Craniosacral Therapy (CST) | Autism PDD

The basis for CST (CranioSacral Therapy) is that the skull and sacrum are connected via the spinal column, and the brain and spinal cord are bathed in CSF, or cerbrospinal fluid, which continually circulates around these areas.  There are three layers covering the brain and spinal cord.  The outside layer is the dura mater.  The dura is attached to connective tissue of the body which in turn is connected to the fascia covering the muscles which attach to tendons that then attach to bones.  Muscles are covered with fascia then fat then the various layers of skin, ending with the external skin which is where we place our hands to perform CST.

The idea is that if there is a structural imbalance in the body, it can be perceived via an alteration in the normal flow of CSF, and the subsequent radiation of sensation (of the imbalance) out to the outer layers of the body.

A key factor here is that each bone of the skull, although connected by sutures, still has the ability to move in a very subtle way.  The bones of the skull move with respiration, heart beat, and with the craniosacral "pump"/flow of CSF fluid around the brain and spine.  Normally the movement is rhythmic and in balance.  When a CST practitioner perceives a lack of movement or a change in one side versus the other, then this can be corrected by certain specific and equally subtle techniques.

I learned the basics of CST in Medical School.  I have also taken Upledger sponsored class.  I believe that there is a physiologic basis for the benefits achieved with CST which is why I don't consider it "alternative".

Finally, with all due respect to the original poster, I would highly recommend trying to find a DO (osteopathic doctor) who specializes in manipulation and is very experienced in CST as a first choice.  If not available, try for an MD, chiropractor, or any professional with adequate training and experience...ie  What would they do if there was a medical emergency during a treatment???

Anyway, sorry so long, but I thought this was important.

PS  I have found very few doctors/practitioners that I would allow to perform CranioSacral Therapy on me.

Thank you Andrewsmommy, I could not have explained CST any better. The reason I posted my comments was that when I chanced upon this site, CST was listed as a treatment that parents SHOULD NOT TRY. I just needed to 'defend' it as I have seen the differences it has made for the children and their families.

Parents, the next time your child goes in for a session, get onto the table yourself and experience it. It works for everyone, not only for migraines. It is able to bring out old injuries, even those sustained during childhood as our cells hold memories of our past. Given the right conditions, these injuries, including emotional 'injuries' will be released. You'll be amazed by the differences it can make!

One of the reasons our children are hitting their heads may be due to compressions in the bones there, causing discomfort. This treatment helps to release the compression. If your child goes back to hitting his head again after missing treatments, it may be that the compression was not fully released, or that there is some tightness somewhere else in the body that was not released, thus bringing back the compression.

To find someone qualified to treat using CST, just go to the Upledger website. They have a list of people who have undergone the rigourous training. Only those with certification are qualified to use this treatment in their practice, although trained people are allowed to "treat" their families and friends without certification. It is so gentle and non-invasive that no harm will come to those who are willing to experience it.

How much does CST cost per session?  Would insurance pay for it?  If the pressure applied is no more than getting a massage, I don't see how it can do any harm.

Concernedpa.