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The Healing Power of Gentle Touch – By Holly Kendall, RMT
As some of my clients know and have experienced; I recently engaged in a course in early May called Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST).
If you’ve ever heard me talk about CST before – you know I think highly of this alternative approach to care. Some however, may be completely new to this excellent therapy and are wondering, ‘how can cranio-sacral therapy help my problem?’ Whether you are new to CST, or more experienced, I am certain you will find helpful answers to your questions in my first blog entry with Optimum Health: Chiropractic, Massage & Fitness.
Background and Purpose
To start us off, every human and creature on earth actually has a cranio-sacral system, which is comprised of a number of different components in the body that work together. This is similar to how the digestive system has multiple components that help you to process and absorb nutrients, or how the nervous system controls movement, sensation, hormone secretion and multiple other functions. In the case of the cranio-sacral system, a few anatomical features are the cranial bones of the skull, the membranes that surround the spinal cord, the sacrum, and the cerebrospinal fluid (which nourishes the brain and spinal cord). All of these features work together as a unit to ‘pump’ or ‘fluctuate’ the movement of cerebrospinal fluid throughout these areas, always providing them with fresh nourishment and hydration. Essentially, the fluid is moved throughout similar to a hydraulic mechanism. The pressure associated with this movement can create tiny movements in the surrounding structures that can be sensed by a trained therapist. These movements are called the cranial rhythm.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a gentle approach to care that promotes self-healing throughout other systems in the body by working directly with the central nervous system. Through long periods of practical hands on training, therapists are able to locate and work alongside the cranial rhythm to help determine if there are any restrictions throughout the body. Our ultimate goal as therapists is to locate the restrictions, and help you work through a release process to improve the form and function of your central nervous system.
Who does CST benefit?
CST doesn’t just focus on a small demographic. The therapy is gentle and can be effective for anyone – from newborns to seniors. It also helps with an assortment of conditions including but not limited to;
Migraines and headaches Chronic neck and back pain
Stress and tension related disorders Motor coordination impairments
Infant and childhood disorders Spinal cord injuries
Post-concussion syndrome Chronic fatigue
Fibromyalgia TMJ syndrome
Scoliosis CNS disorders
Learning disabilities ADD/ADHD
Post traumatic stress disorder Orthopedic problems
Anxiety and depression
And many others!
If you’re interested in learning more about CranioSacral therapy, many books and articles have been written on the subject by the founder, Dr. John Upledger. These can be found on his website http://www.upledger.com/about/john-upledger.php. A personal favourite of mine is called “Your Inner Physician and You” which features all his trials and successes using this type of therapy.
I am also happy to answer any questions you might have. If you have any questions, want to know how sessions work, or are interested in trying CST, please don’t hesitate to contact Optimum Health: Chiropractic, Massage & Fitness at 613-205-0978. Our excellent staff will be happy to serve you.