As societal attitudes towards mental illness evolve, there’s a growing emphasis on understanding its intricate effects on individuals. A wealth of information is now available, detailing the nuances of brain chemistry and suggesting lifestyle and dietary adjustments to aid in managing these conditions. One approach that has shown promise in supporting individuals with various mental health issues is CranioSacral Therapy (CST), which I’ll delve into further.
CST involves gentle mechanical manipulation of the cranial bones and the sacrum (tailbone). This is crucial because structural factors may contribute to mental illness. As the saying goes, “structure serves function,” and this principle extends to the brain. If structural issues exist, traditional interventions like lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medications may have limited effectiveness.
Dr. John Upledger, in his accessible book ‘Your Inner Physician and You,’ explores CST and its development. He suggests that patients with depression often exhibit consistent cranial restrictions, particularly in the sacrum, sphenoid, and occiput bones forming the cranial base. Treating these areas has shown significant and repeated improvements in mood disorders.
Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2011 supports these findings. A study involving 157 patients receiving Upledger CranioSacral Therapy (UCST) for various conditions, including headaches, migraines, neck and back pain, and anxiety and depression, yielded promising results. A majority of patients reported valuable improvements in their presenting issues, enhanced general well-being, and reduced reliance on medications.
While CST isn’t a cure-all for depression, it has demonstrated positive effects, even in severe cases. However, for other mental health issues like anxiety, a clear pattern hasn’t yet been established. In such cases, we adopt a ‘treat what we find’ approach, addressing any fascial restrictions that may contribute to symptoms.
To delve deeper into CST, I recommend visiting www.upledger.com. Additionally, feel free to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me for personalized insights and answers to your specific queries.
