Gentle and hands-on, Cranial-Sacral Therapy helps the therapist evaluate and enhance the functioning of the cranio-sacral system – the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect your brain and spinal cord. The role of this system is so important that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and neurological disabilities.

CST falls under the umbrella of the MFR approach, and John Barnes’ method is a highly effective form of CST.

CST reinforces the body’s natural healing processes, and is increasingly used as a way to bolster resistance to disease. It is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and other physical dysfunction.

How does Cranio-Sacral Therapy work?

Like the pulse of your cardiovascular system, your cranio-sacral system has a rhythm you can feel throughout your body. Using a gentle touch, a skilled practitioner can monitor this rhythm at key body points and isolate an obstruction or source of stress. Once a source has been found, natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue helps the body correct itself. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction and dissipate the negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. CST can be combined with other manual therapies to help restore your body to optimal function and comfort.

Reprinted with permission from Wholistic Physical Therapy.