CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician 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.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method used to evaluate and enhance the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. This complex neuro network is comprised of the membranes and the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

CranioSacral Therapy gently works by releasing tension and restrictions, or tissue adhesions in the body by inducing a “still point” to effectively relieve pain and free the central nervous system so it can auto-regulate its numerous functions. It also helps to balance the rhythms and flow of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Craniosacral Therapy helps relieve a full spectrum of conditions ranging from pain, illness and dysfunction. 

Conditions Treated:

Migraines & Headaches

Chronic Neck & Back Pain

Stress & Tension Related Disorders

Motor-Coordination Impairments

Infant & Childhood Disorders

Brian & Spinal Cord Injuries

Chronic Fatigue

Fibromyalgia

TMJ Syndrome

Scoliosis

Central Nervous System Disorders

Learning Disabilities

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Orthopaedic Problems

Motor Vehicle Injuries & Whiplash  

 Are Craniosacral Services Covered?

Yes!

Craniosacral therapy services are performed by Dr. Cheryl D'Costa, BPHE, ND, R.Ac and are therefore covered under Naturopathic Medicine Benefits. Her Craniosacral training is from the Upledger Institute.

What Can I Expect?

The initial CST visit is an hour and a half. Subsequent Craniosacral therapy sessions can vary in time and last an hour to an hour and a half depending on the underlying conditions of the client. These sessions are deeply relaxing and usually the client drifts off into a deep state of relaxation.

This form of therapy is safe to use for all ages from the newborn to the elderly. 

Visceral Manipulation is a gentle but firm hands-on therapy that helps to balance and restore the natural, dynamic and harmonious flow between the endless array of motions and rhythms of the internal organs and fascial systems.

Each organ gravitates along a specific and limited axis in which they require a three dimensional motion to freely function within their optimal range. 

Visceral Manipulation Therapy focuses on releasing tissue adhesions and any visceral or fascial restrictions caused by abnormally tight muscles, membranes, or ligaments which can restrict and alter the proper organ suspension and axial range of motion leading to chronic irritation, organ imbalance & illness. Tissues need to be able to move freely on their axis in order to perform their proper organ functioning. When there are restrictions in the range of motion or tissue adhesions which prevent this dynamic movement from occurring freely, the organs lag behind in their ability to perform and auto-regulate which can lead to disease.

Organs become stressed if they are unable to properly and freely manoeuvre along their internal axis points.  This is where visceral manipulation can bring therapeutic benefits.

Visceral Manipulation works by assisting both structural and  functional imbalances throughout the body including the musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. Structure governs function and function governs structure. Visceral Manipulation helps evaluate and treat the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia and ligaments. It also works by increasing proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and postural imbalances.

An integrative approach to evaluation and treatment of a patient requires an assessment of the structural relationships between the viscera, and their fascial or ligamentous attachments to the musculoskeletal system. Any forms of strains or hypertonicity in the connective tissue of the viscera can result from surgical scars, adhesions, illness, chronic poor posture or injuries whether they may be acute or chronic.

Tension patterns form through the fascial network deep within the body. These patterns further create a cascade of subsequent effects that can create distal imbalances, far away from their original source points. This forces the body to have to adapt, often creating a deeper involvement in the fascial network, for which the body will have to compensate. This creates fixed, abnormal points of tension that the body must move around, and this chronic irirritation gives way to further fuel more functional and structural problems.

Harmony and health exist when motion is free and liberated. When motion is not labored, overexcited, depressed, or conflicting with neighboring structures the body is free to go about its daily activities without compromise.

Acute Disorders

Whiplash

Seatbelt Injuries

Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries

Digestive Disorders

Bloating and Constipation

Nausea and Acid Reflux

GERD

Swallowing Dysfunctions 

Women's and Men's Health Issues

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis

Fibroids and Cysts

Dysmenorrhea

Bladder Incontinence

Prostate Dysfunction

Referred Testicular Pain

Effects of Menopause 

Emotional Issues

Anxiety and Depression

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Somatic-Visceral Interactions

Chronic Spinal Dysfunction

Headaches and Migraines

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Peripheral Joint Pain

Sciatica 

Pain Related to

Post-operative Scar Tissue

Post-infection Scar Tissue

Autonomic Mechanisms 

Pediatric Issues

Constipation and Gastritis

Persistent Vomiting

Vesicoureteral Reflux

Infant Colic