How ultralight pressure relieves pain.
Surrounding and supporting your brain and spinal cord are three protective layers of connective tissue called the Dura Mater.
When these layers become restricted, (through injury, repetitive motion, overuse, or even lack of use) it can create discomfort, pain, and a wide range of health issues.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) works by gently mobilizing the dura to release these restrictions and restore natural movement in the body.
How Does CranioSacral Therapy Work?
CST uses an incredibly light touch, just 2 to 10 grams of pressure or about the weight of a nickel. The goal is to engage the deeper connective tissue without enlisting the help of the surrounding muscles. We want to work deeper than the muscles and independently of them.
John Upledger described the feeling to the therapist as “pulling a boat on a string with one finger”. Very little force is needed. The magic is in waiting for the tissue to respond, and in following the body as it does.
Two important parts of the dura that often benefit from CST are:
- Falx Cerebri – separates the right and left lobes of the brain.
- Tentorium Cerebelli – forms a supportive “floor” for the brain and separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum.
By working with these structures, CST can create profound shifts in the nervous system and overall health.
What Does CranioSacral Therapy Feel Like?
Every session feels different depending on what your body needs. Some people experience subtle sensations, while others feel deep and noticeable shifts. Immediately after treatment, most patients feel relaxed and calm. Over the next hours or days, many notice reduced symptoms, greater ease in their body, and improved resilience.
Conditions CranioSacral Therapy Can Help
Because CST works with the central nervous system, it can support healing in many areas, including:
- Headaches and migraines
- Back and neck pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Scoliosis
- Depression and anxiety
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- TMJ dysfunction
- Stress management
By gently releasing restrictions, CST helps restore balance and function, naturally.
Why Try CranioSacral Therapy?
If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain, tension, or stress, CranioSacral Therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive way to support your healing. In our Vancouver Acupuncture Clinic we often add this to your acupuncture treatment while you’re resting on the table. We find it settles the nervous system and helps the body to integrate the treatment, helping you feel lighter, more balanced, and more at ease in your body.
If this therapy sounds like something you’d like to explore, you can easily book an appointment online or call the clinic. We’d love to help you experience the gentle, powerful shifts that CST can bring.
