The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull down to the end of the spinal column. This vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord therefore an imbalance or restriction in it (or even elsewhere in the body) could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle method of detecting where these restrictions lie and works in conjunction with your body to release them. Not only are the bones of the skull used as levers to work the restrictions of the membranes around your spinal cord to rebalance the bony structures of the head, face and mouth but the whole body is addressed in order to find and eliminate all causes of disorder.
CranioSacral Therapy facilitates an internal rebalancing and encourages one’s own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate the negative effects of stress on the nervous system. It strengthens your body’s ability to take better care of you. It helps alleviate a range of illness, pain and dysfunction, including:
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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
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Migraines and headaches
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Chronic neck and back pain
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Stress and tension-related problems
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Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord injuries
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Central nervous system disorders
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Emotional difficulties
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
CranioSacral Therapy and Your TMJ Dysfunction
Whether decompressing restricted bones in your skull to allow for greater movement, or balancing your jaw so that it tracks properly, or releasing tight muscles around the jaw that are affecting how your mouth opens and closes, CST addresses the primary causes of TMJ syndrome. On a secondary or tertiary level, CST can for example, correct in imbalanced pelvis caused by a fall from a ladder 20 years ago that has created a misalignment throughout the body and subsequently the TMJ, or calm a nervous system that has been elevated due to stress at home or work that is causing you to grind your teeth.
CranioSacral Therapy treats not only the primary cause of your problem but also sees your problem as what could be just the tip of the iceberg. Your specific health issue is part of your whole being, therefore it is the whole being that must be evaluated and treated. CST gently helps the bones of the skull and body remobilize and tissues reposition themselves naturally so that your body’s self-corrective tendencies are nurtured.