CST (Cranio-Sacral Therapy) is a gentle manipulation therapy targeting the physiological system of the body known as the cranio-sacral system. This is a system that is made up of the pelvis, the spine, and the bones and soft tissue of the cranium. Massage therapists who use CST also work on the cerebrospinal fluids and membranes that encase and protect the spinal cord and brain from injury during treatment.

There are quite a number of health professionals (usually chiropractors, massage therapists, and physical therapists) who practice cranio-sacral therapy. It requires a gentle touch equal to the weight of a nickel. It is a light approach that many who have tried it have claimed to fall asleep during the session.

Cranio-sacral therapy works on the notion that when blockages develop in the flow of the spinal fluid, the body can experience an imbalance, emotional problems, joint and muscle strain, and a dysfunction of the central nervous system and organs of the body. According to practitioners, until the spinal fluid is naturally allowed to freely move throughout the body, the muscles, other major organs, and central nervous system of the body will be out of balance and be at risk at risk of injury and sickness.

During a session of CST, the patient will be told to lie down on a massage table face up. They can choose to be treated fully clothed or to undress and wear a gown. The massage therapist then manipulates the various areas of the patient’s body including his soft tissues, pelvis, spine, skull, and bones in a gentle way. This is to remove any blockages in the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid in order to move in a smooth and natural way.

Normally, a session of CST would last a minimum of 20 minutes although there are some cases in which a session would take an hour. This will depend on the severity of the patient’s condition. CST has been used by various therapists to treat various health problems like immune deficiencies, sinus disorders, and migraine headaches. It is also used as a preventative measure in instances wherein a patient has a weak immune system.

Chronic headaches and other minor ailments can easily be treated with a few CST sessions. But for more severe health problems that cause chronic disease or severe pain should be undertaken over a number of weekly CST sessions.

Emily Farish is a licensed acupuncturist in Spokane, WA and the founder of Emily Farish Acupuncture.