CST - Craniosacral Therapy UK

Cheryl Harris has undertaken post-graduate training in cranial-sacral osteopathy and treats adults, children and babies with this very gentle form of osteopathy.

Cranio Sacral treatments are profoundly relaxing, and where a person is under stress, it can be of great benefit. Treatment appears to affect the areas of the brain that react to stress. As these areas respond to treatment the muscles relax, blood pressure and heart rate lower and pain decreases.

I’m frequently asked the question “What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?”.I some times wonder “What is the difference between two Osteopaths?”.Both Osteopathy and Chiropractic came into being in the USA in the 1880's.Both Chiropractic and Osteopathy use Spinal Manipulation.Both Professions have developed more subtle forms of treatment such as Applied Kinesiology (Chiro.), Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy and Visceral Manipulation (Osteo.).Currently, in the USA, Osteopaths are considered the same as Medical Doctors. They are very different to British Osteopaths, who still work in the traditional way, i.e. Hands on.Chiropractors in the USA work the same way as they do in the UK.Osteopaths train at one of 3 full time schools in and around London, doing a 4 year degree.Chiropractors train at the Anglo European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth, doing a 5 year Degree.Both professions have overseas graduates working in the UK.Differences between these two Professions can be difficult to identify.I know members of both professions who see patients very frequently, having them pay large sums of money up front.I also know Chiropractors and Osteopaths who are very genuine, honest and caring people. Very knowledgeable and skilled in their professions.Interestingly, as I attend Courses, I find it pleasing to find I’m sharing my time with Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and many other people in my line of work.Personally, if I were in Pain, and needed treatment, I would look for the best recommendation by “Word of Mouth” and not be too concerned whether they were a Chiropractor or an Osteopath.

Treatments are tailored for the Patient. It is understood that some people simply do not like osteopathic manipulation, while others like Deep Tissue Massage, or benefit from Cranio-Sacral Therapy.

Craniosacral therapy developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. He discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and his further research revealed different rhythms in the body. He inferred, from further observation, and later went on to demonstrate to his satisfaction, that these movements are inextricably linked with mental and emotional health and that restriction of these movements corresponds to a reduction of the natural capacity to self-heal. Craniosacral therapy has developed from clinical experience, which shows that health is something active and not just an absence of disease. Health is the expression of life, responsible for the organisation of the millions of things that are constantly happening in the body. 

Traditional Osteopathy used as well as craniosacral ,visceral and osteopathic chinese energetics. Craniosacral is useful for road traffic and sports injuries with good effect. Visceral techniques  can help to improve drainage , liver function digestion and pelvis helping to free up any adhesions due to any inflammation. Chinese osteopathic energetics to organs to improve energetic flow and function when distressed or blocked.Approach is to find the root cause and by using a combination of different treatment modalities to bring about better tissue function .