Craniosacral Therapy ~ How It Works

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Image by Leopictures from Pixabay
​Craniosacral Therapy is based on the understanding that the continuous, rhythmic and subtle movements of the cranial bones (in your skull) is in response to the flow and fluctuations of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. (a rhythm of about 6 to 12 cycles per minute).

This rhythm of movement is separate to the rhythm of your respiration (breathing) and cardiovascular system (heart beat/pulse), and extends out to your entire body in response to fluid pressure changes around the Central Nervous System. 

The Fascia (a sheet of connective tissue that covers the entire human body, organs, joints, muscles and tissues) is affected by this continuous movement. The loss or reduction of movement in the fascia, in any specific area, is a helpful aid to the Craniosacral Therapist in pinpointing the location which is causing the lack of mobility.
Craniosacral Therapy encourages the restoration of normal  cranial mobility, and that has an impact on your whole being as it helps to
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  • Release myofascial restrictions and tensions in the body (muscle knots, scar tissue, adhesions, restricted joint mobility...)
  • Release restrictions in the head
  • Ease restrictions and/or compression of nerves
  • Optimize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the central nervous system
  • Help to very gently encourage misaligned bones to their proper positions, through providing space (assisting problems associated with the head, back, neck, hips, shoulders, arms, hands, knees and feet)

The Cranial System influences and is influenced by your body's nervous system, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, immune system, endocrine system and respiratory system.

Craniosacral Therapy Stillpoint

PictureA Stillpoint can be experienced any where in your body.
Your Craniosacral system has a natural way of correcting restriction and tension in your body when given space (slack) and time to do so. A Craniosacral Therapist will attempt to help the system arrive there through a Stillpoint. 

When tensile forces are brought into stillness, muscle tone drops spontaneously and your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) takes over. During the stillpoint phase of a session everything relaxes, pain eases, breathing eases and muscle tension melts away.