It only takes 30 minutes of Craniosacral Therapy to relieve tension in the nervous system and experience deep relaxation. Though we may not be able to control everything that happens in our lives, we can improve our ability to manage stress and maintain a sense of peace.
How does stress impact your health?
It’s been well documented that the experience of stress within our bodies has lasting and negative effects on our health. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, angina, weight gain, sleep disturbance, osteoporosis – the list goes on. But what about the impact of our own response to stress? Many people engage in coping behaviors that come with their own set of harmful effects: overeating, smoking, drugs, and alcohol.
How does massage relieve stress?
Stress is an unavoidable reality. And while we may not be able to prevent it from cropping up in our lives, we can choose how we respond to it. Massage is an excellent tool to have in our stress management toolbox. All types of massage are associated with improved blood circulation, increased heart rate variability, and parasympathetic stimulation. But there is one technique in particular, unique for its impact on the nervous system: Craniosacral Therapy. And it only takes 30 minutes to feel its effects!
How does Craniosacral Therapy relieve stress?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps relieve tension deep in the nervous system. Licensed massage therapists apply a soft, sustained touch—no more than the weight of a nickel—to release restrictions in the craniosacral system surrounding the brain and spinal cord (aka the Central Nervous System). As the massage therapist works on the client, they gently manipulate bones in the head, neck, and spine, which normalizes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear liquid found in the brain and spinal cord that helps regulate the body’s functions.
By regulating the flow of this cerebrospinal fluid, we encourage your body’s natural healing processes while promoting deep relaxation.
What should you expect in a Craniosacral Therapy treatment?
The biggest misconception people have when they come in for a CST treatment is that they are expecting a full body massage. It’s important to note that this non-invasive modality is quite subtle. During a session, you lie fully clothed as the therapist gently assesses your craniosacral rhythm, identifying areas of blockage or tension. While the massage therapist is dropping into this level of attunement with the flow of cerebral fluid, the experience for the client may feel like quiet stillness. Harmonizing movements from the massage therapist may feel like a gentle hand placement behind the sacrum or the base of the skull to the client.
If you’re seeking a natural, non-invasive approach to health and stress management, CranioSacral Therapy might be the answer. At Be Well Bodyworks, our licensed massage therapists specialize in stress relief, chronic pain management, and therapeutic care in a calm, healing environment. We’re your go-to clinic for personalized massage in Longmont, CO. Contact us for questions and scheduling.
Sources:
Alderton, Matt. “The Science of Stress.” AMTA, 1 Aug. 2022, https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/science-of-stress-and-massage/.
Rasmussen, Thomas R. Ph.D., MSc, CST-D. “Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Craniosacral Therapy: A Short Review.” Upledger Institute International.
https://www.iahe.com/storage/docs/articles/Safety-and-Therapeutic-Effects-of-CranioSacral-Therapy-Rasmussen.pdf
