
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle yet powerful approach to facilitating the body to heal itself via the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system, or PNS, is known as the rest and digest division of the nervous system. When experiencing acute stress, our sympathetic nervous system, or fight-or-flight response, engages to help us react to danger. When living in a chronic state of stress it’s difficult to access the PNS, which is where we feel safe, secure, comfortable, and where rest and recovery occur. We have the capacity to think creatively, rationally, and also transcend into higher states of meditative mental states when in the PNS. The PNS is directly accessed by the Craniosacral practitioner by placing hands or fingers on specific areas of the cranium and sacrum. The work is best performed with the client fully clothed, however, it can be safely integrated into a massage session as well.
CST also helps in freeing fascial and structural restrictions along the spine in relation to the spinal membrane, cranial bones, and neuromyofascial system. It is a subtle, quiet style of therapy that requires patience and listening to the softer rhythms of the body. Through injury and trauma in life, we store tension in our bodies that requires skilled and patient touch in order to process and heal. Craniosacral Therapy infuses science and art, diagnostics and intuition, protocols and energy work all into one therapeutic experience.
Many clients report experiencing a sense of ease where they hold tension in their bodies during a Craniosacral session. They often leave feeling a deep sense of relaxation, calmness, and whole-body integration with their body, mind, and spirit.
Clinically, CST has shown significant results in aiding the release of blocked lymphatic flow in the brain through the thoracic inlet thereby helping patients to reduce cranial pressure common with chronic headaches as well as inadequate detoxification.
Craniosacral Therapy is effective for helping:
Hip, back, and neck tension/pain
Headaches/Migraines
TMJ disorder
Ear ache
Stress holding patterns
Sleep disturbances
Sinus pressure
Anxiety
Restricted breathing patterns
Emotional holding
Lymphatic Drainage
Detoxification
Myofascial release
Digestive issues
Bodywork | Medical Massage
(503)329-5274
1622 NW 15th Ave Portland, OR 97209
Craniosacral Research
International Alliance of Healthcare Educators
The Vagus Nerve and Our Digestive Tract. LORILYNN DOWIAK, PT. FSMTA.org. Spring 2020.
Case Report- Pediatric Asthma. The Corrective Aspect of CranioSacral Fascial Therapy. GillespieApproach.com May 14th, 2011.
Case Study- Pediatric Headache. The Corrective Aspect of CranioSacral Fascial Therapy. GillespieApproach.com May 12th, 2011.
Direct Measurement of the Rhythmic Motions of the Human Head Identifies a Third Rhythm. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. Oct 13, 2020.
Anatomy and Physiology of cerebrospinal fluid. Elsevier. Nov 18, 2011.
CranioSacral Therapy – Relieve Symptoms Caused by Unexpressed Mourning and Fear. By: PATRICIA CHURAVY PT CST-T. September 18th, 2018.