What Does Craniosacral Therapy Do?

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a group of hands-on therapeutic procedures in which practitioners use a gentle, healing touch on the bones, soft tissues, and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the central nervous system.

The craniosacral system is made up of soft tissues and fluid, as well as the skull. It supports the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spine. Massaging the craniosacral system gently can help relax and release tension that causes pain and enhance general health and wellness.

• CST is a well-established treatment of fatigue and various other chronic and acute ailments.
• CST is typically administered in a quiet location.
• Practitioners use a light touch and sensitive manual methods to alter the sacrum (base of the spine) and cranial bones (head) and gently control the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow.

The CSF is related to the lymphatic system, one of two systems that form the immune system, the other being the circulatory system. These delicate manipulations help create proper fluid balance surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which massages the brain membranes.

A minimum of 3 to 10 sessions may give positive results, followed by maintenance therapies. A craniosacral massage can be performed by massage therapists, physical therapists, osteopaths, or chiropractors.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) relieves pain and mobility constraints, provides long-term relief from emotional discomfort, and enhances the overall quality of life.

It alleviates a wide range of pain, disease, and dysfunction, including:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Multiple sclerosis
• Injuries to the brain and spinal cord
• Rib injuries
• Persistent back pain
• Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
• Neck pain
• Nerve injuries
• Disorders of the central nervous system
• Insomnia
• Scoliosis
• Concussions
• Learning disabilities
• Headaches and migraines
• Sinus issues
• Impaired motor coordination
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Orthopedic issues
• Repetitive strain injury
• Sports injuries
• Disorders caused by stress and tension
• Post-surgery rehabilitation
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome (dysfunction)

• Your therapist may inquire about previous symptoms or underlying conditions. The session lasts one hour. The person is laid flat and the therapist starts the procedure from the head, feet, or middle of the body.
• Then, gentle pressure is applied that normalizes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and reduces emotional and physical stress.

A craniosacral massage may give positive results in case of the following conditions:

• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Alzheimer's disease
• Autism
• Headaches caused by migraine
• Multiple sclerosis
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Facial adhesions
• Neuralgia
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome
• Stroke 
• Epilepsy
• Post-concussion syndrome
• Speech difficulties
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

A craniosacral massage is similar to massage therapy; however, in this massage, you stay fully clothed. The session begins once the consultation is done by a physical therapist. In addition to this massage, soft and light music may increase the state of relaxation. The therapist uses light pressure to assess the restrictions in the fascia. Fascial release may help relax the muscles and organs and relieve stress which improves function. Some may feel a deep sense of relaxation.

Different sensations that are felt during the therapy include:

• Deep relaxation
• Falling asleep and recalling memories later
• Sensing pulsations
• Numbness
• A hot or cold sensation

A craniosacral massage can be performed on any individual, but a few people who face the following conditions may have to stop the sessions temporarily. The conditions include:

• Recent concussion
• Cerebral swelling
• Any defects in the cerebellum, such as Arnold-Chiari malformation
• Brain aneurysm
• Traumatic brain injury
• Blood clots
• Instability of cerebral fluid pressure flow or fluid buildup

Studies on craniosacral therapy (CST) are limited, and the results are not always proven. Some researchers suggest that CST does not produce the effects as propagated. However, some support CST although there is a lack of evidence.

CST does provide relief for certain ailments.

Positives

• A study looked at the effects of CST on people who have fibromyalgia. A 20-week period study reported that people who underwent CST improved their medium-term discomfort.
• Another study on CST and fibromyalgia suggested that the therapy may reduce anxiety and increase the quality of life.
• A study investigating the effects of acupuncture and CST on people with asthma reported that when used with standard asthma therapy, both treatments offered potential advantages. However, combining CST and acupuncture had no advantage over either treatment alone.
• According to a 2009 study, CST may enhance both quality of life and the capacity of people with multiple sclerosis who have lower urinary tract symptoms and trouble emptying their bladders.

Negatives

• Research revealed some harmful side effects of CST on people with traumatic brain injuries.
• The existing evidence from various studies on CST is insufficient to draw any judgments on the effectiveness of CST.
• Six randomized-controlled trials were examined. Five studies were noted to be flawed, whereas the sixth did not yield any findings to demonstrate the usefulness of CST.

• Despite the mixed reviews, CST is regarded as a safe technique with few adverse effects.
• Because the practitioner applies such minimal pressure, it might be a beneficial therapy for people who are very sensitive and uncomfortable with other types of bodywork, such as chiropractic or massage.
• Craniosacral treatment can be used on newborns and young children.
• Craniosacral treatment is not advised for anyone with severe acute head trauma or bleeding.