First things first, WHAT exactly IS craniosacral therapy?
As a massage therapist that specializes in craniosacral, I get asked this question a lot. Many people are curious, and also a little leery of something with a name like CRANIO-SACRAL.
The textbook description for this treatment is: Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that uses light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. *Cleveland Clinic
By using gentle holds in the sacral/cranial area, it helps to relieve tension in the central nervous system, promoting a feeling of well-being and relaxation. It helps to relieve pain and boost your natural immunity. I always like to tell my customers, "Its a great way to allow your body to settle itself."
What can I expect from one of your treatments?
At the Pebble, we incorporate massage into our craniosacral therapy. Our treatment begins with massage to the back, neck, and shoulders. Then, once you are relaxed and in the supine position, the magic begins. With your practitioner using gentle holds around the head, you slip into a relaxed, almost meditative state. This allows the fluid in the central nervous system to settle and unwind as needed. Our craniosacral therapy is 60 minutes long.
What kinds of ailments can be treated with craniosacral?
So many, but a short list includes:
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Migraine headache
Fascial adhesions
Multiple sclerosis
Neurodegenerative diseases
Tension headaches
Stroke
Post-concussion syndrome
Epilepsy
Do you need to be suffering from something to receive this treatment?
Of course not! We have many guests who love the quiet serenity of the treatment, the slow movement, and gentle holds - and as an added bonus - they typically report a better night's sleep after receiving craniosacral therapy. However, there are a few situations where craniosacral has contraindications, and the treatment should be avoided:
A fresh/recent concussion
Blood clotting
Cerebral swelling
Brain aneurysm
Severe, traumatic brain injury
Structural defects in the cerebellum such as Arnold-Chiari malformation
Any disorder that causes instability of cerebral fluid pressure, flow or build-up
Have you used craniosacral yourself?
Absolutely, and, it's one of my favorite treatments! In fact, a couple of years ago I was t-boned in a car accident and craniosacral therapy helped alleviate the headaches and whiplash that followed the accident. After only a couple sessions, I was right as rain. It's still a treatment I use for my chronic tension headaches.
So, what you're saying is, "This treatment is awesome!"
It is! Unfortunately though, it is often overlooked as a holistic healing option. If you're looking to try a new treatment at the Pebble Spa - craniosacral therapy is great! You might even find that it's your new favorite - just like me!
Looking to schedule a treatment?