CRANIOSACRAL MASSAGE
Craniosacral Massage
What is CranioSacral Therapy (CST)?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST), also known as cranial sacral massage, is a gentle, non-invasive manual therapy developed
in the 1970s by osteopathic physician Dr. John E. Upledger. It involves light touch (about the weight of a nickel) to assess
and enhance the functioning of the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surround
and protect the brain and spinal cord. Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, with clients fully clothed lying on a massage
table. Practitioners use subtle palpation on the skull, spine, sacrum, and sometimes feet or diaphragm to detect and
release restrictions in the connective tissues (fascia) and rhythmic flow of CSF. It's widely used in wellness centers like
Just Hope Healing Center for stress relief, pain management, and holistic balance.
Technology and Mechanisms Behind CST
CST is not “technology" in the device sense but a manual, hands-on technique grounded in anatomy, physiology, and
subtle biomechanics. The practitioner acts as the "tool," using highly trained palpation skills to influence the body's innate
self-correcting mechanisms. Key principles include:
1. Craniosacral Rhythm (CSR):
° Asubtle, wave-like pulsation (6-12 cycles per minute) distinct from heartbeat or breathing, caused by the
production, circulation, and reabsorption of CSF within the dural membranes.
¢ Practitioners palpate this rhythm at the cranium, spine, and sacrum to identify asymmetries, restrictions, or
“stuck” areas—similar to reading a body's “tidal motion."
2. Fascial and Membrane Release:
© The cranicsacral system is encased in dura mater (tough connective tissue) that extends from the skull
(cranium) to the sacrum. Restrictions here can create tension patterns affecting the entire body via fascial
chains.
© Light touch (5 grams of pressure) encourages the release of fascial adhesions, improving mobility and
reducing compensatory strain.
3. SomatoEmotional Release (SER):
° An advanced CST component where emotional trauma stored in tissues (e.g., from injury or stress) may
surface and release during treatment, facilitated by the practitioner's neutral presence.
° Supported by the polyvagal theory: CST stimulates the vagus nerve, shifting the autonomic nervous system
from sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic (rest-and-digest).
4. Self-Correction and Homeostasis:
e By removing mechanical barriers, CST enhances CSF flow, nutrient delivery, and waste removal in the
central nervous system (CNS), allowing the body to self-regulate.
No tools are used—only the practitioner's hands, trained through Upledger Institute courses to detect micromovements
(as small as 1/100th of an inch). It's safe for all ages, including infants and the elderly.
Expected Benefits to Clients
Clients often feel deeply relaxed during and after sessions, with benefits accumulating over 3-6 weekly treatments.
Effects are gentle yet profound, with research (e.g., Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine) showing
measurable improvements in pain, stress, and function. Below is a table of key expected benefits:
Benefit Mechanism Expected Client Outcomes
Stress & Anxiety Vagus nerve stimulation + Profound calm; 60-80% reduction in perceived
Reduction parasympathetic activation stress (per validated scales)
Pain Relief (Headaches, Releases fascial tension and dural tube 40-70% decrease in chronic pain; fewer migraines
Neck, Back) restrictions (50% reduction in frequency}
Craniosacral Massage
Benefit Mechanism Expected Client Outcomes
Balances autonomic nervous system;
Improved Sleep Quality reduces hyperarousal Deeper, more restorative sleep; easier onset
Enhanced Emotional SomatcEmotional Release clears stored Greater emotional resilience; reduced
Well-being trauma PTSD/anxiety symptoms
Better Brain Function & Optimizes CSF flow and reduces | df d tal clari
Clarity intracranial pressure mproved focus, memory, and mental clarity
Support for Neurological ge Adjunct relief for fibromyalgia, TMJ, post-
Conditions Gentle CNS mobilization concussion syndrome
Postural & Structural Corrects sacral/cranial imbalances Improved posture, mobility, and reduced
Alignment affecting spine compensatory pain
Overall Weliness & Enhances lymphatic drainage and CNS = Stronger resilience; preventive health
Immune Support efficiency maintenance
Evidence and Considerations
e Research: A 2019 meta-analysis in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found CST effective for pain (effect size
0.68) and stress. Upledger Institute studies show 74% improvement in chronic symptoms.
¢ Safety: Extremely low risk—no manipulation or force. Contraindicated only for acute intracranial bleeding, severe
brain injury, or skull fractures.
¢ Best Practice: Works synergistically with therapies like Flowpresso or Pulse XL Pro PEMF.
At Just Hope Healing Center (3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite 171, Westlake Village, CA 91362; (805) 601-5366),
CST is a cornerstone of gentle, integrative care—perfect for resetting body and mind. Book a session to experience the
quiet power of touch.