What is CST?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a non-invasive touch based therapy with its roots in the field of osteopathy. It offers a gentle yet potent way of supporting the bodies innate capacity to orient towards health, at its own pace and always in relation to its deep intelligence, self-regulating and healing capabilities.
CST originates from the work of renowned American Osteopath Dr. William Garner Sutherland (1873-1954) who, after deep explorations into the cranial system, began to observe a subtle tide-like motion within the cerebrospinal fluid and cranio-sacral structures. He later coined this phenoenmon ‘Primary Respiration’ or ‘The Breath of Life’ acknowledging it as a third measurable rate within the human body and our deepest expression of health. Through extensive research and practise Sutherland went on to observe that this rhythmic motion not only governed the health and functioning of the cranial system but also permeated throughout the whole of the body- informing and supporting its overall health, nourishment and vitality.
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Just as the tides of the Earth are in constant ebb and flow, the fluid systems of the body are also in continual motion. When faced with stress, overwhelm or disturbances, whether physical, emotional or relational, our natural state of motion can become compromised and disconnected from the whole. This in turn can lead to areas of inertia and restricted function, often manifesting in an array of symptoms, illness or general feeling of disconnect and lack of vitality.
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Within CST practitioners palpate these rhythmic motions through light touch, using our hands to ‘listen’ to the intrinsic movement of the body, detecting areas of stasis or compression. From here we can gently work on facilitating the dissipation of held forces and experiences, inviting motion, integration and a state of balance into areas of unease; re-orienting them back into a sense of health and wholeness.
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CST offers a place of deep stillness and systemic settling within the body. Through listening to the body in this way, it offers the optimal environment for the body to begin to slow down and tune in with itself. This invitation gives the time and space for the nervous system and tissues to settle, allowing the bodies innate ordering principles and healing capabilities to come to the forefront- aiding its natural orientation towards health.
What is ‘Biodynamic’ CST?
~ BCST ~
The Whole picture…
Within the biodynamic practise of craniosacral therapy we acknowledge the deeply interconnected nature of the body, recognising that all systems are in constant reciprocity with each other. Although specific areas and conditions can be addressed it is always in the wider context of the whole.
The health within…
The biodynamic model perceives that health is always available- an intrinsic ground source within. Even though we may experience pain, illness or compromise to the system, our body is constantly moving towards the greatest expression of health available at any moment. As long as we are alive, there is health to be found! Within sessions we help orient to this deep intelligence and ground spring, supporting its nourishment and availability to be taken up and expressed throughout the whole.
Inherent ordering principles…
Within BCST we acknowledge that the same underlying forces that formed the body are still resonant and at work today. Every cell contains within it the original blueprint to form, function and health. It is what shaped us as an embryo and has played a vital role in getting us to where we are today. Although these forces are constant, when we experience stress, injury, trauma or overwhelm, our ability to access them can become compromised. Within BCST we work on bringing the body back into relation with these foundational ordering principles. When able to access this deep intelligence our body is its own greatest physician.
Trust in the intelligence…
Within BCST we work in accordance with the body, at its own pace, and always in the trust and knowledge that your system knows best. As practitioners we use our touch and palpation to facilitate the bodies natural propensity to orient towards homeostasis and health. Unlike bio-mechanical methods that use physical adjustments to work from the outside-in, we work from the inside-out, using gentle palpation and touch to invite internal shifts. Different approaches, for different needs.
* BCST is not intended as primary healthcare but to work alongside your relationship with your GP and other healthcare professionals.
“Touch comes before sight, before speech. It is the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth.”
~ Margaret Atwood ~