Interested in research on the effectiveness of CST? Research articles can be found here.
                    What is CST Certified?

Molly Deutschbein is an Advanced Craniosacral Therapist with certification from the Upledger Institute, earning her the right to add the initials CST after her name. Of the many therapists in upstate New York who have completed craniosacral coursework, she is one of a small handful who have completed the rigorous techniques certification process.  Molly also travels throughout the Northeast as an Upledger teaching assistant.

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CST is sometimes referred to as "cranial massage" or "cranial sacral" work.

The craniosacral system (a physiological system like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems) provides the physical environment in which the brain and spinal cord develop and function. The light-touch technique works with natural and unique rhythms of our different body systems to pinpoint and correct source problems.

What is done during a session?

A Craniosacral Therapy session usually takes place in a quiet, private setting. We recommend that clients wear loose, comfortable clothing. Clients remain fully clothed, though most choose to remove their shoes. The session is performed with the client reclining on a massage or treatment table while the practitioner stands or sits, positioned at various times throughout the session at the client's head, middle torso or feet.

CST practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, using a soft touch generally no greater than the weight of a nickel.
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What will I feel during a session?

Experiences during a CST session are as individual as the clients and practitioners themselves. They also may differ from session to session. At times, a client may deeply relax or even fall asleep; at other times, he or she may talk a great deal, recalling hidden memories or expressing emotions. Some will remain still during the entire session, hardly noticing the practitioner's evaluation and treatment, while others will experience sensations within the body as the evaluation process is carried out. At various times throughout the session, the practitioner will support a client's limbs and spine while facilitating release of accumulated tension. This process is called energy cyst release or tissue release. During this release, the client might recall circumstances surrounding a past shock, trauma or injury. Releasing and re-experiencing past hurts assists the body in reversing dysfunction and restoring the previous level of mobility. This entire process has been named SomatoEmotional Release®.

How will I feel after a session?

Just as individuals experience CST sessions differently, the immediate results can be diverse as well. This relaxed state may cause some to sleep for many hours after a session. Others may experience an increase in energy. Reduction of pain or an increase in function may occur immediately after the session, or it may develop gradually over the next few days. Since CST helps the body resume its natural healing processes, it isn't unusual for improvement to continue weeks after the session. For some there may be a reorganization phase as the body adapts to the release of previously held patterns.

Additional information

Craniosacral Therapy was popularized by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure and is effective for a wide range of medical problems including:

Autism
Central Nervous System Disorders
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Colic
Emotional Difficulties
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
Infantile Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Migraine Headaches
Motor-Coordination  Impairments
Neurovascular or Immune  Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Post-Traumatic Stress   Disorder
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Scoliosis
Stress and Tension-Related  Problems
Temporomandibular Joint  Syndrome (TMJ)
Traumatic Brain and Spinal  Cord Injuries