Craniosacral Therapy has a very high success rate. Most practitioners find that around 85% of clients are happy with the results of the work. Benefits can come in a variety of ways:
Most people find cranial sessions pleasant and relaxing. People often talk of feeling as if they have "had their batteries charged". Sometimes people feel tingling or numbing sensations or they may experience momentary pain related to past events. When this settles the net result is one of feeling better. People often feel as if things are reorganising inside them or as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.
The client usually lies (or sometimes sits) fully-clothed on a comfortable treatment couch. The therapist makes contact by placing their hands lightly on the client's body and tuning in to what is happening by ‘listening’ with their hands. Contact is made carefully so that the patient feels at ease with what is happening.
The number of sessions required depends entirely on the condition being treated. Acute injury and disease states can benefit enormously from 2 - 6 sessions; with chronic debilitating disease or severe injury, it is usually necessary to work for longer in order to develop well-being and skills of managing symptoms, as well as dealing with symptoms directly.
Yes, many people find that craniosacral therapy helps them feel better and enjoy life more. Their energy levels improve and they are able to deal with everyday stress more positively. People often find it easier to fight off minor infections, and regular treatments may help prevent more serious conditions from developing in the future.
Initially sessions are usually a week to a fortnight apart. With long-term treatment the frequency of sessions usually reduces.
The light touch used in Craniosacral Therapy means that it is one of the safest therapeutic forms. It is a non-directive, non-analytical, non-invasive approach - essentially the art of listening and enabling the body to heal itself. When practised by a qualified therapist, it is a very safe method. To ensure that a practitioner is qualified, check that they are registered with the Craniosacral Therapy Association.
No. Because of the name, craniosacral therapy, people often think that it concerns only the head and spine. CST is not a form of head massage although contact is made with the head in most sessions. A fuller explanation of craniosacral work can be found at What is Craniosacral Therapy?.
Sessions are generally from thirty minutes to an hour in length and prices vary. Expect to pay from £30 - £65 a session in cities and £25 - £50 in more rural areas. Some practitioners charge more for the first session as it is usually longer.
You can find a practitioner by checking our register of qualified practitioners. For a complete printed register please send a medium sized self-addressed envelope stamped with 41p for first class post, or 33p for second class (UK residents only) to: Roger James, Craniosacral Therapy Association, Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester Street, LONDON, WC1N 3XX.
The Craniosacral Therapy Association (CSTA) publishes a register (updated yearly) of members who have qualified from one of its accredited schools and are involved in continuing professional training. Registered members are entitled to use the initials RCST after their names. The best form of recommendation is often word-of-mouth. If in any doubt, you can check by contacting the Registrar, at the following address: The Registrar, Craniosacral Therapy Association, Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester Street, LONDON, WC1N 3XX
It helps to have an open mind, but the benefits of craniosacral therapy are not dependent upon faith in the treatment.
Craniosacral therapists study cranial work exclusively. Most craniosacral therapy courses last two years. Cranial osteopaths train initially in osteopathy, a more mechanical approach, and then do postgraduate training in cranial work of variable length.
Craniosacral work tends to be integrated with psychotherapeutic understanding, theory and practice. There is a variable amount of overlap between individual approaches in the two professions. To get a fuller picture, talk to a practitioner to find if their attitude and approach is suitable for your needs.
Craniosacral therapy improves people's quality of life in general as well as helping with specific problems. It can help you recover from the results of accidents, falls and strains as well as diseases. Psychological and traumatic conditions can also be helped. Cranial work can reduce stress and improve the functioning of the immune system.
Please write any questions or comments below and every effort will be made to respond as soon as possible.
Back to the home page