Craniosacral therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician, John E. Upledger, following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
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 to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
- Migraine headaches
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Motor-coordination impairments
- Colic
- Autism
- Central nervous system disorders
- Orthopedic problems
- Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Scoliosis
- Infantile disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Chronic fatigue
- Emotional difficulties
- Stress and tension-related problems
- Fibromyalgia and other connective-tissue disorders
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
- Neurovascular or immune disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Post-surgical dysfunction