Cranial Sacral Mobilization and Therapeutic Treatments
What to Expect from a Cranial Sacral Treatment with Dr. Keri Brown, ND
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is recommend as part of most of our treatment protocols for patients with chronic illness. Dr. Brown and the research has found that people respond faster and better to nutritional and other support when CST is part of their care.
Dr. Brown has extensive training and many years of experience doing the work. During the hour long CST session, the client remains clothed while lying in a relaxed position. The practitioner applies subtle pressure with fingertips to the head, the base of the spine and the joints.
Craniosacral Therapy is used to address many conditions including:
- Migraine and headaches
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Central Nervous System Disorders such as MS or Parkinsons
- Motor-Coordination Impairments
- Scoliosis
- Chronic Fatigue
- Stress-related disorders like PTSD or anxiety
- Fibromyalgia
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
- Immune and auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic Brain and Spinal Core Injuries
- Emotional Difficulties
- Learning Disabilities
How does CST work?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a form of therapeutic bodywork that primarily focuses on the “respiratory” flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. By using a light therapeutic touch, this flow can be used to support and manipulate in the joints of the cranium and more.
CST enhances the natural rhythmic movement of the cerebrospinal fluid that is initiated by the bones of the skull (cranium) and the base of the spine (sacrum). When this natural motion is restricted, the nerves are less able to keep information flowing freely in the body.
This can impact the body’s entire central nervous system, as well the immune system and the muscles and organs. Common causes of restriction are emotional and psychological stresses, physical injuries, birth trauma and toxicity.
A craniosacral treatment is different from other massage therapy in that the client is clothed and the practitioner applies very light touch to the body, generally about 5 grams or the weight of a nickel. Work is supported through the whole body including the pelvic, spine, face and skull.
Clients may need as little as one treatment to resolve symptoms although several treatments are recommended for optimal results. Sessions generally last about 50 minutes.
Treatment Experience
During or after a craniosacral treatment, you may notice shifts in your emotional health as your body integrates the structural and energetic shifts in your body. Moreover clients report that they feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and their physical pain levels are decreased after treatment. This is likely associated with an increase in endorphins, but research shows that the effects may actually on the endocannabinoid system.
There is an inherent motility of the central nervous system. This fluctuation can affect the body and the rhythm and flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. This is felt in the mobility of the intracranial and intraspinal dural membranes that is described as a slow pulsating movement within the spinal meninges and can be felt and supported throughout the body.
History Basis
Osteopath William Sutherland (1873–1954) in 1898–1900 developed Cranial Osteopathy, which is a forerunner of CST. Craniosacral therapy was developed by John Upledger, D.O. in the 1970s, and is loosely based on osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF), which was developed in the 1930s by Sutherland. The idea that the cranial sutures are “beveled, like the gills of a fish, indicating articular mobility for a respiratory mechanism of the temporal bones where they meet the parietal bones” stated Sutherland.
Contact Dr. Keri Brown today at 970-889-3541 for a Craniosacral therapy treatments.