well;
CST became an established technique in the early 1900's by an osteopath named William Sutherland. Dr. Sutherland discovered that there are movements in the bones of the skull and that the movements in the skull are vital in order for health to exist. He also found there to be rhythmic tidal motions in the body, which are used to determine the health of the nervous system.
The theory behind the use of CST is based heavily on the rhythmic motions felt in the body. The craniosacral "system" begins with the head and ends with the sacrum (or tailbone). Within this system, there is cerebral spinal fluid surrounding the brain and the spine that is being pumped throughout the system, creating a gentle pulsation or rhythm. The rhythm is detected by palpating (feeling) the bones, and when there is an abnormal movement felt in the bone, it indicates that there is a restriction in the flow of spinal fluid. Therefore, since all nerves originate somewhere within the craniosacral system, when there is a restriction, pain results somewhere in the body. Also, since the craniosacral system influences many body functions, when the system is out of balance, the brain and spinal cord may be affected, which can cause sensory, motor, and neurological dysfunction.
It is the role of the practitioner, then, to detect where these restrictions are and free up the flow to restore health to that particular area. The practitioner is trained to "listen" to the pulsation throughout the body, and then through specific movement techniques, gently adjust the segments in the skull. The pressure typically used is equivalent to the weight of a nickel. The client may feel a deep sense of relaxation combined with sensations of heat and tingling. Many of the movements performed by the practitioner are so subtle, that the patients do not feel anything.
The goal of CST is to determine the cause of the condition and then eliminate it. The therapy itself does not heal the person, but promotes the body’s own healing mechanisms to improve the operation of the central nervous system. There are three separate approaches to CST:
* Sutural Approach - this technique involves the practitioner manipulating the sutures of the skull to ease pressure and increase the mobility of the cranial bones.
* Meningeal Approach - this technique is based on the idea that tension or restriction in the meninges creates disturbances in the craniosacral system. This therapy involves the practitioner to use hands-on contact with the bones of the craniosacral system to release restriction of the cranial sutures.
* Reflex Approach - this technique triggers the nervous system to turn off stress signals due to stimulation of nerve endings in the scalp or between cranial sutures.
Craniosacral therapy can be used for physical aches and pains, acute and chronic diseases, emotional or psychological disturbances, or to promote well-being. It is a very gentle therapy and has been used on individuals of all ages, including infants. CST has been used to treat individuals with: asthma, autism, birth trauma, cerebral palsy, genetic and neurological disorders, digestive problems, hyperactivity, immune system disorders, insomnia, sinusitis, spinal curvatures, and visual disturbances.
The techniques used for children are not the same as those used on adults because the cranial bones are still developing. Therefore, the practitioner must be able to determine the correct amount of pressure and determine the affected areas, since some children will be unable to guide them verbally. Some practitioners say that as a result of CST, they have seen previously non-ambulatory children learn to walk with assistance. Others say they have seen positive changes in children with ADHD.
Though the therapy appears to be safe and effective based on statements made by several different professional organizations, craniosacr
Answered by
Kishore
at
1:34 PM on September 19, 2008
