What is CranioSacral Therapy?

According to Upledger.com:

“CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by an osteopathic physician named John Upledger.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.

By facilitating the body's natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and has been shown to be beneficial for people seeking help with a wide range of healthcare challenges and symptoms.”

You can learn more here .

How does CranioSacral Therapy help my pelvic floor?

CST helps pelvic floor dysfunction in many ways.

1) CST is a modality that helps release tensions stored in the fascia and surrounding structures. CST can help release fascial strains that are negatively impacting the normal functioning of the pelvic region.

2) CST is a gentle and non-invasive way to treat the pelvic floor. Often, pelvic floor therapy requires internal massage to decrease pelvic tension (often related to and can be the cause of pelvic dysfunction). However, CST is a modality that helps reduce pelvic tension without the intrusive internal work.

3) CST is shown to be an effective treatment for helping regulate the nervous system by activating the body’s natural ability to heal and return to homeostasis. When the nervous system is dysregulated (in a state of stress for too long or unable to move through all states easily) it is hard for the body to heal. Regulating the nervous system supports the musculoskeletal system (and all other bodily systems) in relaxing which in turn helps the body self-regulate and return to it’s optimal function.

4) Many of us carry unresolved patterns and undigested emotions that get trapped into our body. Trauma (a.k.a. undigested life experiences) lives unconsciously in our body and affects the functioning of our respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems. Through the somato-emotional release techniques used in CST, an individual may experience the release of trauma which gives the body more freedom to perform optimally. 

Why CST?

Amanda had been practicing as a pelvic floor therapist at an outpatient facility under the typical insurance medical model, when she discovered that many women were coming in with complex pelvic pain that did not respond well to traditional treatments. She found CST to be an effective treatment to address underlying causes of pelvic dysfunction. In her experience, CST helps women access their own healing powers and provides them with a sense of empowerment. CST, she believes, is a perfect fit for addressing pelvic health because it is gentle, effective, non-invasive, and supports the whole person- mind, body, and spirit.

How many sessions do you recommend?

The frequency of visits depends on each person’s unique needs. There is no rule on how many visits you need in order to get better. Some people experience relief after just 1 visit. Others choose to come more regularly as a preventative practice. Plus, we’re never really “done” healing. It is a life long journey and CST is a beautiful tool to support you in your overall health.