Living Truth Health and Wellness

What is Cranial Sacral Therapy?

Cranial sacral therapy (CST) is sometimes also referred to as craniosacral therapy. It’s a type of bodywork that relieves compression in the bones of the head, sacrum (a triangular bone in the lower back), and spinal column.

CST is noninvasive. It uses gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to relieve the stress and pain caused by compression. It can, as a result, help to treat a number of conditions.It’s thought that through the gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system can be normalized. This removes “blockages” from the normal flow, which enhances the body’s ability to heal.

Many health care specialist including physical therapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors are able to perform cranial sacral therapy. It can be part of an already-scheduled treatment visit or the sole purpose for your appointment.

Depending on what you’re using CST to treat, you may benefit from between 3 and 10 sessions, or you may benefit from maintenance sessions. Your healthcare provider will help you determine what’s right for you. (1)

(1) https://www.healthline.com/health/cranial-sacral-therapy

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Benefits and uses of CST

CST is thought to relieve compression in the head, neck, and back. This can soothe pain and release both emotional and physical stress and tension. It’s also thought to help restore cranial mobility and ease or release restrictions of the head, neck, and nerves.

Cranial sacral therapy can be used for people of all ages. It may be part of your treatment for conditions like:

• migraines and headaches

• constipation

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• disturbed sleep cycles and insomnia

• scoliosis

• sinus infections

• neck pain

• fibromyalgia

• recurrent ear infections or colic in infants

• TMJ

• trauma recovery, including trauma from whiplash

• mood disorders like anxiety or depression

• difficult pregnancies

There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that CST is an effective treatment, but more research is needed to scientifically determine this. There’s evidence that it can relieve stress and tension, though some research suggests that it may only be effective for infants, toddlers, and children.

Other studies, however, indicate that CST may be an effective treatment — or part of an effective treatment plan — for certain conditions. One 2012Trusted Source study found that it was effective at reducing symptoms in those with severe migraines. Another study found that people with fibromyalgia experienced relief from symptoms (including pain and anxiety) thanks to CST. (1)

1.) https://www.healthline.com/health/cranial-sacral-therapy#benefits-and-uses

Side Effects and Risks

The most common side effect of cranial sacral therapy with a licensed practitioner is mild discomfort following the treatment. This is often temporary and will fade within 24 hours.

There are certain individuals who shouldn’t use CST. These include people who have:

• severe bleeding disorders

• a diagnosed aneurysm

• a history of recent traumatic head injuries, which may include cranial bleeding or skull fractures (1)

1.) https://www.healthline.com/health/cranial-sacral-therapy#side-effects-and-risks