Few structures exert as much control over the body’s ability to function properly as the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. This system, in turn, is heavily influenced by the membranes and fluid—the craniosacral system—that  surround, protect and nourish it. Daily stress or strain can cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system, resulting in restrictions that create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system and potentially every other body system with which it interacts.

Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected with simple, soft-touch methods such as those used in craniosacral therapy (CST) or cranial release technique (CRT). CST or CRT practitioners use their hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. A light touch is then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.

By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CST and CRT may alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions that range from chronic pain and sports injuries to migraine headaches and chronic fatigue. The therapies are also used to ease the effects of stroke and other neurological impairment.

CST therapists are certified by the Upledger Institute, based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. CRT therapists are certified by Cranial Release Technique, Inc., headquartered in New York City.

For more information on CST, visit the Upledger Institute at Upledger.com; for information about CRT, visit CranialRelease.com.

 

Local CST and CRT Practitioners

Robyn Berry, RB Institute, Inc., 13601 McGregor Boulevard, Suite 13, Fort Myers; 239-939-4646. RobynBerry.com.

Mila Cushman, Alex Day Spa & Salon, 855 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; 239-597-2141, 239-591-4880.

Tony Hansen, Therapy on the Gulf, 814 Anchor Rode Drive, Naples; 239-262-8722.

Sharon Hartnett, 239-692-8486 and Fletcher Stark, 202-415-7450, Lighten Up Therapies Holistic Center, Airport Professional Center, 3811 Airport Road North, Suite 100, Naples. IntegrativeSoulAndBodywork.com.

Kate Honig, Riverstone Spa & Shoppe, 975 Imperial Golf Course Boulevard, Suite 114, Naples; 239-254-9984. RiverstoneSpaNaples.com. Honig also practices at Andrea’s Organic Hair Studio & Day Spa, 6714 Lone Oak Boulevard, Naples; 239-514-4707. NaplesOrganicHairStudio.com.

Jennifer Hunlock, Professional Therapeutic Bodywork; 239-287-9113.

Janice Jackson, 5051 Castello Drive, Suite 226, Naples; 239-272-8539. MassageNaplesFL.com.

Merrill and Linda Lund, Advanced Neuromuscular & Craniosacral Therapy, 1044 Castello Drive, Suite 213, Naples; 239-640-7700.

Christina M. Mitchell, Best Body Massage, 822 Anchor Rode Drive, Naples; 239-293-0960. BestBodyMassage.com.

Alvina Quatrano, Holistic Healing Arts, 3323 Olympic Drive, Suite 722, Naples; 732-266-5276. TheArtOfHolisticMassage.com.

Frederick Stahlman, InnerConnections Physical Therapy, 5633 Strand Boulevard, Suite 310, Naples; 10201 Arcos Avenue, Suite 201, Estero; 239-398-3154. InnerConnectionsPT.com.

Paula Terry; 230-821-3088.

Stuart Wright, Naturopathic Wellness Consulting; 239-272-6443.

Joel Ying, M.D., Joy Health & Wellness, LLC, 2335 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 206, Naples; 239-200-6796. JoyHealthWellness.com.