Craniosacral Therapy for Better Health
Craniosacral Therapy (CST for short) is a very gentle hands-on treatment that uses light touch to assess the cranial sutures and membranes and follows fluids’ movement in and around the central nervous system. By relieving tension in the central nervous system, Craniosacral Therapy helps to promote feelings of well-being by reducing (or eliminating) pain and improving health and immune system function. The practice of Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle placement of the hands to assist the release of fascia (the body’s connective tissue). Fascia runs throughout the body, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord.
Craniosacral Therapy is considered to be safe for the majority of people. Still, it is not recommended for acute aneurysms, cerebral hemorrhages, recent spinal cord or head injuries, or severe bleeding disorders. CST is a very safe, gentle, and non-invasive treatment option and the perfect service for individuals who may be uncomfortable disrobing for a traditional massage or who are extremely sensitive. And while it may not feel like much is happening as your practitioner places their hands in various places on the body, rest assured there is a lot happening under the surface.
Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
CST has a wide range of benefits, including helping to address physical, mental and emotional issues such as:
- ADHD
- Asthma
- Back Pain
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Chronic Fatigue
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Constipation
- Ear infections
- Fibromyalgia
- Immune Disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Insomnia
- Migraines and Headaches
- Motor-Coordination Impairments
- Neck Pain
- Orthopedic Problems
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Seizures
- Sinus Infections
- Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
- TMJ Problems
Craniosacral Therapy Benefits for Medical Conditions
Treatments for headaches, neck, back pain, anxiety, and depression
Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a study was performed with 157 patients receiving Craniosacral Therapy for different health ailments, including headaches, neck pain, back pain, depression, and anxiety. Of the 157 people, 74% reported significant improvement, 67% said their well-being and chronic stress improved, and 70% were able to decrease or discontinue their medication.
Treatment for Neck Pain
Another study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain had 54 participants and used “sham/unproven treatments” for neck pain in half the individuals. Compared with the unproven treatments, the results showed that 78% who received craniosacral therapy saw improvements, with 48% reporting significant clinical benefits.
Reducing Headaches
A randomized control trial, published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Therapy, was conducted for eight weeks to test migraine pain intensity and frequency. The group receiving CST showed a reduction in the duration of how long their headaches lasted after 30 days, along with intensity. At the end of eight weeks, headache intensity reduced even more.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine had 84 participants, and half received placebo treatments. After 25 weeks, results showed significant improvements in symptoms including anxiety, pain, quality of life, and sleep for the CTS group. A year later, sleep problems were still better. However, other improvements were not reported.
If you haven’t experienced CST before, we welcome you to book your session with us at Michigan Massage and Wellness and experience it for yourself. You’ll be surprised at how much a gentle session can help.
In Good Hands,
Rebecca Tamm, LMT
