Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) identifies and corrects imbalances by modifying restrictions in the cranial-sacral system*.

Our bodies have three distinct rhythms. Most of us are aware of our cardiac rhythm and our respiratory rhythm: heart and breath. The Cranial Sacral protocol uses gentle touch to tap into the third, more subtle rhythm of the cranial sacral system. Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) identifies and corrects imbalances by modifying restrictions in the cranial-sacral system*.

CST is a specialized form of fascia work which offers focused and purposeful pressure to find to gently release internal tensions. Reserve Now

In many ways the lighter the touch the deeper the work: most of the time this induces a sense of deep relaxation. Some people experience visions, recalled memories, auras and emotional release. CST is a form of listening to the body, and the body loves to feel heard.

Advanced therapists can perform intentional emotional releases for clients. Tapping into the cranial sacral rhythm sometimes causes unplanned somatic release. I have never felt so heard as when I’ve had a session called ‘four hands’. If you’re curious, I’ll share my therapists contact.

What to expect at a session

I’ll collect a little physical medicine information, and check in with you about how you’re feeling in your body the day of your appointment. I’ll share the generalities of the 10 step protocol - and the ways I’ve adapted it for use at Alchemy. You can decline any of the other steps based on your comfort level. Once you’re comfortable on the treatment table, I’ll begin the process of evaluation which begins at your feet. I’ll follow and release restrictions using the prescribed steps and re-evaluate. You’ll probably be aware of me moving from feet to head. The session ends again at the feet.

STILL POINT

One tool in my CST toolbox is called ‘still point'. It functions like a psychological sigh. The psychological sigh is a term applied to that deep double sigh we do when the physical body needs to relive tension (it’s proven to be an antidote to anxious reactions). The still point is a manufactured pause in the rhythm and creates a sense of calm to the nervous system. Our cranial sacral system does this autonomically / automatically throughout the day.

Gentle, purposeful touch

Gentle, purposeful touch sends signals to the brain to “rest + reset”. Specialized nerve fibers are activated that reduce stress hormones and produce hormones like oxytocin. What this feels like for you: a sense of calm and well-being.

Clients are already familiar with massage and pressure point techniques applied during their facial and have experienced the results. My facials are results-driven, but maybe not in the way most folks think of facials. The tools in my estheticians' tool box are not limited to the quality of the products. Which is why your service features massage, lymphatic drainage, pressure point and now cranial sacral therapy.

This form of therapeutic touch is so light that it flies under the stress-response radar. Most people find the gentle manipulation of fascia and freeing of restrictions deeply relaxing. The lighter the touch, the deeper it goes

If you remember, your skin is an organ. Skin responds to external and internal stimuli via the central nervous system, skin is in constant communication with other systems in the body: the ones responsible for hormones, digestion and elimination. Social media is full of flashy techniques and wellness-grift, plus some odd assumptions about what topical treatments can actually do. I can tell you from fifteen years of experience that a hands-on approach addressing multiple systems makes for lasting results.

The surface of your skin responds to restrictions in fascia and muscles which results in a variety of pulls on the face, neck, shoulders, and chest.

CST techniques are already integrated into facial services, we are expanding our offerings to include a 45 minute short session.

“Touch stimulates nerve endings that talk to the vagus nerve. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, our nervous systems slow down as our heart rate and blood pressure decrease. Simply put, increased vagal activity acts like a brake on a body’s stress response. The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that has sensory and motor functions.”

Counterindications:

Not everyone should receive Cranial Sacral Therapy; some of these reasons are related injury or connective tissue disorders. People with acute injury to the head, neck or spine should not receive CST. Modifications or practitioners with advanced skills should be used by people with Ehlers Danlos or hyper mobility. If you have a Chiari malformation or Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension should not book this service.

*skull, brain, spinal column, sacrum 

**hormone-producing