Craniosacral Therapy

 

What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)? 

Craniosacral Therapy is a light touch hands on treatment. It aims to release any areas of restriction in the craniosacral system.

This system includes the fluid and membranes that protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord. These membranes consist of fascia which surrounds and connects every structure in the body. Any imbalances in this system potentially affects the structure and function of any of the body’s systems leading to pain, dysfunction and disease.

The treatment facilitates the release of restrictions or tensions that can arise from our life experiences and the emotions associated with them.

CST is a gentle and compassionate treatment that can ease the body of these symptoms and allow it to reach its full potential.

CST for Adults

Craniosacral Therapy is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. This treatment supports the body’s own self-healing mechanisms.

It calms the nervous system. It can access and release areas of tension or trauma that are held in the tissues of the body, regardless of how long they have been there. Very often, physical complaints may have complex origins, sometimes including an emotional component, that craniosacral therapy can access and release.

There is an increasing amount of research supporting the important role fascia plays in many conditions. As Craniosacral therapy works primarily with this fascial system along with the nervous system long term change and improvement is possible.

CST for Babies and Children

Being born may be one of the more challenging experiences in our lives. Its effects can create blueprints for our life patterns and perceptions which may then present symptomatically.

There is an increasing amount of research suggesting that the effects of the birth process contribute to a person’s well-being. Sometimes these effects only become apparent later in childhood or as an adult.

The importance of bonding between mother and child is well acknowledged and CST, when appropriately applied, has been shown to be safe and effective in enhancing this and many other conditions.

How is CST performed?

Therapists use light touch, similar to the weight of a small coin, to evaluate and treat imbalances and restrictions. Precise and subtle palpation is used on the patient who remains fully clothed. The areas treated depend on where these core restrictions lie in the body and are not confined to the head.

CST can facilitate the release of the residual effects of trauma or suppressed emotion from the mind and body, that may be inhibiting the body’s own inherent healing process.

Choosing a Craniosacral Therapist?

Craniosacral therapists are trained to create a safe, calm environment that deeply respects the body’s innate intelligence and capacity to self-heal. All the Craniosacral schools and practitioners that are recognised by IACST are Garda vetted and trauma-informed.

As a regulatory body, the IACST sets the highest standards of training and ongoing development for its practitioners, which includes the length and scope of the initial training; requirements for continuing professional development and supervision; being bound by our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice; keeping up-to-date with legal obligations, adherence to these standards is backed up by our complaints process.

IACST registered practitioners are listed in our directory and you can be assured of their commitment to meeting our professional standards. It is important to know that if a practitioner is not a member of a reputable regulatory body, they do not have to meet any requirements to demonstrate their competence and safety to practice.

• Overview
• Benefits of CST
• CST effective for: