Stevens Naturopathic Center

Craniosacral therapy (or CST) also, in our experience, allows for healing on a deep level.  CST has its roots in the osteopathic tradition in a technique called cranial osteopathy developed by an osteopathic doctor named William Sutherland, D.O. (1873-1954).  In the 1980s, John Upledger, D.O. expanded this system and began teaching courses in Craniosacral therapy to other health providers who were not necessarily osteopathic doctors.

CST works on the body’s craniosacral (CS) system, which consists of the membranes that form the meninges of the brain and their related structures, the spinal cord (down to the sacrum or tailbone), the bones of the skull, the cerebrospinal fluid and the structures that produce, contain, and resorb the cerebrospinal fluid.  The cornerstone of the CS system is the ability of the bones of the skull to move in relation to one another as the cerebrospinal fluid moves through the attached membranes.  The ebb and flow of fluid though the meninges of the brain creates a rhythm unique to the CS system and one that can be detected by the practitioner.  Problems develop when the rate, amplitude, or symmetry of this rhythm is disrupted whether from injuries, inflammation, scars, adhesions, or emotional trauma.

In addition to the skull and spinal cord, the CS system is connected with the fascia, a connective tissue sheath that surrounds all body parts.  Restrictions of the fascia anywhere in the body affect the rhythm of the CS system.  Restrictions can affect many body systems including the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, vascular system, endocrine systems, and others.  Because of these relationships, CS helps in most conditions.  In our experience, it is especially helpful for headaches, sinus problems, anxiety, stress, endocrine problems (hormone imbalances, thyroid problems, blood sugar problems, etc), muscle fatigue or soreness, depression, TMJ and other problems

A CST treatment involves lying on a table fully clothed in a darkened room.  The practitioner places their hands lightly on the parts of the body including the feet/ankles, head, low back, and/or abdomen.  Movement of the head periodically occurs to reach different bones of the skull.  The most common sensation experienced is deep relaxation.  Sometimes emotions will come up, which is normal and often part of the healing process.  Treatment runs from 20-45 minutes depending on what the body needs at the time.  It can be done on all age groups.