Craniosacral Therapy: What is it?

What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive therapeutic modality that involves very light touch to stimulate relaxation of fascia. By relaxing the fascia, the sheet of tissue that surrounds each muscle, infants and adults may have an increased range of movement, better disgestion, and an easier time settling into sleep.

Who should get CST?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive therapeutic modality that involves very light touch to stimulate relaxation of fascia.

Infant benefits to CST:
- Reduces colic symptoms to help baby (and the whole family) sleep better
- Relaxes easily fussy babies to help them sleep and eat more easily
- A proven, non-invasive method for helping with tongue ties
- Improves breastfeeding latch

Adult benefits to CST:
- Relieves tension
- Improves sleep
- Reduces inflammation
- Helps with circulation and disgestion
- Aids in relief from headaches and migraines

If your baby struggles with a tongue tie, is a difficult sleeper, or has a flat spot on the head they may benefit from craniosacral therapy. Babies who were born as a result of a stressful labor, or didn’t complete the cardinal movements of labor, may find that a CST treatment makes them more relaxed and thus better sleepers. Craniosacral therapy is also helpful for babies to develop strong or stronger latches at the breast, making feeding easier on both parties. 

How does it work?

Craniosacral therapy deals with the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and the central nervous system by focussing on the dural membrane, which is the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord. Through gentle touch, a provider can help release tension in the fascia and increase the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which calms the central nervous system. 

During a CST treatment, a provider will use gentle touch with no more than 5 grams of pressure. That’s the weight of a nickel! Through different touches and holds, an infant CST session can release tension held in the fascia, calm the nervous system, and result in an experience of physical peace in your infant. Many babies sleep through treatment, while others may wiggle or cry. 

Adults will experience Craniosacral Therapy as a relaxing, gentle session that helps release tension. Your therapist will use light touch to stimulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, promoting wellness and decreasing inflammation, headache symptoms, and more.

Do you have questions about CST? After completing intensive training, Caroline Benson has opened her own business located here in Brilliant Births! Send her an email at hello@carolinebensoncst.com, or through our contact us page.

As a thanks for reading all the way through, use code WELLNESS10 to get 10% off your first CST appointment at Brilliant Births!