Expectations after a CranioSacral Therapy (CST) Session

**We cannot predict how your body will respond to a CranioSacral session, so we want to give you some guidance and support around what you may experience. Please read through the following information to better help you understand what is happening or what may occur with your body.

Every “body” responds in its own way.

Every “body” responds uniquely to a CST session. You may feel relaxed, refreshed, sore, tired and/or just “different”.  Some bodies want to keep “unwinding” after the session. This may feel like “floating” in your head, or like your hips want to twist and sway. It’s okay to trust your body to move through the “recalibration” that is happening in your body.

Avoid strenuous activity.

It is wise to avoid exertion and any abrupt motions that put strain on your structural system after your treatment.  When the body experiences soft tissue releases, it needs to realign and shift to a new pattern and posture it may not be accustomed to. This transition takes time, as if you are “recalibrating”. Avoid extreme exercise or activities that tax your energy and healing resources. Allow yourself a day or two to become settled in this new balance. 

Hydrate.

Drink plenty of water…hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Many body chemicals have been mobilized and “freed-up” in your body, and some toxins may have been released from storage.  Your body is trying to flush these toxins out and improve the electrochemical communication within your body.  By giving your body lots of water it can detoxify and improve the fluidity of communication within the body.

Emotions may come up unexpectedly.

For a few days you may still be aware of your body processing the changes that began during your treatment.  Be kind to yourself and be aware that emotions may come up more freely or unexpectedly.  Sometimes a new layer of awareness is coming to the surface and old symptoms may be stirred up.  This should be resolved shortly. Your awareness, attention, and patience with yourself can help the process.  If you do not have an opportunity to allow yourself to process as the feelings arise, jot a reminder note and try to create the opportunity to allow this cleansing process to complete itself as soon as possible. 

Take your time with any big decisions.

Right now, you are processing through old patterns, and you may not feel like you are ready to determine your future by committing to big decisions. It is okay to wait until you feel like your mind is clear and you feel comfortable.

It’s okay to ask for support.

You may wish to make your immediate family, or support network with whom you spend time, aware that your body may take time to process physically and emotionally. Give them the information we have given you to help them better understand why you are emotional or why you need to rest more for a few days.

Give yourself time to “listen” to your body.

Over the next few days you may wish to give yourself time for “listening” to your body, or even consider making this “touch base” time a regular daily habit.  Find a comfortable position; let your body become heavy and relaxed while focusing on your breathing. As you breathe, allow full and free-flowing breaths. Ask yourself if there are any insights or messages regarding your health or any area of the body that seems to be “lighting up” since your last CST session.  Feel justified in pampering yourself for a while and allow yourself to finish processing.

Remember:

Change takes time and intention, but your body will thank you for honoring its needs.