Craniosacral Therapy: What Is It & Benefits

Craniosacral therapy, otherwise known as CST, is “a gentle hands-on treatment that may provide relief from a variety of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain and side effects of cancer treatment among many others. CST uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system.” as explained by my.clevelandclinic.org.

Craniosacral therapy uses light touch to move the cerebral spinal fluid throughout the central nervous system, to help provide pain relief and boost immunity.

As someone who has been a personal recipient of craniosacral therapy for several years, I can attest to the success rate. I suffered from chronic headaches and migraines, utilized migraine medication more often than not. I had changed my diet and reduced stressors, but needed something else to help fully move past my head being in constant pain.

I was skeptical when I first found craniosacral therapy. There is limited research on it outside of anecdotal evidence, but through utilizing both the talk therapy part and “on the table” part of the sessions, I started to see a shift. Not only did the headaches and migraines decrease, but I always left feeling more at ease, less stressed, and an overwhelming sense of calm - something that isn’t easy to come by for a type A personality.

Craniosacral therapy can be helpful for those suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, post-concussion syndrome, or many types of chronic pain.

NOTE: Craniosacral therapy is not covered by insurance. It is recommended you get the go-ahead from your physician before beginning.