Craniosacral Therapy Now Offered at Naturopathic Family Medicine with Dr. Misset

What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle form of bodywork that addresses deeply held tensions in the body and helps to rebalance the nervous system. Craniosacral therapy, like naturopathic medicine, is based on the principle of interconnectedness within the body. Connective tissue, known as fascia, surrounds and supports everything in your body, including muscles, organs, blood vessels, and nerves. Fascia is capable of holding tension in the body – it helps suspend organs, transmits muscle movement to bones, and when free of restrictions, it allows muscles to glide over one another.  When fascia becomes restricted it can result in pain or discomfort in the body. Using a very soft touch, craniosacral practitioners help the body release these restrictions by assessing tension held in the body and supporting structures in a way that allows them to release and rebalance.

How can craniosacral therapy promote healing?

Craniosacral therapy also helps support the body’s innate ability to heal by encouraging relaxation. A part of our nervous system, known as the autonomic nervous system can be divided into two parts – the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, each with its own unique function. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight, flight, or freeze response that occurs when we are under stress. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system, when engaged, has the opposite effects – this part of our nervous system enables us to rest and properly digest. Parasympathetic activity also promotes healing in the body. The nerves that make up the parasympathetic nervous system exit the brain and spinal cord at the cranial and sacral levels. By releasing fascial tension in these regions, a craniosacral therapist promotes healing by encouraging the body to move into a more parasympathetic state.

How can craniosacral therapy benefit you?

Craniosacral therapy can be helpful in the treatment of:

• migraines
• headaches
• TMJ
• sinusitis
• chronic neck and back pain
• chronic fatigue
• stress related conditions
• constipation
• and many other conditions

What is a typical craniosacral session like?

A typical craniosacral session usually lasts 30-60 minutes. During this time the patient lies face up on a massage table fully clothed. The practitioner will usually begin with an assessment of the head and other areas of concern before moving on to treatment.

Call Naturopathic Family Medicine to schedule an appointment. Covered by most insurance companies.