What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy, or CST, is an alternative form of massage which utilizes a gentle hands-on, non-invasive approach in order to manipulate and release tension in the bones of the head, spinal column, and sacrum. Craniosacral Therapy primarily addresses asymmetry in the fluid and membranes that protect the spinal cord and brain, while simultaneously relieving pain and dysfunction to improve whole-body health and performance.

Originally pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger while at Michigan State University, CST regulates and manipulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which protects the brain and spinal cord from trauma.

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?

Our bodies endure stresses and strains on a daily basis, which take a heavy toll on our bodies. These stressors can cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system, which means our central nervous system can't operate as well.

To alleviate these stress points, our practitioner at Wayfare Wellness, Sarah, uses non-invasive soft touch massage techniques around the craniosacral system. By using these light-touch techniques, our practitioner can identify the rhythm of your craniosacral system, along with any tense areas, and help align the flow of CSF. These gentle methods help our massage therapist find your specifically blocked areas of stress or obstruction in CSF flow.

What Conditions Can Craniosacral Therapy Treat?

Since the conception of craniosacral therapy and massage in the 1970's, CST has been found to be effective in addressing numerous physiological issues, primarily associated with blockages in the craniosacral system. These conditions include:

• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuires

• Migraines and Headaches

• Chronic Neck and Back Pain

• Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

• Autism

• Stress and Tension-Related Disorders

With research continuing to back up this innovative massage therapy, we're only beginning to scratch the surface of what conditions CST can treat.

More often than not, massage therapists are seen as a luxury, utilized when one needs to relax and unwind or wants to pamper themselves. The healing properties of different massage modalities often go overlooked, when in reality therapeutic massage could be exactly what you need to recover from an injury or an illness. Craniosacral massage is a gentle technique that is ideal when a patient has experienced a physical or emotional trauma. One of the many craniosacral therapy benefits is the support it provides the body to get back to equilibrium.

What Exactly Is A Craniosacral Massage?

Craniosacral massage is a technique that is focused specifically on the central nervous system. By working with pressure points in the head, spinal column, and sacrum, the therapist is able to relieve pressure to help alleviate pain. Learn more about the technique and benefits of craniosacral massage.

5 Reasons You Should Try Craniosacral Massage

1. Suffer From Headaches or Migraines

Headaches and migraines are often triggered by stress, poor sleep, excess tension, or a combination of the three. Craniosacral massage therapy helps patients reach the equilibrium they need to achieve quality sleep, as well as relieving tension in the scalp and face. This excess tension is increasingly common as people spend more and more of their time in front of the computer screen. According to a study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, decreased frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines lasted up to three weeks after craniosacral massage therapy.

2. Experience Chronic Neck Or Back Pain

For some chronic pain sufferers, traditional massage therapy is not enough for long-term relief. Craniosacral massage gets to the root of the problem by affecting the neuromuscular system at the deepest level. By manipulating the deeper levels of tissue craniosacral massage helps the body heal from the inside out.

3. Had A Traumatic Injury Or Accident

Spinal cord injuries affect more than 200,000 individuals in the United States. These injuries have serious physical, mental, and financial consequences and treatments that help these patients find a better quality of life can be rare. Craniosacral massage stimulates the central nervous system, thus influencing the rest of the body.

When you're looking for a massage therapist in Denver, you may also be wondering what type of massage should you be looking for. There are many different massage techniques, so which one is the most beneficial for you?

The Differences Between Types of Massage Therapy

Denver Massage Therapist

Massages offer a variety of benefits for the body and mind, including pain and stress reduction and the elimination of muscle tension. Many studies have found massage to be beneficial in treating a variety of disorders and ailments, including anxiety, headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders, temporomandibular joint pain, and sports injuries. Additionally, massage provides an overall feeling of comfort and relaxation. There are many different types of massage therapies out there, so we’ve comprised a quick overview to help you determine which style is best for you.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is a massage therapy which uses essential oils to focus on underlying issues. Most aromatherapy masseuses use a variety of oils to create relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing or other sensations throughout the body. Aromatherapy massage is especially beneficial for those suffering from anxiety or stress disorders.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage relaxes sore muscles and balances energy flow by placing warm, smooth stones on specific points of the body. The massage therapist will typically apply a light pressure on the stone to provide deeper tissue penetration and overall warmth. Hot stone massage is a great option for people who suffer from muscle tension but prefer gentler massages.

The benefits of Craniosacral massage have been observed for over 30 years, and provide positive health outcomes for many different types of patients. By targeting the central nervous system, Craniosacral massage therapy can improve your overall health and prevent disease as well as alleviate serious ailments and conditions.

What are the Benefits of Craniosacral Massage Therapy?

Craniosacral massage focuses on aligning the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spine, thereby bolstering the body’s ability to fight off disease and infection. (You can read more about how Craniosacral massage works here). Many persons who have looked to traditional massage and chiropractic techniques to solve their chronic pain have found that Craniosacral therapy has been successful in reducing their associated symptoms where traditional medicine has failed.

Specifically, Craniosacral therapy provides a range of benefits for those who have severe head, neck, or back injuries, from car accidents, workplace mishaps, and falls. Because Craniosacral massage utilizes light-touch techniques, it is safe for children and infants, even those experiencing trauma and complications stemming from birth.

Craniosacral Massage Denver

Craniosacral massage is an alternative form of massage which utilizes gentle touch in order to manipulate bones in the head, spinal column, and sacrum. It primarily addresses asymmetry in the fluid and membranes which protect the spinal cord and brain.

Originally developed by osteopathic physician and professor of biomechanics, John E. Upledger, Craniosacral therapy regulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is present in the brain and spine and works to reduce obstructions in the body that lead to infection. Since the 1970’s when Upledger first introduced the technique, Craniosacral therapy has been found to be effective in addressing numerous physiological issues associated with blockages in the craniosacral system, primarily in the flow of CSF. Migraines and anxiety disorders are a few conditions related to an imbalance in CSF.

What Is the Craniosacral System?

Similar to the cardiovascular system, the craniosacral system has a natural rhythm that can be sensed throughout the body, which includes the flow of CSF. CSF is important for regulating your body’s immune system for many different reasons, including preventing bacteria and viruses from entering the brain, creating a pathway between the blood and the brain, and sending glucose (a form of sugar that provides nourishment to the brain) to the cortex brain. If CSF flow is restricted, numerous problems can arise, including decreased health and mental lucidity.