What is Craniosacral therapy, and what benefits are there for overall health?

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle bodywork technique that relieves tension in the central nervous system by applying light touch to the head, neck and back. This article will look over the science behind and the benefits of craniosacral therapy.

Developed in the 1970s by John Upledger, a doctor of osteopathy, CST is a non-invasive, hands-on therapy that enhances the body’s healing capabilities.

The light touch affects the pressure and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid— the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, relieving pain and dysfunction.

Evidence on craniosacral therapy shows it can be used as a treatment on its own or combined with other medical or alternative therapies.

Now that we’re clear on what craniosacral therapy is, what are the benefits of this alternative treatment, and what conditions can it help improve?

Benefits of Craniosacral therapy

Firstly, by relieving compression in the head, neck and back, CST can alleviate pain and release physical and emotional tension.

Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes well-being and boosts health and immunity.

Finally, CST improves the efficiency of biological processes as it boosts self-regulation, self-correction, and self-healing. Therefore, it quite literally helps the body to heal itself.

Sounds fantastic, right? Now, you may be wondering: is craniosacral therapy suitable for everyone? What about children and newborn babies?

Craniosacral therapy on infants and newborns: is it suitable for everyone?

One of the most common questions about craniosacral therapy is: is it right for everyone? The simple answer is yes. CST can benefit almost everyone, including infants and newborns.

As a matter of fact, John Upledger, the developer of CST himself, has stated he uses the technique on newborns and even in the delivery room to treat craniosacral system problems originating from difficult deliveries. These include spinal problems, pelvic imbalances, and hard palate problems that could eventually lead to eye-motor dysfunction and severe irritability in the newborn.

As long as it is performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner trained in baby health, CST poses no risks for newborns. The pressure applied is so light that it cannot physically harm a baby.

On the other hand, there are a few specific conditions for which CST is not recommended. For instance, if you have suffered a recent concussion, cerebral swelling, traumatic brain injury, blood clots or any disorder that results in instability of cerebral fluid pressure, flow or build-up.

Remember: always check with your doctor and CST practitioner to check if craniosacral is the best option for you.

Having said that, there are more benefits than risks when it comes to CST, and this gentle, non-invasive technique can help improve a wide range of conditions. Let’s find out which.

What conditions can craniosacral therapy help?

Craniosacral therapy can benefit almost everyone and can help improve or alleviate many conditions, including:

• Migraines and headaches
• Chronic pain
• Constipation
• Multiple sclerosis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Insomnia
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Scoliosis
• Sinus infections
• Speech impairment
• Fibromyalgia
• Trauma recovery
• Anxiety and depression
• Epilepsy
• Difficult pregnancies, colic in infants

Convinced about the benefits of craniosacral therapy yet? At AmaSer we’re big fans of CST, and we work with some of the best bodyworkers around. We provide craniosacral therapy with the best views in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, among our other spa and wellness treatments, like sound healing, clarity breathwork, and ayurvedic consultations and massages.

If you’re in the area and are interested in some good healing, write us an email at [email protected] or stop by to check out our range of events, treatments and public yoga classes.

Take care,

 and Namaste.

References

Cleveland Clinic. n.d. Craniosacral Therapy Technique: What Is It, Benefits, Risks & Technique. [online] Available at: <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17677-craniosacral-therapy#:~:text=Craniosacral%20therapy%20(CST)%20is%20a,and%20boosting%20health%20and%20immunity> [Accessed 28 May 2022].

Gotter, A., 2018. Cranial Sacral Therapy: Benefits and Side Effects. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/cranial-sacral-therapy> [Accessed 28 May 2022].

Leonard, J., 2022. Craniosacral therapy: Does it work?. [online] Medical News Today. Available at: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318490#Does-CST-work> [Accessed 28 May 2022].