What is CST?
A manual therapy that uses a light touch to: – help release tension patterns in the body – encourage the body’s innate self-healing ability
What is the CranioSacral System?
It is composed of: Bones : Cranium, Sacrum, Vertebral Column, Ribs Fluid : CerebroSpinal Fluid and its cycle mechanism Membrane System & Connective Tissue
Where does it come from?
CST comes from Osteopathy, a type of alternative medicine based on three principles:
– Body is a unit – Body structures & function are interrelated – Body is self-healing & self-regulatory
What are the benefits?
Physical Benefits: – decreased pain – improvement of neurological function – increased joint flexibility – muscle hypertonicity – normalization of fascial tension
Mind/Body benefits: – greater relaxation – better sleep – promotes detox – encourages self-healing process
Who can it help?
CST can help a wide range of conditions: – stress related disorders – neck & back pain – TMJ – headaches & migraines – vertigo – PTSD – depression – concussion – birth trauma – other conditions
What is unique about CST? CranioSacral Therapy is:
A Process oriented therapy Techniques are applied in symbiosis with the self healing nature of the human being. The treatment process can last a few days after the session
An Introspective experience Just like meditation, everybody processes the experience differently from each other, and differently each time
Prevention or Treatment?
CST may be used as a preventative measure and also as a treatment for acute or chronic conditions. It may be complementary to other forms of treatments as well (alternative or allopathic)
What are the contra-indications?
– Acute hemorrhage or stroke
– Recent spinal tap or puncture in the CranioSacral System
– Recent fracture in the cranium, vertebral column or ribs
– Other condition where a variation in the intracranial pressure would be detrimental
Why using such a light touch?
Using a light touch allows for a gentle, non-invasive approach. A present, educated and attentive touch is significant for a better outcome of the therapeutic process
How does it work?
The therapist assesses the body using light palpation to determine the main areas of restriction, which may be a different location than the pain site. Treatment of these tension patterns may include fascial, somato-emotional and/or energy release techniques . Freeing up blockages in the body can have a significant effect on the whole body and improve dramatically health and well-being
Emma Julaud, CMT, CST. Flowing Still, Body Therapy. emmajulaud.com