CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is based on the findings of osteopathic physicians Dr. William Sutherland and Dr. John Upledger. Dr. Sutherland proposed that the skull plates remain flexible throughout adulthood. Dr Upledger observed the rhythmic movement of the membrane that encompasses the spinal cord (the dura mater) and recognized its fundamental importance for the proper functioning of the body.
Is CranioSacral Therapy just for infants?
No. In fact, this is a common mis-conception. My speciality in CST is pediatrics, however, many of The Body Group clients who do come in for treatment are actually adults.
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CST is a light-touch manual therapy concerned with the craniosacral system, the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Like the pulse of the cardiovascular system, the craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Using a light touch, skilled practitioners can monitor the rhythm and identify the source of improper tensions and compressions of the membranes and obstructions to the flow of the fluid.
By gentle manipulation of the cranium (the bones of the skull, face and mouth) and the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine), a practitioner can make subtle physical adjustments to release improper tensions and compressions of the membranes and obstructions to the flow of the fluid thus allowing the craniosacral system to operate correctly in supporting the body's optimal health.
By gentle manipulation of the cranium (the bones of the skull, face and mouth) and the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine), a practitioner can make subtle physical adjustments to release improper tensions and compressions of the membranes and obstructions to the flow of the fluid thus allowing the craniosacral system to operate correctly in supporting the body's optimal health.
What conditions can CST help?
Because of its influence on the functioning of the central nervous system, CST can bolster overall health and resistance and is also proven to be effective in the treatment of a range of chronic and acute ailments. These include migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, chronic fatigue, and stress and tension-related problems. Among CST's largest patient groups are those suffering chronic symptoms that have not been helped by other approaches. In particular, CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from a fall or car, sports or work accidents.
For children and infants, CST can help with colic, reflux, poor sucking or not latching on when breastfeeding, irritability, motor delay (late in rolling/crawling), torticollis (head turned in one direction), scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape).
For children and infants, CST can help with colic, reflux, poor sucking or not latching on when breastfeeding, irritability, motor delay (late in rolling/crawling), torticollis (head turned in one direction), scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape).
How is CST performed?
CST usually takes place in a quiet, private setting, and is performed on a person fully clothed. Using a light touch, the practitioner uses delicate manual techniques to release problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord. A typical CST session lasts between 15 minutes and one hour.
Our Practitioners are here:
Caroline Rhodes, Sarah Eames and Kate Tong
Testimonial
Leonard is now 7.4 years old. His reading skills improved rather slowly and he did not enjoy it either. His whole attitude towards letters was just very negative. Seeing him doing so well with math it was quite frustrating for me as a parent that reading and writing did just not come to him so easily. However we never pushed him since he is very bright, we just always waited to 'click' for him in reading and writing.
We had an interview at Bradbury and they found him very intelligent and were all enthusiastic about him but said that he has a problem with his fine motor skills and they suggested for him to work with an Occupational Therapist at Bradbury.
I took him to Caroline Rhodes right away for CranioSacral Therapy. Caroline massaged Leonard for an hour on April 18th and in the evening Leonard was very confused and cried but he said that he could breathe better.
The next morning he wrote completely different - reading and writing without much effort. In the afternoon he made his first really good color-in-drawing. The whole day he was over-excited even when he had to write the whole alphabet in capital and small letters in the assessment, he did not complain and wrote very neatly.
We are all very happy for Leonard now - he is all changed and happy. He even writes letters and notes now to us. It is a big relief for all of us that Leonard is so much enjoying his new skills now.
Kirsten, Hong Kong
Leonard is now 7.4 years old. His reading skills improved rather slowly and he did not enjoy it either. His whole attitude towards letters was just very negative. Seeing him doing so well with math it was quite frustrating for me as a parent that reading and writing did just not come to him so easily. However we never pushed him since he is very bright, we just always waited to 'click' for him in reading and writing.
We had an interview at Bradbury and they found him very intelligent and were all enthusiastic about him but said that he has a problem with his fine motor skills and they suggested for him to work with an Occupational Therapist at Bradbury.
I took him to Caroline Rhodes right away for CranioSacral Therapy. Caroline massaged Leonard for an hour on April 18th and in the evening Leonard was very confused and cried but he said that he could breathe better.
The next morning he wrote completely different - reading and writing without much effort. In the afternoon he made his first really good color-in-drawing. The whole day he was over-excited even when he had to write the whole alphabet in capital and small letters in the assessment, he did not complain and wrote very neatly.
We are all very happy for Leonard now - he is all changed and happy. He even writes letters and notes now to us. It is a big relief for all of us that Leonard is so much enjoying his new skills now.
Kirsten, Hong Kong