Craniosacral Therapy

What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on technique that uses light touch to assess and influence the membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system.

The Craniosacral System is part of the Central Nervous System (CNS). It is made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. This system has its own rhythm, influenced by the autonomic fluid dynamics of other systems including the circulatory and the pulmonary (lungs) breathing rhythm.

The basis of craniosacral therapy is the premise that all parts of our bodies are at their healthiest when they can move freely, in their natural rhythm. Fascial adhesions, scars, nerve entrapments, lymphatic and musculosteletal dysfunction can all interfere with the free movement of parts of the body and the free flow of fluid through vital organ systems. Craniosacral practitioners use a series of gentle manual techniques to increase circulation and mobility within these systems, enhancing the body’s own healing ability. In many craniosacral session most of the touch will occur on the head, neck, spine and pelvis, as they are areas with greatest access to the Central Nervous System.

How can craniosacral therapy help you?

Craniosacral therapy is specialized for conditions involving nervous system regulation. For example, craniosacral has been shown to be helpful for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress and is used as a wellness treatment for the following:

• Chronic Pain
• Fatigue
• Anxiety and Stress
• Insomnia & Sleep issues
• Emotional trauma
• Headaches/migraines
• TMJD
• Autoimmune diseases
• Motor Vehicle Collisions
• Postpartum symptoms
• Digestive issues

Find a more extensive list of conditions here.

What does craniosacral therapy feel like?

Craniosacral therapy is a soothing form of hands-on therapy that is deeply relaxing. Similar to massage, you will lie down on a comfortable massage table. The practitioner will gently place their hands on you and assess where your body needs additional assistance.

Depending on your needs, the practitioner may focus on one body region or may work on several body regions during a session. The very gentle touch or a craniosacral session is designed to engage Parasympathetic Nervous System (an important part of the nervous system responsible for our relaxation response).

The Parasympathetic System is often referred to as the “Rest and Digest” state and is designed to down regulate our “fight or flight response”. Engaging the Parasympathetic Nervous System helps the body to shift resources towards rejuvenation and repair and away from our constant state of depleting burnout.

By engaging the Parasympathetic Response, many people experience a sensation of:

• Deep relaxation
• Lengthening of the spine
• More space in your head
• Expansion in body
• Sleepiness or a sleep-like state
• Grounding or sinking into earth
• Pain dissipating
• Involuntary twitches
• Decrease in tension
• Sense of peace

What will your first appointment look like?

• Brief 10 minute face-to-face conversation and intake about your health and reasons for making an appointment.
• An assessment of your body through a series of gentle manual craniosacral massage techniques mostly performed on the head, pelvis, and chest.
• Lying on a massage table fully clothed or lightly clothed under a blanket and sheet for 50-80 minutes while the soothing manual craniosacral techniques are performed..
• A brief post-treatment conversation and recommendation for follow-up appointments, often 2-4 to begin depending on your specific needs and goals.

How should I prepare for my first CST experience?

For your first appointment, arrive comfortably dressed in loose fitting clothing. Eat and drink prior, but avoid large amounts of food or fluid. Also, avoid large amounts of caffeine before your appointment.

Our Craniosacral Therapy Provider in Talent, OR

Adeline Jade Martin,

LMT, Craniosacral Practitioner

The world is a busy place, but at Body in Context Medical Massage we hope we can be your Craniosacral Therapy choice. We deeply care about our patients and want to make sure you feel supported, cared for and confident that you are reaching your goals towards a healthier, happier life!

We are located near exit 21 right off the freeway in downtown Talent- a shorter drive time for many Medford and Ashland residents than their own downtowns!

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