Craniosacral Therapy
what is craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a treatment that works with the natural and unique rhythms of the fluid contained within the cranium and spine – including the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine). Using a hands-on technique, a therapist monitors those natural rhythms in an effort to find and correct tension patterns throughout your body. The therapist then uses a light touch to facilitate connective tissue release and movement of craniosacral fluid, which flows between the cranium, spine, and sacrum, thereby relieving pain.
Receiving Craniosacral Therapy is a very relaxing experience, performed while completely clothed.
CST and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD):
CST is a hands-on technique that focuses on your head (cranium), spine, and sacrum (a triangular bone at the base of the spine). Using light pressure, a therapist releases tension in the connective tissue and encourages the flow of fluid between the cranium, spine, and sacrum. CST is practiced by a variety of health-care professionals, including massage therapists, physiotherapists, and dental professionals.
This gentle technique is ideal for treating TMD as it allows therapists to access the hard-to-access muscles and bones of the mouth, jaw, and cranium. CST can also reduce stress, which may contribute to TMJ difficulties.
CST and whiplash:
Whiplash, caused by rear-end motor vehicle collisions, can negatively impact the neck, back, and head. Lesser acknowledged is its repercussions on the TMJ. This causes the mouth to open far beyond its functional capacity, causing the TMJ musculature, tendons, ligaments, and synovial membranes to be significantly bruised, strained, and / or torn. Most often, the disc is forced out of position, relocating in front of the joint, from the traction exerted by related muscles.
The subsequent "whipping" motion of the head and neck forward into hyperflexion (forward movement toward the chest) further exacerbates this injury, causing the jaw to snap shut. Along with injury and anterior displacement of the disc, the mandible is forced posteriorly.
Craniosacral therapy helps to reduce the traction of the lateral pterygoid muscles and the various soft tissue structures of the TMJ. Normalizing the traction of the lateral pterygoid muscle will help to recapture the disc. CST also assists in repositioning the mandible, which results in decreasing the hyperstimulation and the nociceptive (pain) impulses of the trigeminal nerve. Additionally, repositioning the mandible will help restore a more balanced occlusion with the maxillary teeth.
“The TMJ compensates for all the rotations, compensations, and imbalances that radiate from our feet up and from our head down. The TMJ can be thought of, as well, as a repository for all our frustrations, excitement, unspoken words, and uncried tears.” -Benjamin Shield, PhD
CST and emotional balance (Somatoemotional release):
Memories from past physical and/or emotional trauma can be stored within the tissues of the body. Physical pain and depression/anxiety often accompany these stored patterns from childhood or adulthood. Somatoemotional Release (SER) facilitates a gentle process for releasing these patterns using therapeutic touch and dialogue with imagery. SER may also assist a person in gaining insight to allow for greater self-empowerment, freedom, and mind/body wellness.
