What is CST?
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What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?
Craniosacral Therapy, or CST, traces its roots back to the 19th century. The concept of CST was first conceived by a physician named Andrew Taylor Still and was further researched, developed and codified by subsequent pioneers of the field throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Today, CST has evolved into a widely adopted and holistic therapy used by physical therapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors to assist patients relieve pain and promote wellness. CST uses gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to relieve the stress and pain caused by compression. In addition to soothing pain and releasing both emotional and physical stress and tension, CST is also thought to help restore cranial mobility and ease restrictions of the head, neck, and nerves.
Two very common forms CST techniques include Compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4) and Occipital Cranial Base Release (OCBR) – both of which have been incorporated into the design and structure of all KANUDA pillows.
CV4 - Compression of the Fourth Ventricle
WHAT IT IS
CV4 is a well-known therapeutic procedure widely practiced across the world. This technique helps the function of the nervous system and is used to reduce anxiety and pain, decrease sleep latency, and decrease sympathetic activities.
HOW IT WORKS
The procedure of CV4 is relatively simple; the patient lays down, and the therapist gently supports the occipital bone at a lateral angle, and gently pulls the head into an extension. This gentle pressure will create a release within the connective tissues and when this happens there is a neurological response, which shifts the central nervous system from its usual state of alertness to one of calmness.
KNOWN BENEFITS
Reduces stress and anxiety- Helps tissue and fluid motion in and around the head - Relaxes connective tissues throughout the body- Restores flexibility of the autonomic nervous system - Help improve autoimmune dysfunctions
OCBR - Occipital Cranial Base Release
WHAT IT IS
OCBR is another commonly practiced form of CST that is designed to be a hands-on / manual technique to release tension in muscles surrounding the head and neck.
HOW IT WORKS
The head and neck are gently rested on the finger tips which are placed at the very base of the skull under the occipital ridge. This technique helps to soften the fascia and muscle tissue in the sub-occipital area. This helps to open the area between the C1 and C2 vertebrae at the top of the neck and the base of the head, or occiput.
KNOWN BENEFITS
Reduces neck pain, shoulder pain, and upper back pain- Relieves headaches- Redresses postural issues where the shoulders become slumped and the head and neck come forward