Cinda van Lierop, L.Ac. has found that her hands can offer great insight both diagnostically as well as in providing treatment with direct touch.  In-depth training at the Upledger and Barral Institutes has provided a refined study of the body’s anatomical structures as well as the flow of energy within the system at different levels.  These systems range from the physical to the more subtle flows of the blood and lymphatic systems, to the qi/energy flow within the nerves and meridians of the body, and the very subtle cranial sacral rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid within the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

What is CST?

A very gentle soft touch hands-on approach. The practitioner very gently applies light touch to the body – usually the head, neck and spine – in order to detect and positively impact the cranial sacral rhythm.

What is the cranial sacral rhythm?

The subtle pulse of the flowing of cerebral spinal (CS) fluid within the closed system of the brain and the spine. With great skill, a practitioner can palpate and detect this pulse at nearly any area of the body, even an arm or leg.  This is important because an even and smooth rhythm allows the brain and spine to be constantly nourished by the CS fluid, whereas restriction to the flow creates disharmony in the system often leading to restricted function, movement, and/or pain.

What are the benefits and results of CST?

Relaxation and improved function of the body, including improved function and movement without pain. The technique is a relaxing and nourishing one where the practitioner’s hands are softly placed on the body. Many people find it relaxing to focus on their own breath and meditate or drift off to a sleep type state.

You may detect immediate and or delayed improvement to the movement of your body, an easier time breathing, less tension in your mind or in general.  The treatment awakens the body to its own healing ability and the benefits may continue to become apparent over the hours, days, and weeks following treatment. Subsequent visits are beneficial and continue to unlock the dysfunctional patterns which develop in the fascia and other subtle tissues of the body.

The results of a treatment are restoration of flow and balance to a healthy rhythm.  Some reasons for decreased flow or asymmetric rhythm  include posture, habitual patterns of strain, injury, surgery, and brain trauma.

What can I except during my session?

The session is very relaxing, often people fall asleep, and the patient remains fully clothed.  During the CST session the practitioner lightly places her hands on the head, neck, or body and gently moves with the flow of the energy of the patient, often the hands may be place above and below the body, such as under the sacrum and above the abdomen in order to feel the CS rhythm within the sacrum.  A session of CST may be done using only the CS techniques and / or can be combined with acupuncture and other Chinese Medicine techniques such as cupping, moxibustion, gua sha (a gentle scraping massage technique).

How often do I need to come for CST?

Within the first treatment we gain insight as to how much positive change and unwinding the body is able to make within a session.  If we are working on an acute issue of pain, recent head injury and/or paralysis, weekly sessions would be a good starting point until the positive changes we make are sustained for longer than a week at a time.  If we are working for health maintenance and optimization perhaps we would work together monthly.  It all depends on the person and the individual situation.