Craniosacral Therapy (CST) & Somatoemotional Release (SER)

What is CST? How is it done? A typical CST session?

CST is a comprehensive and non-invasive hands-on approach. It is a manipulation and mobilization technique that stems from osteopathic medicine. I utilize the approach by osteopath John E. Upledger, addressing both the mind and body from an integrative perspective with the aim to facilitate an individual's innate healing process. 

A session begins by feeling for restricted areas throughout the body, and checking the craniosacral rhythm. The craniosacral motion (produced by the movement of the cerebral spinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord) is evaluated for rate, amplitude, symmetry, and quality. The body is evaluated for areas of loss of mobility and areas of holding or tightness as problem areas. Gentle pressure is applied with the clinician’s hands to the restricted areas to facilitate release. The therapist’s hands may be on bone, muscle, organ, fascia tissue, and may include the endocrine glands and nervous system as well. As restricted areas release, become more open and aligned, function in the client’s system (both mind and body) improves. With CST, the therapist addresses the source of the problem(s) that in turn affects the symptoms. Because of this, in chronic conditions and in more involved diagnoses, the results may be slower yet more beneficial long term. I believe the client’s involvement in the session through breath and attentive awareness, facilitates the process as the therapist and client work together.

What is the SER aspect of CST?

Dis-ease of the mind and body may show up as a residue in the body tissues from our present or past stuff. This stuff and its associated tissues can be explored, worked with/through, and released utilizing the CST component of SER. SER is considered somatic work with awareness that the mind and body is one system. The body is viewed as a whole, exploring a variety of factors that may be contributing to the client’s issues or problem(s). With CST and SER the therapist works as a facilitator to the client in their healing process, and it requires a cooperative relationship between the therapist and client. The client’s utilization of breath, together with present moment awareness, provides an avenue for the therapist and client to explore together; as the therapist facilitates the client’s process. SER can also have several qualities that are similar to hypnotherapy: its exploration and its use of suggestion. The therapist assists the client in their own natural self-corrective activities within the craniosacral system: the body, and the mind. 

Where does CST come from? Who can perform CST?

CST was originally discovered in the early 1900’s and developed by osteopathic physicians. Since the 1970’s its practice has grown substantially worldwide. It is commonly practiced by CST trained physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other trained healthcare practitioners. Due to the intensity of CST at times, an adequate medical background is necessary.

Who can benefit from CST? Everyone!

Contraindications of CST

It is the innate ability of the client’s own system to correct itself that ensures the safety of CST. Because CST is gentle and non-invasive, there is little danger of adverse reactions. Since it affects the pressure of the fluid in the brain, its use is contraindicated for those with recent conditions of stroke, cerebral aneurysm, brain tumor, head injury, or bleeding in the brain.