What is CST? 
CranioSacral Therapy is a very gentle hands on therapy that encourages the body’s self-healing process.  Developed by Dr John Upledger, an osteopath and surgeon, the practitioner uses light pressure to identify and correct areas of imbalance in the body. 

CranioSacral Therapy has its origins in the world of Dr William G Sutherland in the early 1900’s.  Sutherland was intrigued by the way in which the skull was formed and spent more than 20 years studying possible movements of the cranial bones.  He then went on to develop Cranial Osteopathy, a system for the examination and treatment of the bones of the skull. 

In 1970, during an operation on a patients neck, Dr John Upledger observed a rhythmical movement that could not be accounted for by any know biological system.  After attending a seminar on Sutherland’s work, Upledger put together the theory of the CranioSacral system as a hydraulic unit and so develop techniques to evaluate and treat it’s malfunctions. 

1985 saw the formation of the Upledger Institute in Florida.  Since then thousands of healthcare professionals from many disciplines have studied the therapeutic value of the CranioSacral system.

Who comes for CST?
CranioSacral Therapy may be benefical for the following conditions 

  • Headache and Migraine
  • Back, neck and shoulder pain
  • Jaw/TMJ problems
  • Dyslexia
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Autism
  • Depression
  • Reduced Vitality
  • ME
  • MS

    •  CranioSacral Therapy can be performed on babies and children to help with traumatic births, colic, sleeping and feeding difficulties as well as learning difficulties.  A referral to a practitioner with paediatric training can be given if required.

     What is a treatment like?
    Treatments are given with the client laying on a comfortable couch, fully clothed.  The practitioner uses minimal pressure, usually no more than the weight of a 20p piece, to palpate the body and identify and correct areas of imbalance.     

    The whole body is treated with hand positions taken at the feet and over the trunk, generally with one of the practitioners hands underneath the client and the other on the top. 

    After care advice:
    In order to support the benefits of the treatment it is recommended that you avoid stimulants such as caffeine (tea, coffee, cola), nicotine and alcohol for 24 hours after the treatment.  In addition you should drink plenty of water, preferably still mineral water, to help flush the body of released toxins.  Insufficient water intake can cause unpleasant reactions to a treatment such a headache or flu-like symptoms. 

    Reactions to treatment:

    • Temporary worsening of existing condition (should last no more than 24 hours).
    • General aches and pains
    • Skin rashes
    • Spots or pimples
    • Great fatigue (should last no longer than 24 hours)
    • Flu-like symptoms
    • Increased wind or flatulence
    • Increased urination and bowel movements
    • In women, increased menstrual flow
    • Increased mucus
    • An improvement in mood
    • Improved sleep patterns
    • Increased energy
    • Relief from pain
    • Increased mobility

     

    Contraindications
    For clients with good overall health there are no specific contraindications for CranioSacral therapy however Doctors permission should be sought before treatment for patients with the following conditions: 

    • Epilepsy
    • MS
    • High or low blood pressure
    • Unstabilised heart condition
    • After recent surgery
    • During treatment for cancer
    • After any head or neck injury

    For more information visit the Upledger Institute website for the UK or the USA.