How does CST work?

Throughout your life your body encounters stresses and strains which lead to compensatory patterns developing and tissues tightening causing restrictions which in turn will pull and distort the Craniosacral System, this affects the flow of cerebrospinal fluid which will then affect the Central Nervous System (CNS). The brain and spinal cord that make up the CNS have a massive effect on all of the body’s functions.

What is the Craniosacral System (CSS)?

The CSS consists of a sac, filled with fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to protect and nourish them. This sac is attached at the bones of the cranium and extends down to the sacrum.

The CSS is made up of:

• The Cranium – the bones of the head
• The Sacrum – the tailbone
• The Meninges (dura, arachnoid and pia mater) – 3 layers of membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord
• The Cerebrospinal Fluid – this is a clear fluid produced in the brain and contained within the meninges, it nourishes and protects the brain and spinal cord

How do I find restrictions in the body?

I find the restrictions using the craniosacral rhythm which is just another rhythm of the body along with breathing and the heart beating.

The craniosacral rhythm comes from the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid, through the craniosacral system. As the cerebrospinal fluid, produced in the brain starts and stops, the pressure in the system changes causing a rhythm that is reflected in the bones and fascia (connective tissue) of the body.

I can feel this with a light touch of the hands on the body, it feels like a gentle “rolling” out (known as flexion) then after a slight pause, a “rolling” inwards (known as extension). This occurs in cycles and in most adults, it happens about 10-12 times per minute.

I use the craniosacral rhythm to gather information about how well the body is functioning as a whole and to pinpoint where any specific restrictions may be. Areas where the rhythm is quiet for example, can indicate a stuck/restricted place which could be a contributary factor in your pain and dysfunction.

How do I treat the restrictions?

I treat them with a gentle, holding touch. My intention is not to provoke your tissue guarding mechanism which tightens your body, but to use a light touch which creates a feeling of safety that allows your tissues to relax and release tension and restrictions.

I also use specific, learnt techniques to help create space between the cranium and the 1st vertebra, to open up restrictions between the cranial bones, to release tension in the jaw and ways to mobilize the membranes from the cranium to the sacrum.