Benefits of Cranio Sacral Therapy

CST can also be effective in injuries and traumas, no matter how old they are. Many physical traumas—including birth trauma—can affect us even if we don’t remember or notice them. Recovery from both minor and major surgical procedures, including dental treatments, release of tension in tissues, and the clearing of anesthesia residues from the system can all be supported through CST.

One of the strongest aspects of CranioSacral Therapy is its ability to strengthen the system holistically and create a safe environment for healing. In this environment, the body can present unresolved issues, allowing the therapist to facilitate the healing process. When our system’s inner intelligence is properly supported, it has the capacity to prioritize and express areas of tension and compression, and to heal itself by becoming stronger. It is not necessary to remember or re- experience traumas in order to resolve them.

You can find examples below of conditions that CST may help support. To receive more specific information regarding your situation, you can contact one of our practitioners.

-Chronic stress and anxiety 

-Chronic neck, back, and lower back pain  -Fibromyalgia and unexplained pain  -Sciatica and similar nerve compressions  -Accidents, whiplash, past or recent traumas  -Sports injuries 

-Post-surgical healing support 

-Hormonal imbalances 

-Headaches, migraines 

-Immune system disorders, autoimmune diseases  -Digestive system issues 

-Chronic inflammation and infections 

-Teeth grinding, clenching, TMJ syndrome  -Support for orthodontic treatments 

-Learning and adaptation difficulties in children

It’s important to note that CranioSacral Therapy does not aim to diagnose or treat any disease. It works gently in cooperation with the body’s self-healing capacity and aims to support the re- expression of the client’s Inner Health Principles. If you believe you may have a medical condition, consulting your medical doctor should be your first step.

CranioSacral Therapy is a practice that supports women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery by promoting the release of restrictions throughout the entire body, particularly in the pelvic region. Thereby creating a sense of physical and emotional openness and overall well-being.

Getting Pregnant

When a woman is under high levels of stress or living in a fight or flight state, her body cannot become optimally prepared for reproduction. Due to its deeply relaxing nature, CST can support the proper functioning of the parasympathetic system, the opposite of the fight or flight response which helps prepare the female body for conception and fertility.

A U.S. based study published in 2014 in the journal Human Reproduction found that women exposed to high levels of stress “took 29% longer to become pregnant compared to other women and had twice the risk of infertility.” A similar outcome was reported in a UK-based study conducted around the same time, which examined couples undergoing IVF treatment.

CST can also be used to help release physical symptoms caused by strong emotions such as fear, that remain from past pregnancy or birth experiences.

In addition, a misaligned pelvic structure or chronic muscle tension in the lower back or pelvic floor can negatively affect both the nerves that supply the reproductive organs and the organs themselves. CST can help reduce such tensions and support all bones, muscles, organs, and nerves in the pelvic region to function at their optimal level. Thereby increasing the chances of conception and supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy and After birth

Craniosacral Therapy supports a pregnant woman throughout her journey into motherhood by helping release restrictions in the body, especially in the pelvic region. Therefore facilitating the conditions for an optimal birth experience. One of the key considerations during pregnancy is preparing for childbirth by relieving pain and tension in the lower back and hips, addressing pelvic restrictions, and helping the baby find the most favorable position in the womb. CST also supports the baby in experiencing birth and early bonding under optimal conditions.

CranioSacral Therapy also allows a pregnant woman to access her own innate health resources more effectively by promoting balance across the body, heart and spirit. Through gentle touch, a trained therapist can help ease discomfort in the connective tissues, reduce the likelihood of breech positioning, and alleviate or prevent pain in the pelvis, hips or ribcage. Therefore contributing to stability in the pelvic and uterine regions. Women in labor have been shown to benefit significantly from midwives and birth coaches trained in CST, who can offer gentle guidance to relax and balance the pelvis, uterus and sacrum throughout the birthing process.

ChranioSacral Therapy for newborns

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) sessions can be highly beneficial for newborns. Birth is often a traumatic experience for almost every baby, especially in cases of prolonged labor or when interventions such as vacuum extraction, forceps delivery, or cesarean section are involved.

The duration a baby remains in the birth canal is directly related to the length of labor. During this time, different parts of the baby’s skull overlap to fit through the canal. The natural separation process of these bones doesn’t always complete on its own, so CST helps support this process and allows the brain to expand appropriately. During vacuum or forceps extraction, in addition to the pressure effects expected in normal delivery, the applied force can cause membrane strain or tearing in the newborn's head. CST can offer optimal solutions for such issues as well.

During or immediately after birth, to speed up the process or to quickly remove the umbilical cord from around the baby’s neck, pressure may be applied to the baby’s head or neck. This can cause nerves to become compressed between the bones at the base of the skull, potentially leading to digestive issues, colic, breathing difficulties, sleep disturbances, general discomfort and more. Likewise, babies delivered via cesarean section may experience issues due to the sudden pressure change from womb to world and CST can help restore balance in these cases too.

CranioSacral Therapy is also particularly effective in overcoming breastfeeding difficulties. It is uniquely suited to this because it works directly with the tiny joints and bones in the palate, relieving tension and reducing pressure in these areas, as well as easing strain in the nerves associated with sucking. By gently placing the practitioner’s pinky finger into the newborn’s mouth to contact the palate directly, a successful sucking response is often achieved. Many lactation consultants recommend CST to parents whose babies are experiencing feeding difficulties.

In summary, the following are some of the benefits CST may offer to newborns:

-Relief and regulation after birth trauma

-Postnatal skull expansion

-Nervous system release

-Support for digestive issues

-Assistance with sleep disturbances

-Improvement in breathing difficulties

-Breastfeeding support

-Ear infections

-Torticollis (neck tension or misalignment)