Cranial sacral therapy (CST) is sometimes also referred to as craniosacral therapy. Craniosacral therapy is a series of gentle massage-like manipulations of the skull, spinal column, and sacrum. The goal of this bodywork is to relieve compression in these areas which in turn alleviates stress and pain throughout the body.
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CranioSacral treatment sessions are 30 min, 45 min, 60 min in length.
You can incorporate this modality into any Integrative Massage (with a qualifying therapist). Request this modality in the notes during the booking process or talk to your therapist at the start of treatment about incorporating it.
What to expect with Craniosacral
therapy
Craniosacral therapy can decrease stress from chronic injuries as well as provide relief from pain due to migraines, TMJ syndrome, and other disorders of the neck and back.
Craniosacral therapy can be used for people of all ages. It may be part of your treatment for conditions like:
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migraines and headaches
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constipation
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chronic fatigue
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irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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disturbed sleep cycles and insomnia
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scoliosis
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sinus infections
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neck pain
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fibromyalgia
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recurrent ear infections or colic in infants
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TMJ
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trauma recovery, including trauma from whiplash
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mood disorders like anxiety or depression
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Stress and tension-related disorders
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difficult pregnancies
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Procedure and technique
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When you arrive for your appointment, your therapist will ask you about your symptoms and any preexisting conditions that you have.
Typically, during a craniosacral massage, the client remains fully clothed during the treatment, wearing comfortable clothing to your appointment is recommended. Unless you are incorporating this modality into your Integrative Massage treatment, then you will be undressed (to your comfort level) under sheets.
Your session will last about an hour, and you will likely begin by lying down on your back on the massage table. The therapist may begin at your head, feet, or near the middle of your body.
Using five grams of pressure (which is about the weight of a nickel), the therapist will gently hold your feet, head, or sacrum to listen to their subtle rhythms. If they detect it’s needed, they may gently press or reposition you to normalize the flow of the cerebrospinal fluids.