Experience Wellness with Craniosacral Therapy Brisbane
Gentle, Hands-on Approach to Encourage Your Body’s Natural Ability Towards Holistic Healing
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) has been getting more traction as of late as a holistic health and wellness alternative treatment. But the practice itself is anything but new; buoyed by a rich history and established practices that transcended generations of experts and advocates.
While the therapy may suggest that its too focused on just the head and spinal cord, craniosacral therapists work on the wellness of the entire body and mind, which can lead to outcomes that are quite expansive. Though at it’s core, there’s no question that CST is all about enhancing our body’s natural healing abilities.
If you’ve ever marveled at the body’s ability to heal itself, craniosacral therapy (CST) might just be your cup of tea!
In general, craniosacral therapy is chosen by individuals seeking a gentle and non-invasive approach to address various health concerns including stress, trauma and chronic pain. This therapy focuses on the subtle movements of the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Reach out to us at Craniosacral Therapy Brisbane to discuss your condition.
What is Craniosacral Therapy Used For?
Migraine Relief
By focusing on the rhythm and flow of cerebrospinal fluid, CST aims to calm those throbbing vessels and reduce the risk of anxiety and stress.
Neck Pain Management
CST can be used as a complementary approach to help manage neck pain by addressing underlying tensions and promoting the body's self-healing mechanism.
Sinewy Scoliosis
If you're having back pain, CST can help with scoliosis by promoting balance within connective tissues surrounding the spinal column.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
CST can help addresses abdominal distress that cause IBS flare-ups and induce a deep state of relaxation.
Dysfunctional Sleep Cycles
If you're chasing a good night's rest, having someone softly work on your head might just be the ticket to slipping into sleep more effortlessly than tallying sheep.
Anxiety
CST can be a complementary or alternative approach to managing anxiety and its symptoms.
Trauma and Emotional Stress
Some people seek CST to help with emotional wellness and recovery. CST can help release stress and tension that manifests in our body which sometimes lead to emotional imbalances when left unchecked.
Tempora-mandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
CST's stress-relieving, light pressure-based technique is perfect for the muscles surrounding the jaw, likewise as an alternative or complementary approach for patients dealing with TMJ.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
CST is often used for stress reduction and relaxation. Individuals may believe that the gentle manipulations can help release tension in the body and promote a sense of well-being.
Fibromyalgia
CST is sometimes explored by individuals with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.
What to Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session?
A Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy session typically begins with intake and assessment where a discussion about your health history, specific concerns and reasons for seeking BCST are taken to account.
Unlike other bodywork sessions, BCST is done without the need to change to special clothing. You will also notice that the room environment for BCST is significantly muted and more discreet than let’s say a spa. This is essential since the therapist needs all the calmness and quiet as they listen and work with the rhythym and subtle movements in your body.
How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?
First off, forget everything you know about traditional massages where oils and deep pressure reign supreme. In craniosacral therapy, it’s all about subtlety—a practitioner’s hands barely whispering over your skin with no more force than the weight of a nickel. That light touch isn’t some random choice; it’s designed to tune into your craniosacral rhythm, kind of like catching the right frequency on an old-time radio dial.
CST hinges on this concept: The cerebrospinal fluid pulsates at its own subtle rhythm within the spinal cord—and by gently manipulating key areas along your noggin’ and backside, practitioners can help release restrictions in these tissues. Think of them as detectives finding clues to unravel bodily mysteries—the slightest resistance under their fingers could be telling tales worth listening to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens During a Craniosacral Therapy Session?
Following the initial discussion, the session itself is done in a quiet, isolated area. Notably, BCST sessions will not require you to undress or swap clothes, although it is encouraged that you come in with comfortable and loose-fitting clothing for the session.
You will then be asked to lie down on a massage table and find a comfortable position. The therapist may recommend certain positions and provide you with pillow or other props to support your body until you are completely satisfied and relaxed.
Throughout the session, the therapist will use light touch, often with their hands, to tune into your body. BCST emphasises the therapist’s neutral and non-invasive presence, allowing the body’s natural healing processes to unfold.
Is Cranio Sacral Therapy Painful?
No, it’s not painful since it doesn’t rely on pressure or excessive force.
In fact, each session is akin to a symphony where each movement leads naturally onto another—each technique chosen precisely based upon feedback received through gentle palpation skills honed through rigorous training endorsed by institutions such as the Upledger Institute International themselves.
The practice of this therapeutic dance is quite nuanced. It focuses on gently supporting the structures connected to the central nervous system, such as the cerebrospinal fluids that envelop our brain and spinal column. This careful support helps maintain these critical system’s optimal functioning.
Is Craniosacral Therapy Legitimate?
CST has been around for a while and its been used in therapies since the 1970s when Upledger Craniosacral Therapy (UCT), developed by Dr. John Upledger; and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST), developed by Franklyn, Sills were established behind the concepts that were first laid out in the early 20th century by Dr. William Sutherland, an American osteopath.
You can read our blog on Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Upledger Craniosacral Therapy.
What is the Difference Between Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is not Reiki; they’re distinct practices with different approaches and philosophies.
Reiki involves the channeling of universal life energy through the practitioner’s hands to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being by balancing the body’s energy. On the other hand, Craniosacral Therapy is a hands-on technique that focuses on the subtle movements of the craniosacral system to release restrictions and promote better functioning of the central nervous system.
What is the Difference Between a Chiropractor and a Craniosacral Therapist?
Chiropractors primarily focus on the musculoskeletal system and tend to emphasise structuiral alignment in their treatment. In contrast, craniosacral therapists focus on the craniosacral system and work with the subtle movements of the craniosacral system to promote overall balance and well-being. The latter is also known for using light touch, non-invasive mechanics.
How Many Sessions of Craniosacral Therapy Do You Need?
Some individuals may find relief or benefits from just a few sessions, while others may choose to engage in a more extended course of treatment. The results vary depending on various conditions and your body’s general response to the treatment. However, you should be able to tell whether craniosacral therapy is beneficial for you within 3-5 sessions. To get a more relevant timeline, we advice working with your practitioner on setting milestones and tracking progress.
Book your craniosacral therapy appointment with us and we can discuss in more detail the number of treatment sessions required.
