What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy, or CST, uses very light touch to release restrictions in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. CST enhances central nervous system performance and allows the body to self-correct. It focuses on the cerebrospinal fluid that is continuously circulating throughout the body and providing a cushion for the brain and spinal cord. As craniosacral fluid is produced in the ventricles of the brain it creates a pulse all its own - the craniosacral rhythm. Just as breath and blood circulation would cause a problem if hindered, so would cerebrospinal fluid and it shows up in pain, muscle tension, or other symptoms. This bodywork was developed in 1970 by osteopathic surgeon, John Upledger, who discovered that the spinal column throbbed with a rhythm separate from that of breath or heart rate, the craniosacral rhythm. CST can alleviate pain and stress and is especially effective in treating week-long migraines, TMJ, sinus problems, and insomnia. It has been used to effectively treat cerebral palsy, nervous disorders, some forms of paralysis, and depression. Recent stroke victims, those with cerebral aneurysm, brain-stem tumor, head injury or internal cranial bleeding would not be good candidates for this type of bodywork. "...there seems to be a constantly-changing list of ’popular’ human maladies. It is though we have a need to suffer..." -Dr. John Upledger, DO Dr. Upledger notes that back in the 60’s business executives suffered from peptic ulcers, creatively frustrated housewives from depression, and blue collar workers from hemorrhoids. In the 80’s antacids marked the upwardly mobile while today the male has a coronary bypass scar and the woman oral appliances...the "badge of her TMJ." Rather than brush off these symptoms as passing fads, Upledger regards them seriously disagreeing with their over diagnosis. He mentions that TMJ was called Costen’s Syndrome in 1936. The Upledger Institute finds again and again that CST is highly effective in treating these symptom trends of different decades. Receiving regular craniosacral therapy sessions "layers" that have developed throughout life (accidents, injuries, bumps, falls, illnesses, stress) are slowly be peeled away, just as one would peel away layers of an onion.  With some sessions you will find pain relief.  Other sessions could bring up emotions or memories long forgotten.  It is for this reason that trusting the process is a must and trust the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is also necessary. Aim to strengthen your health. Approach health care proactively rather than as a fireman would a burning building...with high pressure water hose and ax. Make good choices daily to short circuit major catastrophe. Eat right. Use exercise as a way to reduce stress. Minimize environmental toxins. Address facial and muscle restrictions in the body with massage. And watch yourself soar!

Rosewood Holistic Health Testimonies

Do you have a CST testimony?  How it really helped you overcome migraines, lessen TMJ pain, sleep better?  Email me and let me know.  Your experience can help others. Migraine "After a pretty full weekend, Sunday night brought along an unusually tough migraine. I normally use a prescription, so I took my medication and waited...and waited. After three doses (I usually take only one) and a long day at work on Monday with little relief, I called  Monica on Tuesday about a craniosacral therapy session. When I left her office, I already felt so much better. She took the time to talk with me and explain what might be going on and what I should expect. By the next morning, I had complete relief. The best part of the therapy is no hangover the next day (if you have migraines, you know what I’m talking about).  I usually feel like a truck hit me after a bad migraine, but none of that.  You saved my week.  Now it is one week later, I still feel great. Thank you to Monica for her professionalism and caring manner."    -D. Sedon, Clermont, FL Sciatica "After playing golf for six years, I suddenly began to experience severe sciatic pain on my left side. One massage by Monica helped the 'pain go away.' She is also a very nice and caring person."    -B.Mekdeci, St. Cloud, FL "Thank you for checking in on me. The acute stabbing pain has subsided and I am almost able to stand completely upright. I can't thank you enough for the relief!"    -G. Melillo, Celebration, FL And additional comment from Gina... "Ever since you worked on my lower back, I have not had anymore of the pain that I used to get.  I used to think that deep pressure was the only way to get rid of pain, but you really showed me how light pressure can work too!  My pain has not been back."    -G. Melillo, Celebration, FL Scoliosis "I had my first cranio massage today.  I really didn’t know what to expect, since I have only had deep tissue massage.  Monica cradled my head, and I kept waiting for something to happen.  She explained what was happening during regular intervals.  I have scoliosis and have a lot of neck pain.  Gradually, my neck muscles began to lengthen and become less tight.  Monica explained that I was the one initiating all the movement, she was just following my lead.  My head began to feel very heavy as my muscles slowly relaxed.  I Felt the pain lessening.  It truly was a unique experience, and I believe regular sessions will eventually help the pain."     -R. Tschinkel, Celebraion, FL Health and Healing "My first massage with Monica was more of a whole body healing than just working on muscles. Monica is able to GENTLY achieve great results and work deeply on the muscles without the usual pain and soreness that I have experienced during and after other massages. Craniosacral Therapy was new to me, but I literally felt release in areas that I didn't even know were a problem. Those 70 minutes were the highlight of my week. Monica has a very calming and healing prescence, which added to the trust and relaxation I experienced."   -J.Ryan, Celebration, FL Fibromyalgia "I’ve been suffering with migraines for years but the last couple of months I have been suffering at least 4 to 6 days straight with no relief even with prescriptions doctors have given me.  After I told the doctor at the pain clinic that his procedure didn’t help me at all he again just gave me more pills which didn’t help me once again.  For once in my life since 1992 I never thought that I would feel the relief I do today.  I feel so blessed to have found you."     -K. Kouyoumjian, Celebration, FL Work-related Pain "My chiropractor really noticed the difference the Craniosacral had on my body. Monica does a terrific job with this relaxing and gentle type of massage.  My wrists and back have bothered me for a long time. The mouth work is very different.  It made my mouth bigger which is good because I tend to have a small mouth.  Monica at Rosewood Holistic Health, a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Celebration, Florida, did a wonderful job of helping me. She is a caring and professional, her prices are more than reasonable, and her office is very conveniently located. If you are looking for a massage therapist in Celebration, Orlando, or near Walt Disney World, I would highly recommend Monica."     -H. Leibacher, Celebration, FL Breathing "I can breathe better!"     -C.Valintino, Celebration, FL "I played golf last weekend without any breathing issues."     -H.Vaughn, Celebration, FL

CST Testimonies from Acroos the Country

Liberated from Polio’s Effects A fifty-two-year-old woman suffering the effects of polio came to see me. She had to walk on her tiptoes on one foot to compensate for the shorter leg. She had endured numerous surgeries throughout her life to try to lengthen the leg—and she had the scars on her calf and Achilles to prove it.  At the time I began the CranioSacral Therapy (CST) session, I knew only that she had had polio, but I did not have the specifics.  Her sphenoid was very compressed, and it felt like her face was sucked inward. The tissue began to soften. I detected the rhythm and felt the parietal bones spread. As I did a pelvic diaphragm release, her entire pelvis began to rotate out, as did her spine all the way up the diaphragms. It felt like a rope that was untwisting. I was drawn to do a regional tissue release on her right leg. I worked that for about twenty minutes. I felt tissue releasing and her leg lengthening! I had goose bumps from my head to my toes but continued to allow her body to organize all the while. She was in a state of deep alpha and felt nothing, she said later. I felt so much movement. Then I began to work on her foot, and it also twisted and straightened!  After the session, she stretched and was very relaxed. She said she felt nothing physical, only deep relaxation like she had never felt before. When she got off the table, she began walking quickly back and forth. She was nearly hysterical with excitement.“I have never been able to do this in all my life!” she kept saying.When I realized what she was so ecstatic over, I was taken with emotion also. She was walking heel-to-toe with both feet! Not on her tiptoes.  She was in shock for about half an hour and continued her fast pacing back and forth in the office. That large shoe lift she always wore would no longer be needed.  I don’t ever discount the miracles of CranioSacral Therapy. I reminded my patient of the potential the body has to heal itself when given the correct modalities. In about an hour’s time, CST had accomplished what doctors had tried to achieve all of this woman’s life.   (Practioner Karen McGill, ND, BSNH, Herbalist, New Buffalo, Michigan)