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What is Craniosacral Therapy?

"A gentle hands-on method of enhancing the flow of cerebral spinal fluid, blood, and lymph. Thus it facilitates the body's natural healing" -- Dr. John Upledger
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Created in the 1970's by Dr. John Upledger, Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle therapy that evaluates and helps balance the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the cerebral spinal fluid and the membranes that house it in the brain and the spinal cord. As your nervous system absorbs the stress and strain of daily life, tension is created in the body. However, your body can only take so much strain before this tension creates dysfunctions. This may negatively affect various body systems, most notably the central nervous system which is housed within the craniosacral system.

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Craniosacral Therapy helps to reduce this tension, allowing the body to relax and self-correct. Using a gentle touch of 5 grams or less, just the weight of a nickel, therapists evaluate restrictions and imbalances in the craniosacral system.  Then with more light touch on the body, each restriction is released and balance is restored.

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By reducing the tension in the body, Craniosacral Therapy naturally facilitates healing within the body, being a healthy preventive of disease and sickness. And because of its gentle touch, it can be beneficial for all ages.

How can Craniosacral Therapy help me?

Craniosacral Therapy works mostly with the nervous system.  Our nervous system is extensive, interacting with every system in our body. There are many conditions that Craniosacral Therapy can benefit. Numerous studies demonstrate the positive effect Craniosacral Therapy has on a variety of conditions related to our nervous system. Currently, Craniosacral Therapy has been shown to help the following:

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  • Migraine Headaches

  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain

  • Motor-Coordination Impairments

  • Autism

  • Central Nervous System Disorders

  • Orthopedic Problems

  • Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries

  • Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

  • Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Scoliosis

  • Learning Disabilities

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Emotional Difficulties

  • Stress and Tension-Related Problems

  • Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

  • Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

  • Neurovascular or Immune Disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Post-Surgical Dysfunction

What can I expect during treatment?

First and foremost, Craniosacral Therapy is not a massage.  This treatment is considered bodywork.  A Craniosacral Therapy session is done with the client fully clothed, a blanket can be used if the client becomes cold.  The client is normally positioned lying face-up on the massage table.  The craniosacral therapist starts each session gently laying their hands on the client's body, ordinarily starting at the feet.  Gentle holds on the legs, rib cage, shoulders, and head follow.  After these gentle holds, the therapist then proceeds to lightly touch the head and then work with the sacrum with more light touch. The pressure used is 5 grams (the weight of a nickel) or less, very gentle but extremely effective.   Each session normally lasts an hour, sometimes more. 

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As a client, you can typically expect deep relaxation.  You may also experience different emotions arising or the feeling of tension releasing from the body.  If at any time you are uncomfortable, please let the therapist know.  If you wish to stop the treatment, please inform your therapist.  Each client is different, and it is important to honor and respect how your body responds. 

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