What You Should Know - What is Cranial Sacral Massage Therapy?

What is Cranial Sacral Massage?

Cranial Sacral Therapy is a gentle massage technique used to release tensions around the body’s connective tissue (fascia) and relieves compression throughout the head, neck, sacrum and spinal code allowing for better movement of spinal fluid.

Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle massage technique used to release tension around the body’s connective tissue called fascia. CST is a noninvasive bodywork that relieves compression in the bones of the head, neck, sacrum (lower back) and spinal cord allowing for better flow of spinal fluid.

What is Fascia?

Fasica surrounds and supports every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve and muscle in place in the body. When fascia is healthy, it is slippery and smooth - it glides and it stretches with you as you move your body. However, when stressed or injured, fascia can thicken, tighten and stick leading to discomfort and pain.

CST focus on the gentle placement of the hands to help release the tension in fascia to help it move more fluidly. The goal of CST is release tension to help the body self-regulate, self-correct and self-heal.

What Symptoms can Cranial Sacral Therapy help?

Cranial Sacral therapy may help individuals manage symptoms such as:

  • Chronic pain

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Chronic headaches

  • Migraines

  • Scoliosis

  • Trauma recovery (whiplash, concussions)

  • Neck pain

  • Sinus pain

  • TMJ (jaw pain)

The benefits of CST treatment may include: pain relief, deep relaxation, stress relief and a deeper connection to the body.

What to Expect During a CST Treatment?

A CST treatment is similar to a regular massage treatment, but you stay fully clothed. Our therapists recommend that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your treatment.

During a CST treatment, the massage therapist will use their hands to apply gentle pressure to your head, back, back (spinal column) or any areas of concern where you are experiencing pain. The therapist will use light touch to create rhythmic pulsations or gently press or reposition you to normalize the flow of spinal fluid.

After your CST treatment, you can expect to feel a reduction of tension, improved mobility and a deep sense of relaxation.

CAUTION: Individuals with cancer or a history of blood clots/aneurysm should speak to their doctor before booking a CST treatment. A CST therapist will review your medical history with you prior to your treatment to ensure there’s no contraindications.

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