More Than Massage: Craniosacral Therapy

We are all aware of various rhythms in our body: the cardiac rhythm circulates blood through our body, and the respiratory rhythm is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body.

But, there is a lesser-known rhythm called the craniosacral rhythm. This is the gentle expansion of your head and the lengthening of your spine that allows for the exchange and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that is tested after a spinal tap) to the brain and spinal cord. This fluid acts as a buffer to the brain and spinal cord from force and is important for optimal growth and development of infants and children.

Infants may experience a change in their craniosacral rhythm through a difficult birthing experience. In toddlers and young children, this change may occur as a result from injuries sustained while walking or running. A change in their cranioscral rhythm may affect their best growth and development, and craniosacral therapy may help correct this imbalance.

Craniosacral therapy, which is practiced locally at the Life Expression Wellness Center in Sugarloaf, is the use of light contact to gently correct and balance the craniosacral rhythm.  Joanne Gallagher, CMT and cardiosacral therapist at Life Expression says, “Children find the session to be deeply relaxing and will often sleep for a longer stretch than usual after a session.”

For more information on craniosacral and other therapies, contact Life Expression Wellness Center at 708-0808.