What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

John Upledger DO, founder of the Upledger Institute, developed craniosacral therapy (CST), which is a very gentle, relaxing and hands-on intervention that can help with many physical and emotional issues.

Chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language therapist and massage therapists all incorporate craniosacral techniques into their practices.

The Upledger Institute very succinctly describes craniosacral therapy as:

• A light-touch, whole-body treatment technique that works with the body’s craniosacral system to support and nourish the central nervous system improving overall health and well-being.
• A complementary method of hands-on bodywork that works with the natural and unique rhythms of the different body systems to pinpoint and address problem sources.
• Helping to alleviate the aches, pains and strains of life; improves coping mechanisms to all for better management of stress
• Improving the body’s ability to self-care; can produce profound, positive changes.

The focus of craniosacral therapy is to enhance the balanced motion of:

• The membrane layers surrounding the brain
• The fluid (blood and cerebrospinal fluid) moving into the cranium, out of the cranium, and throughout the brain tissue
• The areas of the body that do not show normal response to the craniosacral rhythm, which might be straining the craniosacral system and the brain

Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy has been found to attain a range of motion, calm down the nervous system, improve the response to stress and anxiety, free up the compression in the skull to allow for increased blood flow and increase oxygen in the brain.

The results from craniosacral therapy on children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders over a period of time can be remarkable:

• Improved eye contract
• Better socialization
• Less hyperactivity
• More verbal communication
• Improved coping abilities
• Less oral motor difficulties
• Reduced sensory processing issues
• Improved cognitive functioning

If you are unable to find an osteopathic physician who works with children and does craniosacral therapy, then contact the Upledger Institute to find a CST practitioner in your area.

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