CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, restorative, manual therapy modality that enhances brain and nervous system function, decreases stress, strengthens the immune system response, improves organ and cellular function, increases circulation, and brings the body back to homeostasis. Imagine that a computer is lagging, freezing and not processing smoothly. When you defragment the computer it restores to its efficient capability. Our central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is the master computer of the body. We, too, need to “defragment” to restore and rebalance to function more efficiently. But we are not computers. Humans also have emotional and spiritual components to happiness and health. When we are emotionally, spiritually and physically balanced, we feel and think better and feel lighter. CranioSacral Therapy melts resistance, eases the flow of life and empowers participants to be healthy, happy and successful.
How is CST practiced? The physiological system of cerebrospinal fluid circulates around the brain and spinal cord and is encased by the dura mater membrane that is attached to the cranium, cervical spine and sacrum. The fluid circulation creates the CranioSacral Rhythm (CSR) which can be felt by the cranial practitioner anywhere in the body. The practitioner gently places her or his hands on the body with approximately 5 grams of pressure (the weight of a nickel) and logs onto this rhythm. Typically, the person receiving the CST is lying on a massage table, fully clothed, in a relaxed environment. Children who are not able to lie on a table or do not feel comfortable doing so can be treated in any position, even during play activities. Gently, the therapist identifies resistances and blocked areas in the body and rebalances the rhythm. Usually, deeper breathing, relaxation and a sense of calmness are perceived in the individual being treated as the body begins to self-correct: Tension eases in the organs, muscles relax, neuro-synaptic connections improve, and there is a profound sense of well-being. Children of all ages come off the table feeling lighter physically and emotionally. I often get later feedback about improved eye contact, focus, handwriting, coordination and speech as well as improved behavior, among many other benefits.
How is CST “holistic” and how does this apply to children?
A holistic philosophy encompasses healing the “whole” person and restores Mind/Body/Spirit connections, which is the aim of CST. Discussing coping skills and healthy living is therefore an important facet of the practice. Children need to feel that the world is a better place because they are in it. Their understanding and awareness of their personal roles and abilities to contribute to society serve as a source of motivation, give them feelings of purpose and self-worth. Today our children are faced with many mental and physical stresses that tax their immune system and stress responses. Stress is a natural part of life and survival. Our body’s reaction to stress is mediated through a complex integration of sensory input, brain and nervous system hormones, organ and cellular function. However, if the body, mind and spirit are out of balance, it can become harmful. For example, so many children I treat, especially at the elementary and higher school levels lack the simple ability to breathe with ease and have challenges with digestion and bowel elimination.
Children with learning disabilities have deviations in processing in one or more locations of brain function. They may exhibit difficulty with reading, writing, calculations and listening comprehension or motor-sensory integrations skills such as coordination, balance and writing. Language and speech challenges encompass listening, talking and understanding. Some children exhibit visual-tracking issues, decreased eye contact, tics, self-regulation difficulties, and behavioral problems --to list a few!
Many parents are finding that a more holistic approach for their children that strengthens their reserves as well as improves function is very effective. For example some may work with a variety of professionals such as a developmental pediatrician who has a focus on healthy diet and life-style along with a CST practitioner who does bodywork to improve brain and nervous system function.
This sort of balancing and reconnecting results in a better, saner quality of life and gives the child more resilience and the ability to recover from hardships and handle challenges. The best part? Empowering children toward a healthy life while improving the quality of their families’ lives!
Annie Samojedny, is a licensed Physical Therapist with a degree from New York University. She has a private practice in Croton on Hudson specializing in CranioSacral Therapy for individuals of all ages (newborns through seniors), Dance Medicine and Gestalt Somatic dialoguing. She welcomes questions through her website: www.annesamojedny.com.
