- Written by Anita K. Hale,LMT
Cranio Sacral Therapy is a most effective therapy for enhancing the function of the nervous system. It is a gentle ‘hands on’ therapy using massage and Cranio Sacral Therapy techniques which is done while fully clothed. Cranial therapists are taught to find the restrictions throughout the body including restrictions in the intracranial membranes by monitoring the motion of the cranial rhythm - a result of the production and movement and re-absorption of the cerebrospinal fluid through out the cranial system. The cranial rhythm is felt in all parts of the body and has certain characteristics that are observed by therapists during evaluation of the overall health of a person and to find restrictions causing and contributes to many different dysfunctions in new born babies, children, and adults of all ages.
The cerebrospinal fluid can be called the lymphatic system for the brain carrying nutrients to the brain and waste products back into the circulatory system.
The intracranial membranes are continuous with the dural tube surrounding the spinal column with its sleeves that protect nerves going to and from the brain. The membranes are closely related to blood supply to and from the brain. It is vital for the membranous system to be free of restrictions.
Every time we move our bodies, we are addressing motion into the intracranial membranes due to their connections to the cervical vertebrae and the sacrum.
CST is a non invasive, drug free modality for enhancing the body’s own natural corrective system for optimum functioning and health. CST has excellent results for anxiety, includingphobias, and depression in babies, children, and adults.
New born babies benefit from CST due to their positions in the womb during the last few months of pregnancy. Some babies take up all the free space in the womb and find comfortable positions for many weeks which cause shortening of muscles in the neck and back, restrictions in the hips and feet. Babies appear to be so flexible at birth that restrictions are not obvious to mom or the doctor. These restrictions can cause and contribute to physical, mental, and emotional issues, sensory motors problems, learning disabilities, digestive problems including allergies and reflux. CST is primary care for post trauma birthing for baby and mom.
