Seattle Sessions available Wednesdays through Saturdays
(206) 419-5427 seattle ballard
Seattle Sessions available Wednesdays through Saturdays
(206) 419-5427 seattle ballard
(Excerpted from CranioSacral Therapy; What it Is, How It Works by John E. Upledger, DO,OMM) For more information please visit www.upledger.com
Everyone has several kinds of rhythms in their body: cardiac rhythm beats 60-80 beats per minute, respiratory rhythm with inhalation/exhalation 15-20 times per minute, craniosacral rhythm 6-12 cycles per minute. The membranes that surround your head and spine act as a little hydraulic pump that draws this clear fluid out of your blood, bathes the brain and spinal cord, then returns it to the blood supply, In this way the cerebrospinal fluid is filtered and renewed. It is important fluid because it supplies nutrients, carries away waste products, and acts as a fluid protective covering for the brain and spinal cord.
The cardiac rhythm can be felt at the neck, wrist, and ankles. The rhythm of the lungs can be felt at the shoulders, neck, chest, and belly. Like these other rhythms, the craniosacral rhythm can be felt from all over the body – the legs, pelvis, sacrum, shoulders, and head.
What CST Does:
If I were to hold your ribs and resist your lungs from expanding, you would move to allow your lungs freedom to continue their rhythm. In Craniosacral Therapy, we very gently hold the rhythm and watch as the body gently moves to free itself. As it does this, releases occur and restrictions in the body change. Just as bruised ribs from a fall might keep you from breathing properly, a fall on your tailbone or a bump on the head may keep your craniosacral system from working properly.
So we gently hold and wait for releases. Releases occur in the form of heat, pulsing, muscle twitching. Sometimes the eyes may blink or gurgling sounds occur in the digestive system. You may feel part of your body soften, or gently shift and spread. Breathing patterns may change. Releases may be emotional, in the form of tears, laughter, and/or memories that can come to the patient’s awareness. A deep feeling of relaxation is a common reaction to treatment.
The other thing that can sometimes happen with this work is that your body may get very still during the release process. It’s a special point because it is a Significance Detector for your body. Sometimes as your body is resting here on the table, your body might move into the position it was in when you got hurt. This often happens with people having pain and dysfunction from slips, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and traumatic events. Your rhythm automatically stops, and releases begin to occur. You enter a point of stillness we call a Significance Detector because the position the body moves into, or what you are thinking, is often an important (significant) part of the healing and letting go process.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of listening to the body and encouraging change. The most important part about CST is that the body will lead the way and do what the patient needs, and what the therapist is able to help facilitate.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of whole-body evaluation and treatment that releases tensions held in the body, allowing the entire body to relax and self-correct.
The Craniosacral System consists of a compartment formed by dura mater membrane, cerebrospinal fluid, regulatory systems, bones that attach to the membranes, joints & sutures that interconnect these bones
How CST is applied:
The Theory Behind CST
The number of sessions required to achieve results depends on the complexity of the layers, the patient’s defense mechanisms, & other factors.
Contraindications:
*Acute intracranial hemorrhage *Intracranial aneurism
*Recent skull fracture
*Herniation of the medulla oblongata
Research:
*Research was conducted at Michigan State University (1975-1983) when Dr. John Upledger was professor of Biomechanics College of Osteopathic Medicine. He led team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists, bioengineers to test & document the influence of the craniosacral system on the body. This research proved the existence of the craniosacral system & its effect on health.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of whole-body evaluation and treatment that releases tensions held in the body, allowing the entire body to relax and self-correct.