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Have you ever heard of a cranial sacral massage? Based on the name, you can expect the context of it to focus on your brain, but how a massage is involved, we were dying to find out. Thanks to Haute Beauty experts at The Biltmore Spa, we were able to get the details; this is what they shared.

What is a cranial sacral massage?

It’s a non-invasive type of bodywork that relieves compression in the bones of the head and sacrum (a triangular bone in the lower back). It uses gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to relieve the stress and pain caused by compression. It’s thought that through the gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system can be normalized. This removes “blockages” from the normal flow, which enhances the body’s ability to heal.

Who’s an ideal candidate for a cranial sacral massage?

It can benefit anyone who has experienced chronic pain in the neck, shoulders or head. Through gentle, calming pressure, you can achieve a very unique, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience. If this sounds appealing to you, then most likely, you could benefit from this type of therapy.

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What are the benefits of the massage?

It can soothe pain and release both emotional and physical stress and tension. It’s also thought to help restore cranial mobility and ease or release restrictions of the head, neck, and nerves. Cranial sacral therapy can be used for people of all ages. It may be part of your treatment for conditions like:

• Migraines and headaches
• Constipation
• Disturbed sleep cycles and insomnia
• Scoliosis
• Sinus infections

How often can one receive it?

You may benefit from between 3 and 10 sessions, or you may benefit from maintenance sessions. Your healthcare provider will help you determine what’s right for you.

How is a cranial sacral session performed?

When you arrive for your appointment, your practitioner will ask you about your symptoms and any preexisting conditions that you have. Your session will last about an hour, and you’ll likely begin by lying on your back on the massage table. The practitioner may begin at your head, feet, or near the middle of your body, using five grams of pressure (about the weight of a nickel), and hold your feet, head, or sacrum to listen to their subtle rhythms. If they detect it’s needed, they may gently press or reposition you to normalize the flow of the cerebrospinal fluids. They may use tissue-release methods while supporting one of your limbs.

Can you do a craniosacral massage on yourself?

Craniosacral therapy should be done under the guidance of a trained practitioner who knows how to use the correct amount of pressure and movement. But you can still learn CST and practice it on yourself at home. One of the key things to learn is the amount of pressure to use. Practice by putting a coin on your arm. The pressure from the coin’s weight pressing down is the maximum pressure that you should be using.

Follow these steps to perform CST on yourself:

• Start with deep breathing to ground yourself. Breathe in through your belly for a count of six and exhale for eight.
• Decompress the frontal bones. Bring your fingertips to your forehead and place them on your frontal skull using gentle pressure. Draw them away slowly.
• Relieve headaches and sinus issues through the earlobes. Place your fingertips halfway up the outside of the earlobes and imagine pulling the energy out, without actually pulling on the ears. It’s suggested to do this exercise lying down, so your shoulders can stay relaxed.
• Sinus relief through the nose. Place your pinky fingers between your eyebrows and just above the nose, drawing energy away.