Gentle Healing with Craniosacral Therapy & Myofascial Release
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method used to help the body release tension, unwind, and restore balance through the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports every bone, organ, and muscle. Fascia acts as your body’s communication system, transmitting signals from the brain. When the fascia becomes twisted or tangled (torsion), it interferes with this communication, preventing proper signal transmission. Torsion can result from physical issues like accidents, injuries, birth trauma, emotional stress, and more.
Stephanie Holthus is trained in Dynamic Body Balancing by Dr. Carol Philips and specializes in pregnancy, birth, and infants. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, from newborns to seniors.
How does craniosacral therapy work?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) involves the gentle placement of hands to ease tension in your body's connective tissue, known as fascia (pronounced "fash-ee-uh"). Fascia is a Latin word meaning "band" and refers to the web-like tissue that surrounds and supports your organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord, creating a network that connects your entire body.
The human body functions as an interconnected system, both structurally and functionally. This means that tension in one area can impact other parts of your body. The main goal of CST is to relieve this tension by clearing the fascia, which may promote improved function and healing in other areas through:
- Self-regulation
- Self-correction
- Self-healing
What can craniosacral therapy help with?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) and Myofascial Release (MFR) can be incredibly helpful in relieving a wide variety of conditions by addressing restrictions and tension in the body’s connective tissues. Here's how they can assist with the listed health concerns:
- Migraines: By improving circulation and relieving tension in the cranial area, CST can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
- Chronic Pain: Both CST and MFR can target the underlying causes of chronic pain by releasing tightness in muscles and fascia, improving movement, and restoring balance to the nervous system.
- Fibromyalgia: These therapies can help manage the widespread pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia by enhancing blood flow and reducing muscle tension, leading to greater comfort.
- Scoliosis: CST and MFR can address muscle imbalances and tension associated with scoliosis, helping to reduce discomfort and improve alignment.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder): CST can ease tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles, providing relief from jaw pain, clicking, and grinding.
- Stress: By calming the nervous system and releasing physical tension, CST and MFR can significantly reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Autism: CST can support children with autism by improving sensory integration, reducing anxiety, and enhancing emotional regulation.
- Neck Pain: These therapies can target the fascia and muscles in the neck to release tension, alleviate pain, and improve range of motion.
- Insomnia: By calming the nervous system and easing physical tension, CST and MFR can promote restful sleep and reduce insomnia.
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): CST and MFR can help address the physical manifestations of trauma, releasing stored tension in the body and promoting emotional healing.
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): CST can help improve focus and calm hyperactivity by balancing the central nervous system and releasing stress in the body.
- Back Pain: Both therapies target muscle tightness and fascia restrictions in the back, offering relief from chronic back pain.
- Colic: CST can help soothe babies with colic by gently releasing tension in the digestive and abdominal muscles, promoting comfort and reducing discomfort.
- Depression: These therapies can enhance emotional well-being by reducing tension, balancing the nervous system, and fostering a sense of relaxation and calm.
- Alzheimer's Disease: CST may improve quality of life in Alzheimer’s patients by enhancing circulation and reducing tension in the body, promoting relaxation and improved sleep.
- Anxiety: Both CST and MFR can reduce anxiety by releasing tension in the body and calming the nervous system, helping individuals feel more grounded and relaxed.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: CST can help with the healing process after a traumatic brain injury by improving cranial fluid flow, reducing pressure, and promoting brain health.
- Central Nervous System Disease: CST can help balance the central nervous system, improving symptoms of various neurological conditions and promoting overall well-being.
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: By improving circulation and reducing muscle tension, these therapies can help increase energy and reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue.
- Constipation: CST can improve the function of the digestive system by releasing restrictions in the abdominal area, supporting better bowel movements and digestion.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, CST and MFR can help alleviate discomfort from changes in posture, muscle tension, and stress, supporting overall comfort and well-being.
- Concussion: CST can assist in the recovery process after a concussion by helping to reduce cranial pressure, improving circulation, and addressing any underlying tension or restrictions in the head and neck.
- Sinusitis: By releasing tension and improving fluid drainage, CST can help relieve sinus pressure and promote better breathing.
- Otitis Media: CST can aid in relieving ear infections (otitis media) by helping to release tension around the ear area, improving fluid drainage, and supporting the immune system.
- Breastfeeding discomfort & INFANTS: CST can help relieve tension from birth in the baby's neck, jaw, and mouth. This enables them to open their mouth wide enough to obtain a proper latch. It improves their tongue and jaw mobility. By improving their latch we improve their milk transfer at the breast. It can assist in relaxing their sensitive gag reflexes and improve their nervous system function.
- Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle relief in infants: by gently releasing tension in the surrounding fascia, which can alleviate pain and stiffness in the neck area, particularly when the SCM muscle is tight or restricted
Overall, CST and MFR work together to promote healing and alleviate a broad range of physical and emotional issues by addressing tension in the fascia and central nervous system, enhancing overall health and well-being.
