_{Cranial Sacral Therapy}

I've heard and read conflicting things about CST, so I wondered if anyone has tried it. I initially heard that someone w/ IIH should never try it because it's a manipulation of spinal fluid flow. Then I was told that it wouldn't work for me because the practice is based on a closed system, but mine is open because of the lumbar shunt. Most recently, I had a practioner that travels the world to teach this technique tell me that she has helped many people w/ IIH and Chiari Malformation. I would really love some feedback.

Here's information on Cranial Sacral Therapy from Massage Therapy 101 , if you aren't familiar w/ the practice:

"Cranio-Sacral Therapy, or CST, is a gentle, hands-on manipulation of a physiological body system called the cranio-sacral system. This system is comprised of the soft tissue and bones of the cranium (or head), the spine and the pelvis. Massage therapists that perform cranio-sacral therapy also target the membranes and cerebrospinal fluids that surround and cushion the brain and spinal cord from injury during a therapy session."

"Cranio-sacral therapy is practiced by a plethora of health professionals most commonly physical therapists, massage therapists and chiropractors - who employ a touch equivalent to the weight of a nickel. As a result of this tender technique, many clients claim that they can fall asleep during their CST sessions.

The theory behind cranio-sacral therapy is that when blockages occur in spinal fluid, an unharmonious balance in the body can occur, resulting in muscle and joint strain, emotional disturbances and the improper operation of the bodys organs and central system. Practitioners believe that until the spinal fluid is naturally allowed to move freely around the body, the central system and the bodys other major organs and muscles will be put off balance and put at risk of sickness and injury.

During your cranio-sacral therapy session, you will lie facing upwards on a massage table. You can opt to be fully-clothed or you can wear a gown. The massage therapist will lightly manipulate various areas of your body including your bones, skull, spine, pelvis and soft tissues to clear any blockages of cerebrospinal fluid to allow the fluid to flow more smoothly and naturally.

A cranio-sacral therapy session typically lasts, at minimum, 20 minutes, but a session can last up to an hour, depending on the seriousness of your condition. CST has been known to aid various health problems such as migraine headaches, sinus disorders and immune deficiencies. CST has also been used as a preventative therapy in cases where a clients immune system is very low.

Minor health ailments such as chronic headaches can typically be treated with a few CST sessions. However more serious health conditions that cause severe pain or chronic disease should be conducted over a series of weekly CST sessions."

I had my first CST session yesterday and have sessions scheduled for Wednesday and Friday as well. I will post to let everyone know how it goes. I did notice a few interesting things during the session, one - my headache seemed to move from the back/base of my head to the top (it also lessened slightly) and the other was a significant reduction of tinnitus by the end of the session. Will keep you all updated as I continue.

Thank you for keeping us up to date Betsy, it sounds like a very interesting form of treatment and great if your looking for homeopathic treatment.

If anyone is considering doing this treatment don't forget to talk to your doctor or Neurologist about it before going ahead to make sure you are viable for it.

My doctor and I had discussed this a while ago and this was the first time everything fell into place to be able to try it. Tinnitus level is still down this morning.

Last year when I was in shunt failure I went to a CST. For me it was miserable! I spent almost 2 weeks in pain - if you could picture having more pain then IH! It was so painful and only worsened things fr me. I went a second time but had the same results. I believe in trying everything to help with the pain - however this did not work for me. I hope you have better results. I do get acupuncture for pain now - it does help a bit. It makes me feel better than any meds can. I am on my second shunt that "no longer works for me". Frustrating. Keep your chin up and best of luck!

Betsy, as I have learned, sometimes we have to take a leap of faith and give it a try. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
Mel, glad to hear that acupuncture is helping

Guess we are all guinea pigs in a way!

Betsy I'm glad the Tinnitus is still low and CST is working for you,
Mel I'm sorry to hear your second shunt is not working I hope you get some relief soon and a new form of treatment.

Please keep us up to date the two of you xxx

I'm so glad someone has tried it and found some relief! I think integrative therapies are such a blessing. They're like any intervention though, they seem to affect everyone differently. I really appreciate the feedback and look forward to more updates!

Sorry I haven't updated for a while, got laid low by a respiratory virus. I'm doing CST twice a week now and the major difference I've noticed has been the decrease in tinnitus volume. It is the lowest it's been in several years, I hadn't realized how stressful that constant sound had been for me until it lessened. I started to notice fewer balance issues as well, which would make sense if yourelieve pressure on the inner ear.
At the end of May I am going outof town for 10 days and it will be interesting to see what happens during that time. I will try to post each week and at least once while I am in Chicago.

Betsy, I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better & IIH symptoms have improved with CST. I would appreciate any info you're willing to share. If you'd like to keep a record, you might try the Members Journal..it'a locked section, so access restricted to members. I hope you continue to find relief..thanks so much for sharing!

Take care,
Julie

I had a bad day on Friday, wacky weather and work was crazy, my head hurt terribly. When I went to my CST appt taht afternoon, one of the first things she asked was if the headache was worse on the right side of my head (it was) becasue she could feel the difference from how it was earlier in the week. I got some relief and laid low for the weekend. I'm feeling better tonight. At Tuesdays appt with my regular doctor we found another issue that is possibly negatively impacting the IH, my oxygen levels are low. She isn't sure if it is because of sleep apnea or something else, but it means more tests. Fortunateley they can wait until I get back from my trip to Chicago and they are none invasive, as well. Hope everyone is having good days

At least the CST seems to be helping..that's encouraging! Enjoy Chicago & hopefully they'll be able to sort it all out when you get home.