Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on healing approach which promotes deep relaxation and relieves pain and tension from within the body.

Everyday stress can affect the balance of our bodies and our state of well-being.  When we experience physical or emotional trauma, our bodies can manifest variable states of distress.  Craniosacral therapy can be incredibly helpful and supportive to the healing process.

Through the use of light touch, craniosacral therapy releases constriction around the brain, spinal cord and surrounding tissues. It is effective in releasing blockages throughout the body so that the client has the freedom to heal. It is also helpful in improving whole body health.

This noninvasive therapy is gentle and relaxing. It provides a healing, nurturing and integrative experience of wholeness.

To see a photo gallery of infants receiving treatments at Turtleback, click here.

Who can benefit from CST?

The clients I work with see me for many reasons including:

  • Chronic paincari and baby
  • Unresolved physical or emotional trauma
  • Anxiety or stress
  • Orthodontic or jaw pain and discomfort
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Learning or behavioral issues
  • Postpartum emotional support
  • Breastfeeding difficulties
  • An overall desire to maintain balance and well-being

Additionally, CST can be beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders as it is a gentle, non-invasive procedure. Many families have found regular treatment helps to balance the sensory overload some children experience.

FAQ’s

What is Craniosacral therapy and how does it work?

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. According to Dr. Weil,  “Practitioners of cranial osteopathy use their hands to gently free up restrictions in the movement of cranial bones and associated soft tissues and to stimulate the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid, which bathes all the surfaces of the brain and the spinal cord.”

Will CST feel like a massage?

No, CST is a very light touch. It works in a subtle way. You will likely not experience a deep, penetrating feeling in your muscles and you may be surprised at how much your body relaxes with such a light touch!

Will I need to undress?

No. Please wear comfortable, soft clothing and remove shoes, belts and bulky jewelry.

How long is a session? 

We will check in first to see how you are doing or what you may like to share. A session typically lasts 45 minutes and often people like to rest for a little while afterwards, which is encouraged. At an initial session, we will do a more extensive intake.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies with each individual. For acute cases, 1-2X/week can be recommended. Generally people come weekly and some come less often. Babies and children respond much more quickly to treatments and often parents will continue to bring them when they have been sick or fallen, for teething, ear aches or other acute issues.

Can I stay in the room with my child?

YES. I ask that you stay in the room with your young child. For teenagers, it is up to you and them to decide.

Why would my baby need craniosacral therapy?

Adjusting from the womb to the world is a big transition for baby! CST can help with this. It is also especially helpful if mother/baby have had a difficult delivery or if baby is having feeding issues or other physical/emotional unease.

How does CST help babies?

Babies have less barriers than adults and therefore are very responsive to healing touch. Babies who have been through a challenging labor, who are having difficulties breastfeeding, who are colicky or otherwise not seeming relaxed, can greatly benefit from CST. It is also wonderful for a baby who has not had an especially difficult entry to adjust from the seclusion of the womb to the outside world.

Will my baby/child like CST?

Generally, children are shy about having a treatment at their first visit but I work patiently and lovingly to establish a warm and trusting connection with them. After their initial visit, they enjoy returning and often ask their parents to bring them to my office! Babies and children usually feel very at ease during a session and following.

To learn more about CST and the conditions it addresses, go to:
www.upledger.com/therapies/faq.php