Craniosacral Therapy: A Gentle Approach to Healing

CranioSacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that focuses on the rhythms of the craniosacral system. This system is made up of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. CranioSacral Therapy is increasingly recognized for its potential in facilitating the release of trapped emotion and the energy of trauma or injury. Releasing this energy may help relieve a variety of physical and emotional issues.

How Does CranioSacral Therapy Work?

CST uses very gentle pressure—about the weight of a nickel—to gently manipulate the skull, spine, and pelvis. It works with the CranioSacral rhythm, the subtle movement of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord, to release tensions that may cause a variety of health problems. By restoring the gentle flow of this rhythm on the brain and nervous system, and releasing the pressure of the stored energy, craniosacral therapy may relieve stress, ease chronic pain, restore balance and promote healing.  This is a superficial understanding. 

Here’s a look at the deeper picture.  When an injury or trauma takes place the person on the receiving end reacts, perhaps by putting their body in a protective position, perhaps there is an upset sensation or emotion, or potentially upset thoughts.  Each of these is part of the energy blockage.   The tissue in the body twists holding the energy of these emotions, sensations, thoughts and memory within the tissue of the body.  This, in turn, puts additional pressure on the brain and nervous system.  Think about squeezing the water balloon that houses your brain and nervous system.  The result may be added pressure, pain, anger, improper function of a nerve, …and more. 

In severe cases, there may be difficulty controlling ones’ expressions when certain pressures are applied in various places in the brain and nervous system. There may also be functional variation. 

CranioSacral Therapy may be a good choice when dealing with any emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical upset or intense situation where there is change or challenge.  There may be strong emotions that come to consciousness, but it may be a useful tool to honor, analyze, make decisions about and potentially move forward in life past the trauma.  

Studies associated with Craniosacral Therapy

  • Chronic pain: Studies suggest CST can be beneficial for managing chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and headaches (Holland et al., 2015).

  • Stress and anxiety: Many people report reduced stress levels and a sense of relaxation after CST sessions, which may contribute to its use in mental health treatment (Holland et al., 2015).

  • Trauma recovery: CST can help those recovering from physical or emotional trauma, supporting the release of stored tension and emotional blockages (Upledger, 2011).

  • Neck and back pain: CST is commonly used to address musculoskeletal issues, with evidence supporting its effectiveness in alleviating pain and tension (Mills et al., 2014).

If the issue is not addressed, the presence of trapped negative, potentially traumatic energy within or around the body may continually be a reminder of the trauma.  It may be that that trauma, or something like it, may be drawn back into the person’s life in some way. It may be a recurrence, or it may be the inability to “let go” of the injury or event.  The reminder, whether conscious or unconscious, may be saying, “I’m right here…”.  This could bring the event back into consciousness, even when the person has already addressed the issues surrounding the situation.