Craniosacral Therapy (also referred to as cranio-sacral therapy, cranial therapy and CST) is a relatively new therapy and is one of the fastest, most effective treatment modalities in use today. The term “craniosacral” comes from the words “cranium“, the head and “sacrum“, just above the tailbone.
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 5 cent coin, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
Barry specialises in treating & releasing trauma held in the body especially emotional trauma.
Past trauma can get lodged in the bodies muscles, fascia and bones. CST can gently and effectively release and free the stress held in the bodies tissues.
His psychotherapy training has assisted him greatly in his CST work dealing with people releasing and healing from sensitive issues such as abuse (all kinds), PTSD, traumatic birth, grief and anxiety.
Many people who have processed or worked through past trauma find that after a number of CST sessions they feel lighter and clearer in their body. For many the bodily release is the final part of the jigsaw in their healing process.
Treatable Conditions
The following are examples of the many conditions which benefit from Cranio-Sacral treatment:
ADULTS
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ADD/ ADHD
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Allergies
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Anxiety
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Nervous Disorders
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Asthma
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Back and Neck pain
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Bone/joint disorders
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Chronic fatigue
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Depression
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Digestive problems
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Emotional problems
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Ear and Eye Problems
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Fatigue, ME and MS
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Frozen shoulder
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Headaches
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High/Low Blood Pressure
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Menstrual Disorders
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Period pain
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Post-operative Adhesions
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.)
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Problems during and after pregnancy
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Re-integration after accidents
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Sciatica
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Sinusitis
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Sports injuries
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Infertility
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Insomnia
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Migraines
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Hormonal imbalances
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Immune system disorders
Child & Baby
CST is successfully used to treat the following conditions in babies and toddlers:
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Abnormal Head Shape
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Poor sucking, latching or other breastfeeding problems
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Excessive crying
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Colic and digestive problem
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Infant Reflux
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Birth shock
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Trauma from forceps and ventouse (vacuum) suction
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Toxicity from anaesthesia and other drugs
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Recurring ear infections (glue ear)
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Listlessness and low muscle tone
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ADHD/ADD
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Dyslexia
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Autism
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Behavioural Issues
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Co-Ordination Problems
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Cerebral Palsy
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Fears/Anxieties
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Sleeplessness
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Constipation
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Developmental problems
Babies can often be born with tension/ compression or a strain within the head (cranial vault). Over the first few weeks, the head shape changes as it unmoulds, when the baby suckles, cries and yawn. However, if this moulding and compression is maintained, particularly if the birth has been difficult, the baby can manifest a variety of problems.
Birth can be traumatic and this trauma can have long-term effects on the child’s health and well-being. The compression, stresses and strains that we undergo during the birth process can, if not resolved, influence the way our whole structure and personality develops.
For instance, babies born by caesarian surgery, whether elective or emergency, can be prone to endocrine and adrenal problems due to the residual shock from this dramatic event.
If forceps or vacuum suction were used in the birth process, the soft bones of the baby’s head can be distorted, leading to subsequent neurological conditions, learning and behavioural disorders.
Spinal curvature and pelvic misalignment can be the result of a baby being restricted or twisted in the birth canal.
The nerve centres that control the lungs are located in the back of the brain, and any compression to the head during birth can lead to respiratory problems.
CST, when accurately applied, guides the bones to a more comfortable balance. The younger that this is done, the better, before the bones are fully developed so that any strains or residual compression is reduced as far as possible.
How many treatments are required?
On average for babies and toddlers in general 3-4 treatments help alleviate most concerns. Adults may require 4-6 treatments. As each baby/child/adult is unique the number of treatments may be required more or less than the average.