There are many rhythms in the human body; the rhythm of breathing, the rhythm of the heart, the rhythm of the blood, the lymph, the rhythm of sleep and the rhythms of our hormones. Below all of these rhythms is another called the craniosacral rhythm. Blood moves through the brain, but when faced with areas that blood cells are too large to enter, the blood fluid passes through a membrane that acts as a type of sieve, keeping the blood cells and larger toxins out and allowing a nutritive clear fluid in. This fluid enters a separate system that bathes, nourishes and cleans the brain and spinal cord, until it returns to the blood through the lymph and the cycle continues. This rhythm can be felt all over, at the head, the wrists and the ankles. It reverberates with the fascia, a network of connective tissue, that surrounds every organ, neuron, blood vessel, and possibly every cell.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle form of bodywork that interacts with this craniosacral rhythm and the corresponding fascial system. CST treatment techniques are hands-on, but gentle, non-forceful and non-invasive. Unlike chiropractic work, physical force is never applied to move bones or other structures. CST applies only a very light touch, unlike traditional massage, and is usually done with patients fully clothed. It is not intended to exercise or “work” muscles or other body structures. And unlike other “energy” work, CST involves actual physical touch and works directly with the fascial system. Through light touch and experienced palpation, a craniosacral practitioner can diagnose imbalances in the flow and areas of blocked or weakened movement; all of which can affect healing and function. Explained by quantum physics and the effects energetic beings have on each other, it is through additional light touch, that a practitioner can influence that rhythm to change or introduce new rhythms for optimal healing. A CST session can last an hour or more, or a shorter session can occur in the last 20 minutes of an office visit.