What is a CranioSacral Therapist?

Question

A friend of mine is trying to persuade me to go to a CranioSacral Therapist. What is this practice? Do you have to be a doctor to practice it ? I moved from the USA to Canada, and it is difficult for me to believe these alternative methods are scientific, but I am in pain from severe cervical stenosis and any legitimate alternative to surgery would be welcomed. Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

Good question. There are so many Eastern medicine practices out there now, it's hard to know what is legit and what's bogus.

I went to a great medical massage therapist who was studying craniosacral therapy, and later practiced it on me several times. I have chronic pain, and though I could not see how the CS technique could do my body any good, I believe in trying new things.  

To be quite honest, I never felt a thing; no different. She would place her hands on certain parts of my body to correct certain imbalances, and hold them there. (I don't have all the terminology downpat.)

I did feel the 'fluid' palpation on my scalp that she described, but I don't see any medical value in it, and wouldn't do it again.

Another person I know is studying Jin Shin Jytsu (sp?). That seems less valid than CS therapy.

I've been to many physical therapists, and to be honest, that is such a crock!

Massage therapists could heal more people than a PT could ever dream of healing.

Hope it helps, and just my opinion!

Answer 2

Cranial sacral therapy is the use of soft touch to work with the soft tissues of the body. To release things such as the sutures in your skull that should move freely, but don't on most people. It can be an alternative to surgery in some cases. I've seen an infant with hydrocephalus not need the surgery because of the combined efforts of a chiropractor and a cranial sacral therapist. You do not need to be a doctor to practice it, even though that's how it started. I do believe you can find all the answers you are looking for at upledger.com And hey it might not work for you, but it will definitely not hurt to try it. Good luck!

Answer 3

CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

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

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

Migraine Headaches

Chronic Neck and Back Pain

Motor-Coordination Impairments

Colic

Autism

Central Nervous System Disorders

Orthopedic Problems

Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Scoliosis

Infantile Disorders

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

SER is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. SERI offers applications designed to enhance results using CST and other complementary therapies.

Assess and mobilize the Avenue of Expression working through more than 10 different body components, including the thoracic inlet, hard palate and hyoglossal tissues.

Locate and release Energy Cysts.

Release suppressed emotions that may be inhibiting complete structural releases.

Refine listening and comprehension skills.

Improve palpation and whole-body evaluation skills.





© 2008 The International Alliance of Healthcare Educators

Answer 4

its a method of Complementary and alternative medicine used by physical therapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors and osteopaths.