How does Cranial Sacral Therapy Work?

​

​The International Alliance of Healthcare Workers describes this effective healing technique best: "CranioSacral Therapy works by helping the body's natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system."

 

"This is accomplished through utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which maintains the environment in which the central nervous system functions. It consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities."

 

"Like the pulse of the cardiovascular system, the craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Using a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a nickel, skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Other times, CST may be combined with other complementary therapies to help restore the body to its optimum functioning level."

 

In a nutshell, the cerebral spinal fluid supplies nutrients to the central nervous system and cleans it of waste. The central nervous system is vital to the function of all the body's processes. Cranial Sacral Therapy can release tensions deep within the body causing relief from dysfunction and pain, while improving overall wellbeing. To complement the deep gentle work of Cranial Sacral Therapy, I use manual therapy techniques, such as massage, trigger point, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Therapy and Visceral Therapy to assist in whole body health.

 

Training and Credentials

​

I am a Cranial Sacral Therapist and Licensed Massage Practitioner. I studied Massage in Seattle at Cortiva School of Massage. I then spent over a year training to be a Cranial Sacral Therapist with Ursula Popp at the Health Resources Center. Additionally, I have trained in the Seattle, Portland, and Santa Barbara. Below are a sample of education I have completed or pursue annuallly:

​

• Clinical Neuroplasticity and Primitive Reflexes I, II, III,IV by Maxine Haller

• Starting Kids Off Right: Recognizing Pediatric Sleep Breathing Problems With: Steven Carstensen, DDS, Abhishake Bands, DDS, Joseph Yousefian, DDS

• APPPAH International Congress: The Conscious Baby Emerges: Scientific, Medical, Psycho-Social, and Somatic Discoveries

• Lymphatic Drainage Certification

• Tongue Tie: Impact, Assessment, and Treatment with Dr. Alison Hazelbaker

• Craniosacral Therapy for Infant Breastfeeding with Dr. Alison Hazelbaker

• Pediatric Fascial Balancing with Lauren Christman

• Therapeutic Communications: What to do When Emotions Arise with Ursula Popp

• Unwinding: The Key in Moving from Trauma to Health with Ursula Popp

• Visceral Work: The Missing Link with Ursula Popp

• The Brain and 12 Cranial Nerves with Ursula Popp

• Year long Core Series with Ursula Popp

• Intro to Cranio-sacral with Ursula Popp

• Cortiva Massage School

 

Additional Reading 

​

The Many Benefits of Cranial Sacral Therapy