What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a non-invasive, subtle, and powerful form of bodywork that works directly with the nervous system. This happens through both the physical unwinding and releasing of tension patterns in the tissues, as well as a deep level of nervous system co-regulation between client and practitioner. Craniosacral Therapy is highly effective in helping you transition out of the adrenal-driven state of fight, flight, or freeze, relieving stress, anxiety, trauma, pain, and restrictions in the body.

The science behind CST, click for more info

CST has its roots in Osteopathy and was developed through the work of Dr William Garner Sutherland in the early 1900s. Through educated light touch, CST helps to balance the nervous system and trigger an individual's inherent self-healing mechanisms, helping to reunite the mind, body and restore harmony, vitality, and balance.

Individuals may seek therapy for various reasons. Some come to address acute physical issues such as headaches, back pain or digestive issues. Others may have long-standing emotional challenges, including trauma, stress, and anxiety. Additionally, some individuals want some ongoing support to navigate their busy lives, helping them feel more grounded and connected while facing life's challenges. See the ‘who can benefit’ page on how it could help you and what to expect during and after treatment.

CST works on a profound and subtle level, influencing the core of the system. Helping to release deep-rooted causes as well as surface issues, it often leaves people feeling in a very deep and relaxed state.

How does CST work?

How does CST work with PTSD/trauma?

The type of CST (Craniosacral Therapy) I specialise in includes working with the fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports every structure in the body. Fascial unwinding is a highly effective therapeutic process that allows for the release of both physical and emotional blocks, regardless of their origin. Whether these blocks arise from physical injuries (such as sports injuries), infections, diseases, or emotional factors, all traumas and tensions leave their imprint on the body. They are stored in the body's tissues as restrictions or constrictions. (Please note this is NOT a massage!)

The Fascia is now recognised as having profound and widespread significance for many aspects of health, with numerous research programmes in many therapeutic fields. Its significance was first identified by Andrew Taylor Still (the founder of Osteopathy) in the mid-1800s, but it is only recently that his insights are finally becoming widely appreciated and the value of fascia is more fully acknowledged.

Click here for more details about who can benefit and the treatment process

How Many Sessions will I need?

The experience of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals find relief after just one or two sessions, while others, particularly those with long-standing issues, years of accumulated stress, trauma, or ongoing conditions like tinnitus, may require several treatments. Many people find that regular sessions over an extended period provide the best results.

It’s now well understood that going slow is actually the quickest way to heal trauma, so working with PTSD/trauma can take some time.

As a therapist, I achieve excellent outcomes for the majority of my clients. However, it's essential to view CST as a gradual process rather than a quick fix. Attaining long-term benefits may require a commitment to the treatment. I typically recommend five to seven sessions to experience some true benefit, after which we can reassess your progress. You're very welcome to attend an initial session and decide how you would like to proceed from there.

More details about Craniosacral Therapy

Due to its name, many mistakenly think this therapy only refers to the head, but CST works with the whole person and changes may occur in body, mind and spirit during and after sessions. 

Originating from Osteopathy in the early 1900s, CST is a light-touch method of releasing tensions and conditions in and around the central nervous system to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve the whole of a person’s health and performance.  It's a very gentle, effective and non-invasive therapy that will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed as the nervous system settles.

CST is often referred to as an educated, specific, non-invasive touch that supports your body’s innate ability to heal.  It is named for the Craniosacral system: the bones, the tissue and fluid that support your central nervous system. Like other body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, etc) the Craniosacral system has a motion all of its own.... the Craniosacral rhythm.

Applying a gentle, knowing touch along with a healing intention helps stimulate the energy and rhythmical flow of the cerebrospinal fluid within membranes and ventricles of the body. In mobilising the central nervous system and soft tissue, CST triggers an individual’s natural self-healing mechanism to help reunite the mind and body and to restore harmony, vitality, and balance. 

Craniosacral Therapy is not intended as primary healthcare, but to work alongside the relationship you have with your doctor.

To book a treatment, to discuss if the treatment is right for you or get more info follow this link: https://www.simonbakerholistichealth.com/contact

Frequently asked questions: https://www.craniosacral.co.uk/about-cst/frequently-asked-questions/

Research and studies into Craniosacral Therapy can be found here: http://www.craniosacral.co.uk/research-1