How does Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) work?

Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy (BCST) developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr.William Sutherland, in the early 1900s. His work involved studying intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and his further research revealed different rhythms in the body relating to the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord.

BCST is an extremely gentle form of body therapy that may help you find a natural point of stillness and balance in your life.

BCST is a gentle hands-on treatment that may provide relief from a variety of symptoms including headaches, neck pain, and the side effects of cancer treatment, among others.

BCST uses a light touch to examine membranes and the movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity.

The focus of BCST is a gentle placement of hands to assist the release of the body’s connective tissue, or “fascia.” Fascia (Latin word for “band”) is a covering found throughout the body including organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord. It is the largest organ. This covering forms a body-wide connective network.

BCST is thought to improve the efficiency of biological processes through boosting inherent self-regulation, self-correction, and self-healing. The therapy can be used successfully with children and adults.

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What conditions may Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) help?

• Chronic pain.

• Fibromyalgia.

• Migraine headache.

• Complex regional pain syndrome.

• Fascial adhesions.

• Multiple sclerosis.

• Neuralgia.

• Neurodegenerative diseases.

• Temporo-mandibular joint syndrome.

• Stroke.

• Post-concussion syndrome.

• Speech impairment.

• Epilepsy.

Is Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) right for everyone?

BCST can benefit almost everyone. Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, BCST is suitable for everyone from newly-born babies to the elderly. Women often come during pregnancy, and mothers and their babies for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of tension and fear held in the body enables both mother and baby to settle into calmness.

With a few conditions, however, Biodynamic craniosacral therapy may not be appropriate and you’ll need to talk with your BCST practitioner and physician.

Your session needs to wait if you have experienced any of the following and have NOT been released for treatment by your physician:

• Recent concussion.

• Cerebral swelling.

• Structural defects in the cerebellum such as Arnold-Chiari malformation.

• Brain aneurysm.

• Traumatic brain injury.

• Blood clots.

• Any disorder that causes instability of cerebral fluid pressure, flow, or build-up.

 

What would you expect from a Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) session?

During a treatment session, you will lie fully clothed on the treatment table and experience the light touch of the therapist’s hands.

The treatment session begins with a consultation with your trained therapist to identify troubled areas. Soft music and low lighting are often used to increase your state of relaxation.

Using gentle verbal orientation, you will be guided to connect to your felt-sense and invite the often busy mind to drop into the physical body and begin to become aware of deep and superficial physical sensations occurring within your system.

The therapist uses gentle pressure techniques to assess the existence of possible disruptions and/or restrictions in your fascial system. Light touch and fascial release may help your muscles and organs naturally relieve stress, which improves function.

Each healing session is unique. However, clients often express a state of deep relaxation or becoming aware of heat, tingling, pulsations, vibrations, softening of the tissues, or the sense of fluid moving and shifting throughout the system, and a general sense of connecting to the physical body. Sometimes sensations of discomfort can present, but this is part of the system processing any held trauma or shock. Clients often leave with renewed vigor and feeling more energized.

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How many Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) sessions do you need?

There is no set number of sessions. After a session, there is occasionally a short period of adjustment as part of the healing process, when you may become more aware of symptoms. Sometimes people report relief after only one or two sessions.

For long-standing problems, further sessions may be needed. Some people find they benefit from regular treatment over an extended period and say that, as well as noticing improvement in their physical or emotional symptoms, they feel they have increased self-awareness and improved quality of life.

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Is Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) covered by insurance?

BCST is not covered by insurance. Out-of-pocket payment is required prior to treatment.

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