What Craniosacral Is And Why You Should Get Some!

Our Craniosacral MechanismI just took a 4 day seminar on Craniosacral Therapy in Chicago through the Upledger Institute. It was incredible!

I learned SO much. I'm going to try to break it down for you. Not only to organize the thoughts in my head, but to show you what Craniosacral therapy can do for you and the ones you love. 

First of all, let's talk body rhythms. We are all familiar with our cardiac rhythm. We all know very well the rhythm of the lungs. The rhythm of the craniosacral mechanism (brain, spine and sacrum) is the 3rd and likely most fundamental rhythm in our body. It's the cycle of the brain producing cerebral spinal fluid (pretty important stuff) bathing our brain, spine and sacrum in nutrient dense, oxygenated fluid, and it reabsorbing into the blood. 

Without this process which begins at just 5 weeks in our embryonic development, our heart and lungs wouldn't work at all! Everyone has a craniosacral rhythm! Some are faster, some are slower. The average number of cycles for each of us is between 6 and 12 per minute. This is compared to our heart which beats 80 times per minute. The Craniosacral Rhythm (CSR) is slow and should be steady & symmetrical.

CST is relaxing and beneficial to almost everyone!Over time or even beginning at birth, small traumas can create inconsistencies in this rhythm and in our neuromuscular structure. Varied symmetry, quality, amplitude and rate of our CSR can be perceived and adjusted by a craniosacral therapist so that these variances don't become or contribute to pain, inflammation, nerve impingement, and many other disorders.

This unique modality is not only the art of "listening" to that rhythm with our hands (probably the best diagnostic tool on earth), but it's the science of gently adjusting the bones in the cranium, pelvis and sacrum, creating more fluid mobility, releasing restrictions and allowing our own natural healing mechanisms to engage. Changes can be subtle or profound. 

Here's a list of what you can use Craniosacral to heal, support and in some cases reverse:A wonderful introduction to the power of this subtle modality.

• Headaches
• Neck and Shoulder Pain
• Back Aches
• Emotional Disorder
• Autism
• ADD/ADHD
• Learning Disabilities/Dislexia
• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Chronic Pain
• Arthritis
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• PTSD
• Traumatic Birth & much more

Craniosacral is a light touch, non-invasive technique that helps stimulate our bodies own ability to self-correct. In my opinion there is no better example of a holistic therapy on earth. Miracles happen everyday- find a craniosacral therapist and start making some for yourself!

If you live in the Lansing Michigan area and you are interested in craniosacral therapy, reach out to me at desiree@modernhippie.org. I'm still a student and have reasonable rates. 

If your interested in finding a Upledger Certified Craniosacral therapist near you- click this link!

Sue Cotta instructing us on one of the diaphragm releases. She is a very gifted teacher.Contraindications of craniosacral therapy is any sort of detrimental effect of change in intercranial fluid. If you have recently had a stroke or aneurism please consult your physician before beginning craniosacral therapy.