In the words of Hilary Kingman, massage therapist at BODY in Santa Fe New Mexico, "My favorite treatment to provide is a cranio-infused massage, which helps the nervous system deeply relax and allows the body to find more fluidity." This sentiment echoes the profound impact of Craniosacral Therapy (CST), a gentle yet powerful technique that has been gaining recognition for its ability to release tension, relieve pain from chronic conditions, and support overall well-being.

Hilary Kingman performs Craniosacral at Body in Santa Fe — Massage therapist, Hilary, performing Craniosacral Therapy

What's Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?

Craniosacral Therapy, often abbreviated as CST, is a therapeutic approach that involves a practitioner's gentle, hands-on touch to alleviate tension within the body. It specifically targets the connective tissues, aiming to relieve compression in crucial areas such as the head, back, and neck.

How It Works

Our bodies thrive on movement and flow, but a sedentary lifestyle can lead to stagnation, resulting in discomfort and dis-ease. CST intervenes with delicate manipulations of the bones and connective tissues primarily in the skull and spine. This technique is believed to normalize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid within the central nervous system, removing "blockages" and enhancing the body's innate ability to heal.

What to Expect During a CST Session

During a Craniosacral Therapy session, you can anticipate gentle hand placements and sustained holds aimed at releasing both physical and emotional tension. As you surrender to this treatment, you will likely experience new sensations as your nervous system responds.

Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy stands out as a treatment option, especially when other methods have fallen short. It facilitates the body's unwinding process from stress and creates space for profound relaxation, a crucial element in the healing process.

This therapy is sought after for its potential to address chronic issues including migraines, neck pain, and even the side effects of cancer treatments. Depending on your unique circumstances, a series of sessions may be recommended.

Why We Infuse Craniosacral with Massage

At the Spa at BODY of Santa Fe, we recognize the value of blending Craniosacral techniques with traditional massage. This fusion offers the best of both worlds: the relaxation and pleasure of a traditional massage combined with the health benefits of Craniosacral Therapy. As Hilary Kingman puts it, "I'm passionate about weaving Craniosacral therapy into massage because of the way that it supports the nervous system. We live in a stressful world, so finding ways to navigate the stress is crucial for our health and overall well-being."

In summary, Craniosacral Therapy offers a gentle yet effective path to relaxation, tension relief, and overall wellness. Its integration with massage creates a rejuvenating experience that not only soothes the body but also invites healing. While it may not be the best choice for those desiring a pure Swedish style massage or deep tissue manipulation, if you have health issues and are open to trying something new, Craniosacral can be transformative.

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