems
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- ADHD
- Infantile Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- Chronic Fatigue
- Emotional Difficulties
- Stress and Tension-Related Problems
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
- Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Typical sessions last 30 to 60 minutes and the client gently lies on the table fully clothed. Most people report feeling relaxed and at peace.
As an adjunct to CST , SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on its principles to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. SER offers applications designed to enhance results using CST and other complementary therapies. Together they help to release suppressed emotions that may be inhibiting complete structural releases.
Esther Bell, LMT has been a CST and SER practitioner for more than 25 years and has seen amazing results with patients of all ages and walks of life.