Craniosacral Therapy (CST) has only been around about four decades but is based on an earlier therapy (cranial osteopathy) developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This controversial treatment is a holistic healing modality that is considered a life-changing treatment by some and quackery by others.
Like many alternative therapies that have not been satisfactorily proven effective through empirical studies, craniosacral therapy has plenty of proponents touting its many health benefits and plenty of detractors criticizing the practice and its practitioners. This means that, also like many other alternative therapies, we must do our own research and decide for ourselves whether this particular holistic healing practice is right for us.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a healing practice that includes the use of light touch to manipulate the cranium’s synarthrodial joints in order to regulate cerebrospinal fluid flow and release tension. It is based on a holistic approach to wellness and is believed by its proponents to relieve pain and correct dysfunction in the body.
How Can Craniosacral Therapy Improve Health?
According to the website of the developer of CST, Dr. John E. Upledger, this therapy can be used to address an array of ailments, including:
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Autism
• Fibromyalgia
• Spinal cord injuries
• Central nervous system disorders
• Stress and stress-related ailments
• Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Chronic back and neck pain
• Scoliosis
• Chronic fatigue
• And many other conditions
Who Provides Craniosacral Therapy?
Chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopaths, holistic health practitioners, nurses and even some osteopaths may provide CST as part of their practice. Anyone can take classes to learn how to practice CST, but some states require practitioners to have a license – such as a massage therapy license or medical license – to provide hands-on healing.
How Much Does Craniosacral Therapy Cost?
The cost of this therapy varies widely depending on geographic location and the type of practitioner providing the therapy. You may find some CST practitioners charging as little as $30.00 per hour and others charging $90.00 or more per hour.
Will Medical Insurance Cover Craniosacral Therapy?
If your medical insurance covers chiropractic care, massage therapy or care provided by naturopaths, then it may cover all or some of the costs of craniosacral therapy provided by these practitioners. As is the case with most alternative treatments, most insurance policies do not cover this type of treatment.
Leave a Reply