Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a hands-on therapy which evaluates and enhances the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that encase the brain and spinal cord. This fluid filled system provides nutrients and removes waste products for the central nervous system.

Our CST treatments use a gentle and focused touch to help release restrictions in the craniosacral system. The goal is to optimize the function of the central nervous system, and thus can maximize a person’s own ability to heal. Treatments are performed in relaxing, private rooms, while you are fully clothed and lying on a massage table. The position can be adjusted for each person’s comfort.

CST techniques are gentle applications to “osteopathic philosophies”. CST was developed with extensive research at Michigan State University from 1975-1983. Because CST enhances your own body’s ability to heal, it has been effective in helping a wide range of medical conditions including, but not limited to:

• Migraine Headaches
• Headaches of Cervical Origin
• Chronic & Acute Neck / Back Pain
• Orthopedic problems
• Post-Surgical Pain and Dysfunction
• TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction)
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Fibromyalgia & Other Connective Tissue Disorders
• Neurovascular or Immune Dysfunction
• Colic
• Infantile Disorders
• Plagiocephaly / Infant Mis-shapen Head / Cranial Dysmorphia
• Autism / PDD
• Learning Disorders & ADD / ADHD
• Chronic Fatigue
• Emotional difficulties
• Stress & Tension Related Problems
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) or Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) involves the therapist using manual (hands-on) techniques to stimulate and increase lymphatic flow. The pressure varies, based on technique, but is typically very light and specific. Depending on each persons needs, the techniques may be done with clothes on, with loose fitting clothing, or may require some disrobing (similar to a traditional massage). The treatment is extremely relaxing and very pleasurable to receive. LDT is sometimes utilized purely for its relaxation effect.

The lymphatic system is critical to your body’s ability to drain fluids, detoxify organs and fluids, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system. When lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, macromolecules, ad toxins accumulate and normal cellular functioning is compromised. This can allow for many physical ailments and may hasten the aging process.

There are a number of different lymphatic techniques. The two most utilized techniques in the US were developed by Dr. Bruno Chikly and Dr. Vodder. Chikly techniques are generally very light and tend to elicit a profound relaxation effect by stimulating the body’s Parasympathetic Nervous System. This system is the part of our nervous system that regulates our relaxation response. Vodder techniques are a bit more direct and have been utilized for more than half a century in the treatment of lymphatic dysfunction and swelling.

We are pleased to offer therapists trained in both of these modalities. LDT/MLD have been found to be helpful for the following health concerns:

• Reduction of edema/swelling
• Pre and Post-surgical applications
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Deep Relaxation
• Relief from chronic pain
• High Blood Pressure
• Facial and esthetic applications
• Rejuvenation of the skin tissue
• Reduction of cellulite
• Relief from chronic sinusitis
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
• Scleroderma
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Learning Disorders
• Chronic Fatigue
• Emotional Difficulties
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems
• Fibromyalgia & Other Connective Tissue Disorders
• Neurovascular or Immune Dysfunction
• Temporomandibular Joiint Syndrome (TMJ)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Post-Surgical Dysfunction