1. Impaired mobility of all bones related to the craniosacral system (cranium, face, vertebral column and pelvis). Without adjusting or manipulating the bones themselves, the CranioSacral Therapist deals with any factors that contribute to impaired bone motion.
Sutures (joints between cranial bones) can frequently become immobilized due to traumatic jamming, surgical procedures, cranial fractures or other injuries. All craniosacral system-related bones are vulnerable to abnormal stresses and tensions imposed by attached muscles, tendons, ligaments and fasciae.
These bones may also be motion-restricted due to the immobility of bones to which they are joined by joints, etc. For example, a leg can compromise the pelvis, which in turn can affect the sacrum to which the dural membrane is attached. The result is a strain and probable functional compromise of the craniosacral system.
The CranioSacral Therapist locates these contributing factors and restores motion wherever possible. Thus, the therapist works with total body mobility. When full mobilization is not possible, the therapist helps the client’s body develop the best compensatory mechanisms, with the goal of compromising craniosacral system function as little as possible.
2. Impaired accommodative abilities of the dural membrane system. Motion restrictions are always a focus of attention in CST. It is imperative that the dural membranes move freely in the vertebral canal, and are able to expand in the cranium. Restrictive factors include bone restrictions and abnormal tension patterns within the dural membrane itself. These are often broadcast into the cranium from ligamentous and/or muscle attachments that are excessively tight due to adhesions or cohesions formed subsequent to infections, surgical interventions, bleeding and/or toxic deposits.
3. The flow of cerebrospinal fluid and blood. The free flow of both is estimated and enhanced as much as possible by the CranioSacral Therapist. The membranes of the craniosacral system separate blood from CSF, but it is imperative that blood flows into the choroid plexus and through the arachnoid membrane system in order for CSF to be formed, reabsorbed, and able to do its job. Many CST techniques focus on enhancing CNS blood supply and venous drainage. There are also many techniques that aim to accomplish the best possible CSF circulation. They are all generally modified for optimal application to each individual client.
4. Body-mind integration. Since the craniosacral system has such influence on the physiological environment of the brain and the two aforementioned glands, many integrative processes between the psyche and the body emerge.
The advanced CranioSacral Therapist is trained to assist this integrative process through the use of the hands, as well as by verbally encouraging images that may begin to surface in the client’s conscious awareness during a session. The therapist may encourage the client to understand the meaning of the images to get in touch with his or her bodily functions and how he or she may be able to favorably influence them.
Many Systems Positively Impacted by CranioSacral Therapy
CST primarily facilitates processes that enhance the body’s innate abilities for natural healing. The therapy focuses on removing restrictive forces and obstacles related to the craniosacral system. Enhancing the mobility of the craniosacral system improves the circulation of both blood and CSF to the brain, spinal cord, pituitary gland, pineal gland and the cranial nerve systems, among other things.
Improving fluid motion and exchange specifically enhances the functions of the brain; spinal cord; autonomic control systems; visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory sensory systems; motor and motor coordination systems; endocrine system; and the immune system. Less directly, it seems to affect all other body systems; therefore, it is exceptionally useful for most chronic conditions and as a preventive measure.