Craniosacral Therapies: Biomechanical vs. Biodynamic Approaches

The Healing Power of Craniosacral Modalities: Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy versus Craniosacral Therapy

When it comes to alternative healing therapies, Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) hold a distinguished place. Both forms focus on the intricate rhythmic movement of fluids and membranes encircling the brain and spinal cord and resonate with the rhythm of the sacrum. Despite their shared foundation, the approaches and focal points differ, offering unique therapeutic experiences.

Craniosacral Therapy: The Biomechanical Approach
CST, often referred to as the biomechanical approach, zeros in on the relationship between the cranial bones, the sacrum's movement nestled between the pelvic bones, and the fluid movement around the brain and spinal cord. A product of osteopathic tradition, it embodies a goal-oriented methodology, pinpointing specific areas much like an osteopath would.

The Methodology of CST
CST's distinctive method involves identifying physical restrictions within the Craniosacral and Central Nervous Systems. It then seeks to address these impediments, leveraging gentle hand pressure to correct imbalances within the client's system. CST practitioners aim to restore harmony and balance within the body by rectifying structural anomalies impacting the craniosacral rhythm.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: The Biodynamic Approach
In contrast, BCST, also known as the biodynamic approach, adopts a different rhythm. It acknowledges two slower, distinct fluid rhythms pulsating throughout the body, focusing on the ebb and flow of the body's internal fluids, a concept coined by osteopathic physician, William Sutherland, as the "breath of life."

The Philosophy and Practice of BCST
BCST champions the belief that the source of healing emanates from within the client rather than the practitioner. It spotlights the body's inherent ordering principle, the breath of life, forging a relationship between this principle and the practitioner. This profound approach is inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. W.G. Sutherland. He advocated a holistic perspective of the human system, extending beyond mere biochemicals, bones, tissues, and fluids to encompass a "Creative Intelligence," which organizes and orders the multiple layers of the human system.

BCST practitioners undergo extensive training to perceive different levels of stillness and palpate the system's expression as the treatment unfolds according to its own ordering principle. This process, less prescriptive and more observant, allows for a deep-rooted, holistic connection with the individual's inherent healing capability.

Conclusion: Comparing CST and BCST - A Matter of Perspective
In conclusion, while CST and BCST both interact with the craniosacral system, they do so from distinct perspectives. CST maintains a more concentrated focus on the physical aspects, adopting a direct, hands-on approach to address particular issues. On the other hand, BCST embraces a more holistic vantage point, emphasizing the fluid motion within the body and the body's inherent life force. This modality staunchly supports the body's innate capacity for self-healing, encouraging a deep and intuitive understanding of the body's inherent rhythms and processes.

In their own unique ways, both modalities highlight the remarkable capabilities of the human body, pointing to a powerful therapeutic partnership between practitioner and client that can pave the way for profound healing and well-being.

Book a Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy session with me at my Mt. Shasta office