The CranioSacral Rhythm

May 29

CranioSacral Therapy or CST is a Light-Touch Modality that has wide-reaching effects on the body and nervous system.

I love explaining how CST works to my clients, as many suspect that CST is some form of energy work given that it is such a light touch, and that the concepts that we are working with seem so ethereal. Well, I'm here to break it down a bit and explain the practical pieces of CST and how they apply to our physiology. CST is not energy work, but a method of fascial release applied specifically to the CranioSacral System.

Firstly, lets start with the CranioSacral System and the CranioSacral Rhythm, or CSR.

💀The CranioSacral System is a functional system composed of cerebrospinal fluid, the membranes that contain it, its osseous attachments, and the mechanisms that produce and reabsorb the CF fluid.

💀The CSR is a subtle, physically palpable rhythm, much like the cardiac or respiratory rhythm, which fluctuates 6-12 cycles per minute. It is expressed though an external an internal rotation of the legs and arms, a widening and narrowing laterally and medially of the torso, an expansion and contraction of the cranium, and a hinging of the occiput and sphenoid.

💀 These are all subtle movements that I am palpating for at the various Listening Stations (marked in green). If I feel restrictions in the movement at the Listening Station, I know where to treat based on the quality of the movement that I am feeling.

Restrictions can impact the CSR in 3 main ways:

💀 Through limiting CSR expression - in the way that I mentioned above

💀 Through limiting bony mobility, which can also impact the expression of the CSR, but also impact the movement of other structures more widely throughout the body

💀 Through limiting fascial mobility, by restricting movement at the various diaphragms throughout the body (pelvic, respiratory, thoracic outlet, occipital)

By bringing the CSR to a Still Point at one of the various Listening Stations we can induce a reset of the CSR - a Still Point is basically bringing the CSR to a stop, allowing the system to reset and the Rhythm to start new again. This reset begins a parasympathetic nervous system activation in the body, allowing the body to fully relax and release deep tension.

CST is not energy work, it is a complex, multidimensional modality of assessment and treatment that is highly integrated with our nervous system. If you’d like to learn more, or try this modality yourself, send me a message or book below: