By Dr. Moreno
I am in constant exploration of new ways to enhance health and well being. This is part of who I am and also my job. This quest has lead me to learn about multiple non-conventional treatments, and a particular type of bodywork called my attention as a particularly effective healing strategy: craniosacral therapy (CST).
During my first CST session with Dr. Ron Wish, I immediately realized that this work was very healing for me and also something I could learn and apply in my practice. For the past three years, I’ve been training at the Great River Craniosacral Therapy Institute and have had the opportunity to provide this treatment to my patients, when indicated, with remarkable results.
What is CST?
In brief, CST is a hands-on approach that releases tension deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction, and improve the body’s overall health. The touch used is extremely gentle, no greater than the weight of a nickel, yet it is powerful and transformational.
Why perform CST?
The technique aims to evaluate and enhance the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. This system is constituted by the brain, the spinal cord, and the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that protect them. These body structures have an intrinsic natural rhythm, different from your heartbeat or breathing rate. This rhythm can be disrupted by life’s stressors such as infections, toxicity, and physical or emotional trauma. When the rhythm is disrupted, muscle tension, discomfort and overall sickness can prevail. The objective of this work is to restore the body’s natural craniosacral rhythm.
How does CWT work?
By releasing restrictions and restoring the rhythm of the craniosacral system, this method realigns the body’s structure, improves functioning of the autonomic nervous system, relaxes the body, relieves pain and tightness, increases vitality and gives an overall sense of wellbeing. CST is also used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and can be effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraine headaches
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Motor-coordination impairments
- Central nervous system disorders
- Orthopedic problems
- Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Chronic digestive disorders and pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Post-surgical pain and dysfunction
- Learning disabilities
- Emotional difficulties
- Stress and tension-related problems
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
- Neurovascular or immune disorders
What to expect when you come in for craniosacral work
The technique involves a very soft touch mainly on the cranium (head), but also on the sacrum (lower spine) and other parts of the body. This treatment is safe, gentle and relaxing. It should not cause any pain or discomfort. You should feel at peace and relaxed at the end of a session. Like other types of energy or bodywork, I find it to be a great complement to other nutritional and medical therapies. And since it enhances your body’s innate ability to heal, it can be used in absolutely any medical condition.
If you are interested in trying this technique, please call the office to schedule an appointment for CST with Dr. Moreno. For me, it is a real pleasure to give this service.
Victoria Moreno Cuttle MD