These are some frequently asked questions about CranioSacral Therapy.  To return to the general FAQs, click on the button below.
 

A CranioSacral Therapist encourages the natural self-corrective tendency of the patient’s body.  When   more force is used, it is possible that the patient’s bodily defenses are mobilized against what it perceives to be an intrusion.  If this happens, the body begins to defend itself against the therapist; the tissues of the patient’s body tighten in an attempt to preserve the status quo.  When confronted with this situation, the therapist can apply more force to overcome resistance or lighten up the touch as we do in CST.  This strategy allows the tissues to relax and with gentle encouragement from the therapist's hands, the patient's own self-corrective mechanisms take over to produce significant therapeutic results.

The answer is because we are just barely moving.  What we look for in CranioSacral Therapy is extremely subtle. The lighter our touch is, the more easily we can pick up the clues that inform us about where there may be problems or restrictions within the body and the easier it is for the body to make any needed changes.

What can CranioSacral Therapy do for Headaches?

Headaches are one of the most common complaints we treat with CST?  We see a difference in about 85% of the cases no matter what kind of headache our patients have.

The success rate is outstanding when CST is used for back pain, including ruptured discs.  We work from the inside (“core”) out.  When the “core” is corrected, the outside problems either correct themselves or become better able to respond to more conventional treatment.  We have found substantial reduction in chronic pain caused by chronic back issues and dramatic improvement in quality of life.

In most cases we can move the patient toward total eradication of this problem.  CranioSacral Therapy can and does help the pelvic organs to function more efficiently.  We also improve the function of the endocrine system, thus positively affecting the pituitary, adrenal and ovarian glands.

CranioSacral Therapy enhances fluid mobility through-out the body; therefore it can reduce fluid retention, whether due to heart problems, kidney problems, mineral imbalance or any other cause.  It must be done regularly if the cause is ongoing.  Here we like to teach a family member or loved one to treat the patient on a daily basis.

Yes, it is safe and even desirable, because CST mobilizes and enhances many of the normal responses to change that your body has to make during pregnancy.  It can be extremely therapeutic for neck and shoulder pain. CranioSacral Therapy has also been of tremendous assistance in helping to treat hip pain and in reducing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet and arms.  CST can be a valuable tool in addition to massage to help lower blood pressure.  We have delighted many Ob/Gyn’s because of our success with normalizing their maternity patients’ blood pressures naturally using these treatments. What we usually do is incorporate CST techniques into our Prenatal Massage Sessions to optimize the therapeutic and relaxing effects of each individual session.

In several ways (1) it helps restore hormone balance; (2) it helps alleviate postpartum depression and (3) it restores normal pelvic function, thus eliminating many post-delivery back problems.

CranioSacral Therapy can correct problems in the craniosacral system immediately and permanently.  These problems, when corrected, may help avoid the development of colic, respiratory problems, hyperactivity, dyslexia, seizure disorders, floppy baby syndrome and allergies.  Although not proven as yet, it could also help to avoid cases of cerebral palsy, scoliosis and dental problems that require orthodontia later in life.  Furthermore, it has been shown that the child’s general health is improved.

The answer is yes, as CST enhances the immune system.  CranioSacral Therapy can also be used effectively to break fevers and ease the child discomforts if they become sick.

In specific types of depression, CranioSacral Therapy is an extremely effective treatment.  In other cases, it can be invaluable when used in a complementary way with talk therapies as well as with well-managed medications.