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CST is a gentle healing art

Craniosacral Therapy, CST

CST is a gentle healing art.  It is a subtle but potent ‘hands-on’ method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body-system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the tissue membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. These tissues intimately affect the functioning of the Central Nervous System.

CST is an effective tool which we use at Bliss Clinic to ‘tune into’ the body and unravel the various physical and emotional restrictions that have accumulated within us over time and, if left untreated, hamper our capacity to be truly well.

CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. With CST world-wide, the strong tradition of ongoing research continues to this day.

“CST is also viewed as a successful method of integrating the body, mind and spirit. This focus on ‘holistic’ health may result in a significant reduction in disease and a great improvement in the quality of life.”

Professor John E.Upledger, DO, OMM

It has been shown clinically that CST facilitates the body’s natural capacity for self-healing, that is, it helps the body to heal itself as it is normally designed to do. Craniosacral treatment releases blockages in membranes, sutures of the skull, fasciae and tissues which affect the functioning of the Central Nervous System (brain & spinal cord). CST relieves deep tension in the body which can cause and aggravate a wide range of common and uncommon pain syndromes, dysfunctions and illnesses. As these deep tensions are released during CST treatment, a feeling of well-being and ‘integration’ is often experienced, thus indicating the balancing effect on mind, body and emotions. Sometimes buried negative emotions are released and a ‘catharsis’, of sorts, takes place which gives the client renewed confidence and a sense of emotional freedom. Our skilled CST therapists, using the Upledger treatment protocols, are trained to facilitate these healing processes.

The treatment is unique in the sense that it uses a feather-light touch of generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a euro coin. The patient remains fully clothed. Via touch, the therapist first tunes-in or ‘listens’ to the various subtle rhythms of the body.  When tissue and rhythm imbalances are detected, then gentle corrections are administered by hand which remove these blockages and restore normal balance and functioning. The body can then heal itself of various pains, dysfunctions and illnesses, many of which have eluded cure prior to CST treatment. CST is also increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease.

We are all affected by stress in our fast moving world. One of the main benefits of CST is putting one’s autonomic nervous system into a relaxed state (parasympathetic mode) which allows you to deeply rest. A series of treatments over time, for example once per week for 1-2 months, helps one to cope with stress and fight disease. The treatment has a definite calming effect on both body and mind and therefore greatly assists in reducing a client’s stress levels.

The gentle approach of CST is appropriate for all ages: from infants to the elderly. It can be effective for a wide range of medical problems, including:

  • Headaches and Migraines

  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain

  • Vertigo

  • Infantile Colic

  • Children’s Disorders

  • Learning Disabilities

  • Concentration and Short Term Memory Problems

  • ADD / ADHD

  • Personality Disorders (worries, depression…)

  • Central Nervous System Disorders

  • Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Autism

  • Orthopedic Problems

  • Central Nervous System Disorders

  • Motor-Coordination Impairments

  • Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Scoliosis

  • Stress and Tension-Related Problems

  • Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

  • etc.

We have one trained CST practitioner at present, Nicholas Bliss DC.

At Bliss Clinic, Craniosacral Therapy is typically used as an adjunctive therapy to chiropractic treatments, especially when its gentle and subtle effects upon the central nervous system are required. The two systems of treatment work very nicely together because both effect the body by improving the functioning of the Nervous System.

One can therefore have their CST appointments scheduled alongside chiropractic treatments OR one can just make CST appointments independently by contacting our reception desk.

For more information on CST see: Upledger Institute web site