BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
GENTLE, HANDS-ON THERAPY THAT RELEASES STORED TRAUMA AND
REBALANCES THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Effects of CST on Pain in Fibromyalgia Patients
Resource: PubMed Central
BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral therapy was developed by osteopaths when they noticed that so-called “fibrous” or “immovable” joints (imagine all the suture joints in the skull), actually did move, very slightly. The constant and rhythmic movement of these joints (about the width of a piece of paper), was due to something called the craniosacral pump. This rhythmic pump alters the pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid, in the brain and spinal column causing the entire body to flex and extend very slightly.
The craniosacral therapist listens to these rhythms with their hands. The rhythm will naturally come to a stop during a session and a release occurs within the body. This release is usually a past trauma (a story) stored within the body. Releasing these traumas can create a dramatic return to better health.
The craniosacral therapist is only a facilitator for the client’s own healing mechanism. This is a hands-on technique with very light pressure. It will feel more like an energy healing technique, but it is based on actual anatomical and physiological function.
- The Craniosacral Rhythm releases and restores balance to the nervous system.
- Addresses connective tissue by unwinding and smoothing restrictions in the body’s network of tissues.
- Releases trauma and unhealthy patterns from skin ligaments, tissues and bones. Trapped emotions will begin to unburden places in your body, unlocking a liberated healing path.
- Releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and bolster the immune system, taking your body out of the sympathetic state and into the parasympathetic state.
How many sessions will I need to begin to feel changes?
Acute symptoms have a recommended average of between 1-3 sessions within a 2 week period. Chronic symptoms have a recommended average of between 8 to 10 sessions in a 3 month period, depending on how many chronic issues are present. Packages are available for sessions after the 4th treatment (please inquire at initial consultation).
This video gives a nice explanation of craniosacral therapy, how it affects the nervous system, and how a biodynamic practitioner works with your system to support healing. This was posted by Murtaza Bootwala (no attribution to original producer provided).
Research
Temporal bone misalignment as cause of Vertigo and successful CST
Resource: PubMed Central
Use and benefits of CST in primary health care
Resource: PubMed Central
Efficacy of CST on Sleep quality in Fibromyalgia
Resource: PubMed Central
Effectiveness of CST in treatment of infantile colic
Resource: PubMed Central
Craniosacral Therapy for the treatment of chronic neck pain
Resource: PubMed Central
BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral therapy was developed by osteopaths when they noticed that so-called “fibrous” or “immovable” joints (imagine all the suture joints in the skull), actually did move, very slightly. The constant and rhythmic movement of these joints (about the width of a piece of paper), was due to something called the craniosacral pump. This rhythmic pump alters the pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid, in the brain and spinal column causing the entire body to flex and extend very slightly.
The craniosacral therapist listens to these rhythms with their hands. The rhythm will naturally come to a stop during a session and a release occurs within the body. This release is usually a past trauma (a story) stored within the body. Releasing these traumas can create a dramatic return to better health.
The craniosacral therapist is only a facilitator for the client’s own healing mechanism. This is a hands-on technique with very light pressure. It will feel more like an energy healing technique, but it is based on actual anatomical and physiological function.
- The Craniosacral Rhythm releases and restores balance to the nervous system.
- Addresses connective tissue by unwinding and smoothing restrictions in the body’s network of tissues.
- Releases trauma and unhealthy patterns from skin ligaments, tissues and bones. Trapped emotions will begin to unburden places in your body, unlocking a liberated healing path.
- Releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and bolster the immune system, taking your body out of the sympathetic state and into the parasympathetic state.
How many sessions will I need to begin to feel changes?
Acute symptoms have a recommended average of between 1-3 sessions within a 2 week period. Chronic symptoms have a recommended average of between 8 to 10 sessions in a 3 month period, depending on how many chronic issues are present. Packages are available for sessions after the 4th treatment (please inquire at initial consultation).
This video gives a nice explanation of craniosacral therapy, how it affects the nervous system, and how a biodynamic practitioner works with your system to support healing. This was posted by Murtaza Bootwala (no attribution to original producer provided).
Research
Effects of CST on Pain in Fibromyalgia Patients
Resource: PubMed Central
Temporal bone misalignment as cause of Vertigo and successful CST
Resource: PubMed Central
Use and benefits of CST in primary health care
Resource: PubMed Central
Efficacy of CST on Sleep quality in Fibromyalgia
Resource: PubMed Central
Effectiveness of CST in treatment of infantile colic
Resource: PubMed Central
Craniosacral Therapy for the treatment of chronic neck pain
Resource: PubMed Central
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a craniosacral therapist facilitate the healing process?
The practitioner acts strictly as a neutral facilitator for the client's own inherent internal healing mechanisms. By using direct manual contact with exceptionally light pressure, the practitioner carefully senses and tracks the body's subtle craniosacral rhythms. When this rhythm naturally pauses during a session, it triggers a deep physiological release of stored past traumas and rigid structural restrictions.
How does this manual therapy affect the human nervous system?
This method restores equilibrium by shifting the body out of an active sympathetic state, commonly known as fight or flight, and into a parasympathetic state focused on rest and recovery. This physiological transition calms systemic neural hyperactivity, releases deep somatic tensions, reduces chronic pain levels, and significantly bolsters the operational efficiency of the human immune system.
What happens to connective tissues and ligaments during a session?
The manual treatment targets the body's intricate network of connective tissues by systematically unwinding and smoothing localized physical restrictions. It safely releases entrenched trauma and unhealthy mechanical patterns from skin ligaments, fascia, specialized tissues, and skeletal bones. This therapeutic process resolves structural tension, unburdens trapped emotional strain, and unlocks a completely liberated physical healing pathway.
How many sessions are recommended for managing acute symptoms?
For individuals dealing with immediate, acute symptoms, the recommended clinical protocol is an average of between one and three therapeutic sessions. These appointments should ideally be scheduled within a compact two week timeframe. This frequency ensures rapid intervention to stabilize the nervous system and initiate prompt relief from sudden physical distress.
What is the typical treatment timeline for chronic conditions?
Managing complex, entrenched chronic health symptoms typically requires an extended treatment approach. The recommended standard involves an average of eight to ten craniosacral sessions conducted over a three month duration. The exact schedule varies depending on how many distinct chronic structural or neurological issues are simultaneously presenting during its initial clinical evaluation.
Does peer-reviewed scientific research back craniosacral therapy?
Yes, multiple peer reviewed clinical studies published on PubMed Central substantiate the therapeutic efficacy of craniosacral therapy. Evidence supports its use for mitigating pain and improving sleep quality in fibromyalgia patients. Research also verifies its effectiveness in resolving chronic neck pain, treating infantile colic, and correcting temporal bone misalignments that cause severe peripheral vertigo.
Are discounted treatment packages available for ongoing care?
Financial treatment packages are accessible to clients requiring ongoing craniosacral care. These structured options become available for sessions scheduled after the completion of the fourth treatment. Clients are encouraged to inquire about these cost effective care programs directly with the health practitioner during their initial clinical consultation to properly plan long term recovery budgets.