True North Blog

I am often asked to say exactly how this techniques works, and honestly, it can be difficult to describe! So I will do my best here to highlight what I find to be the most important aspects of Craniosacral therapy, and to bring a better understanding of just how it works.

When practicing Craniosacral therapy, I evaluate and treat a client through assessing the Craniosacral rhythm, assessing the subtle movement of cranial bones, spine and sacrum, and treating any restrictions or loss of movement that affects the body.

Assessing Craniosacral rhythm (CSR) means monitoring the flow of Cerebrospinal fluid through your head, down your spinal column to your pelvis and back up. It is a natural rhythm that everyone has, and the flow is constant. Once the CSR is noted, then I begin to feel where your system may have a restriction which causes the rhythm to be affected.

Assessing Cranial movement is extremely subtle, and very important. There are over 20 bones in your skull, and their very subtle movement is necessary to maintain the movement of Cerebrospinal fluid giving your CSR. Just like anywhere in your body, this subtle cranial movement is affected by illness and injury, and restrictions may develop that can affect your overall health. Examples of possible Cranial injury include; falling and hitting your head, concussions, broken nose, black eye, whiplash, Car accidents, severe or repeated sinus infections, Allergies, TMJ, wearing braces, Neck/Back injury/pain.

Now let’s look at the lower part of the Craniosacral system which involves the Sacrum and pelvis. Everything that impacts the pelvis plays a role in the health of the craniosacral system. The bones of the pelvis are always in motion with any activity, and can be impacted by injury, illness, pregnancy, and abuse. Examples of some possible Sacral or pelvic injury include; severe falls, falling onto tailbone, injuring or breaking a leg, pregnancy and childbirth, abuse, incontinence or GI issues.

Treatment through the CranioSacral Therapy (CST) technique is very gentle, and yet profoundly healing. Because a primary factor of CST deals with the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, it always monitors the health of your central nervous system (CNS). Everything you think, feel, see, and every movement you take must be processed through your CNS. For this reason Craniosacral therapy is tremendously helpful in healing not only physical pain, but also in promoting health on emotional issues as well. It has been my privilege to work with people dealing with a host of issues.

I hope this was helpful, and answered some questions! Please contact me if you have any comments or new questions!

Be Well!
Caroline Choppa