My Explanation: CranioSacral Therapy

By palpating the CranioSacral Rythym (or pulse), a trained practitioner can assess and treat the restrictions within the CranioSacral system in the human body.  This system primarily is the cerebrospinal fluid, the membranes, the brain, and the spinal cord. The secondary system components are the cranial bones, sacrum, spinal vertebral bones and the fascia. The CranioSacral Rhythm is generated by the pressure changes of the cerebrospinal fluid that are created by the production and circulation of the fluid within the system. A normal healthy adult CranioSacral rythym should be symmetrically balanced throughout the system, have a strong amplitude, and an even quality to it. By paplating the rythym a trained practitioner can identify where the system is not functioning optimally and then apply appropriate techniques to bring an improvement to the system. These techniques are administered with usually less than 5 grams of pressure. This is very light!

The therapy is performed on a Massage Therapy table with an air mattress on it to reduce the physical pressure for the patient's CranioSacral system and to reduce the pressure on the therapist's hands. The patient remains dressed, preferably in light comfortable clothing; no heavy materials or belts please. The treatment duration is any where from 30 minutes to 90 minutes in length. Treatment frequency depends on the patient's condition's and response to treatment. I usually recommend for new patients who are trying CST for the first time to plan on three treatments spaced from 1 week apart to 2 weeks apart, each for a minimum of an hour duration. This way the patient has an opportunity to have time to process the treatment and determine it's effectiveness for them. Also, three initial treatments allows myself, the practitioner, enough treatment time to treat the core components of the system to start to initiate healing changes for the patient, to gain an understanding of their system and then determine if a longer treatment plan is indicated. For those patients who would like to have both Massage Therapy and CranioSacral Therapy done in one treatment time, after three initial CST sessions; I can safely blend the therapies together if that is requested.

Common conditions that benefit from CST are; but, not limited only to: chronic pain, headaches, migraine headaches, sciatica pain, sacroiliac joint pain, low back pain, midback and shoulder pain, neck pain and stiffness, post concussion syndrome, vertigo, TMJ dysfunction, sinus problems, sleep troubles, balance and five senses problems (vision, hearing, feeling, taste, smell), fascial and muscular restrictions, and conditions that are directly affected by any levels of the nervous system. 

I personally have experience working with patients that experience those conditions and others like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, undiagnosed conditions affecting the nervous system and in children/young adults; Autism, ADD, ADHD, migraines, etc. with good success.

The Upledger Institute Explanation: CranioSacral Therapy

(CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and the spinal cord.

CST enhances the body's natural healing processes and has been effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraine Headaches, Chronic Neck and Back Pain, Motor-Co-ordination Impairments, Central Nervous System Disorders, Orthopedic Problems, Scoliosis, Infantile Disorders, Colic, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, Emotional Difficulties, Stress and Tension-Related Problems, TemporoMandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ D), Chronic Fatigue, Neurovascular or Immune Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-Surgical Dysfunction, Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders.

The technique is increasingly used as a preventative health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease and sustain overall good health.

CST was developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., in the 1970's. It is based on the theories of William Sutherland, D.O.,(an osteopath from the early 1900's); Dr. Upledger’ s research at Michigan State University (1975-83); and extensive clinical application. 

Read about CST and more information on how CST works; in "Your Inner Physician and You" by John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M.(in paperback - North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, Calif., and UI Enterprises, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.,1997). ISBN #1-55643-246-1.

Available through Belinda's lending library and through the Calgary Public Library.

In the book; Dr. John Upledger explains the origin of his discovery along with specific cases and treatment outcomes. The book also features a question-and-answer section in which Dr. Upledger addresses some of the questions most commonly asked of him.

To find another CST practitioner, The International Association of Healthcare Practitioners (IAHP) Directory and website at www.iahp.com; lists professionals, their telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and levels of training.

Belinda is listed @ www.iahp.com/Belinda-J-Pyle.

For further information contact myself, or any practitioner practicing CranioSacral Therapy or The Upledger Institute.

Also available is the Upledger "Still Point Inducer" for sale, email me, if you are interested.

CranioSacral Self Help “Still Point”

"Still Point" (CV-4): The Device: You can either use an Upledger Healthplex produced “Still Point Inducer” or create your own.

To make one; two tennis balls are tethered in tandem so that they are touching one another. The two balls can be placed in a toe of a sock which is then knotted together tightly. In order to assure that the balls stay in contact with each other, place the sock inside another sock and tie tightly.

Instructions: Recline on your back, on the floor or upon a sofa or bed. Place the device under your head so that the entire weight of your head rests on the two balls. They should be symmetrical with respect to the midline. They are placed about 1/3 the way “up” the back of your head near the top of the occipital bone. This is in a slight horizontal depression in the skull just above the attachment of the main neck muscles. This level is slightly above the ear openings. Allow the weight of your head to rest comfortably upon the device for fifteen minutes. You may shift position slightly in order to maintain symmetry and comfort, but do so gently and gradually. Repeat daily.

Indications: This is a good technique for enhancing tissues and fluid motion, especially relaxing connective tissues throughout the body, and for restoring flexibility of autonomic nervous system response.

It is beneficial for acute and chronic musculoskeletal lesions, including degenerative arthritis. It can lower fever as much as four degrees Fahrenheit. It can reduce cerebral or pulmonary congestion, and dependent edema. It has been used to improve auto-immune disease, autistic behavior of children, and anxiety. This technique can benefit most individuals to some degree and is rarely, if ever, harmful.

Theory: The craniosacral rhythmical impulse (“C.R.I.”) is the rhythmical mobile activity of the craniosacral physiological system.

The structures of the craniosacral system are organized around the meningeal membranes. The craniosacral system is intimately related to the function of the nervous system (most directly the cranium, spine and pelvis), related fascia, and other systems.

Induction of the momentary “still points” in the craniosacral rhythmical impulse is an effective technique for mobilizing the craniosacral system’s inherent self-correcting abilities, which in turn can have profound beneficial effects throughout the body.

Contraindications: Contraindications are in situation which even slight and transient increases in intracranial pressure are to be avoided: impending cerebrovascular hemorrhage or aneurysm. Do not use the technique during the acute stages of stroke or head injury.                     Home Page://www.Upledger.com.

This is a copied version of a hand out, I have available, compliments of The Upledger Institute.

Medical Disclaimer: in no way or intention is the information provided a replacement of medical treatment or diagnosis.