Licensed Massage Therapy

Body Balancing Massage Therapy

Upledger Institute                                         Michael Shea

What is Cranio Sacral Therapy?

    Craniosacral therapy is a light touch therapy that influences the body by way of the Pulse of the cerebral spinal fluid. By monitoring this pulse the therapist is able to detect imbalances. Using what is called a still point to "reset" the pulse and utilization of direction of energy the therapist is  able to release soft tissue restrictions. 

How is Craniosacral Therapy Performed?

Craniosacral therapy is normally performed  on a person fully clothed. Using a light touch - generally no more than the weight of a nickel  the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the  Craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. The therapist then uses delicate techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord. A Craniosacral  therapy session can last from about 15minutes to more than an hour and the initial evaluation alone is often enough to correct a problem. The result? A Central Nervous system free of restrictions. And a body that's able to return to its greatest levels of performance.

Craniosacral Therapy is used to detect and correct imbalances in the Craniosacral system which may be the cause of sensory, motor or neurological dysfunction. The Craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth – which make up the cranium – down to the sacrum, or tailbone area.  Craniosacral Therapy has been successfully used to treat headaches, neck and back pain, TMJ dysfunction, chronic fatigue, motor coordination difficulties, eye problems and central nervous system disorders.

How is Craniosacral therapy Different from other therapies and massage?

    Craniosacral Therapy is considered a light touch therapy.  As a general rule of thumb the practitioner uses about 5grams of pressure. In this manner since your body responds to all touch as a "threat", 5 grams of pressure allows the therapist to "come in under the radar" as it were. Craniosacral Therapy attempts to soften and relax tense tissue and restore balance to the dural membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.    

    A CST session can be deeply relaxing and it is not unusual for you to have to stretch afterwards. If there are emotional issues tied in to an injury then there can be a "release" of these issues during a session. It can be as small as a feeling that wells up during the session, or as big as wracking sobs and tears, or even  twitches in the limbs.  Everything is confidential, accepted and non-judgmental

What Conditions does Craniosacral Therapy Address?

Craniosacral Therapy strengthens your body's ability to take better care of you. It helps alleviate a range of illness, pain and dysfunction including:

Migraines and Headaches

Chronic Neck and Back Pain

Motor coordination impairments

Seizures

Stress and Tension related Problems

Infantile Disorders

Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Scoliosis

Central Nervous System disorders

Emotional difficulties

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

Learning disabilities

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Orthopedic Problems