Craniosacral Therapy - CST
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for Physical Wellbeing and Relaxation – What is it all about
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on the body's natural healing abilities. It involves light touch to release tension in the fascia, or connective tissue network, and address restrictions in the craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues.
How it works: The craniosacral system has a subtle rhythm that can be felt through light touch. We aim to identify and release any restrictions in this rhythm, to equalise right and left, top and bottom of the body to promote healing and well-being.
We use CST to begin the important process of making our patients aware of, and responsible for, their own physical and emotional health, by putting them in better touch with their own bodies.
Potential benefits
Somato-Emotional Release (SER)
Key aspects of SER
What to expect when you come to Physioplus+ for Craniosacral Therapy
CST for babies and children
Beneficial for Children
How craniosacral therapy works for babies and children
Whats next ?
Book now for an appointment at Physioplus+.
Telephone our Appointments Team at 01287 201006 anytime between 9 am and 12 midday Monday to Friday or alternatively afternoons between 1 pm and 3 pm Thursday or Friday.
Contact Physioplus+ now ...
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on the body's natural healing abilities. It involves light touch to release tension in the fascia, or connective tissue network, and address restrictions in the craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues.
How it works: The craniosacral system has a subtle rhythm that can be felt through light touch. We aim to identify and release any restrictions in this rhythm, to equalise right and left, top and bottom of the body to promote healing and well-being.
We use CST to begin the important process of making our patients aware of, and responsible for, their own physical and emotional health, by putting them in better touch with their own bodies.
Potential benefits
- Reduced Physical Pain: Releasing tension and restriction can help reduce chronic pain and other physical symptoms associated with trauma.
- Emotional Release: SER (somato-emotional release) can help individuals process and release pent-up emotions, leading to greater emotional well-being. It is widely used for the treatment of e.g. CPTSD, often in combination with talking therapies like counselling or CBT.
- Increased Body Awareness: By becoming more aware of their body, individuals can better understand their emotional and physical responses.
- Improved Resilience: SER can help individuals develop greater resilience in the face of future challenges.
Somato-Emotional Release (SER)
- SER is a therapy within Craniosacral Therapy that focuses on releasing emotional trauma stored in the body. It involves a process of becoming aware of physical sensations and emotions, often through subtle bodywork and verbal exploration, to help release suppressed emotions and their impact on the body.
Key aspects of SER
- Trauma Release: SER aims to help individuals release the physical and emotional impact of trauma that has been held in the body.
- Body Awareness: It emphasizes becoming aware of bodily sensations and how they relate to emotions and past experiences.
- Subtle Bodywork: SER practitioners use gentle, subtle movements and touch to engage with the body's tissues and fascia, helping to release tension and restriction.
- Psychotherapeutic Dialogue: SER often incorporates verbal exploration and dialogue to help individuals connect with and process their emotions and experiences.
- Tissue Memory: SER recognizes that trauma can leave lasting effects on the body's tissues, which can be released through gentle manipulation and emotional processing.
What to expect when you come to Physioplus+ for Craniosacral Therapy
- Craniosacral Therapy is done with the patient fully clothed – loose, comfortable layers work best.
- You will lie on a treatment couch with a soft airbed and a fleece cover underneath you. If you feel cold at any time, we have cosy blankets to use over you. We will ask you to close your eyes, or use a lightly weighted eye mask. Your therapist will tune into the subtle rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid and assess any movement or flow restrictions and release them using gentle touch.
CST for babies and children
- Most babies have a stressful birth – moved suddenly from a peaceful existence in a warm and cushioning womb to the cold light of day, sometimes further traumatised by Caesarean birth or use of forceps or suction. Some recover with no obvious problems, whilst others are left with colic, digestive issues, tight and sore necks and latching/feeding problems. CST can help relieve associated tensions and symptoms – perhaps enabling them to relax and enjoy life for the first time
Beneficial for Children
- Digestive issues: Colic, reflux, and other digestive problems in infants and young children.
- Sleep problems: Restlessness, difficulty falling asleep, and poor sleep patterns.
- Developmental delays: Can support overall development and address specific challenges.
- Emotional and behavioural challenges: Anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorders, and other emotional and behavioural issues can be helped by gentle work in the nervous system.
- Sensory processing issues: Can help regulate sensory input and reduce sensitivity.
- Neurological conditions: Cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions can be improved by working with the central nervous system.
- Pain: May help with chronic pain and other types of pain experienced by children, especially if more traditional treatment is rejected by the child.
- Learning difficulties: May support concentration, focus, and learning.
- Feeding problems: Issues with latching, tongue tie and swallowing, making feeding easier for the baby and for Mum.
How craniosacral therapy works for babies and children
- Gentle touch: Therapists use very light touch, typically just a few grams of pressure, to assess and release any restrictions in the body's tissues and fluids.
- Focus on the craniosacral rhythm: The therapist “listens” to the subtle rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid and encourages its movement to promote balance and healing.
- Nervous system regulation: By working with the central nervous system, craniosacral therapy can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
- Holistic approach: Craniosacral therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies and supports, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dietary changes.
- Parental involvement: Parents are often involved in the therapy process, providing information about their child's history and needs, and supporting the child's progress.
- Individualised treatment: Each child's needs are unique, so treatment plans are tailored to their individual circumstances.
- Potential benefits: While craniosacral therapy can be beneficial, it's not a cure-all and may not be suitable for all children or conditions.
Whats next ?
Book now for an appointment at Physioplus+.
Telephone our Appointments Team at 01287 201006 anytime between 9 am and 12 midday Monday to Friday or alternatively afternoons between 1 pm and 3 pm Thursday or Friday.
Contact Physioplus+ now ...