Arlean Tessler is a licensed massage therapist who specializes in craniosacral therapy at Hammond-Beyer Health Center in Aiken.

1. What is craniosacral therapy?

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - composed of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral therapy works by helping the body's natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.

2. What should a person who has never experienced it expect from the first visit?

A craniosacral therapy session usually takes place in a quiet, private setting. We recommend that clients wear loose, comfortable clothing. Clients remain fully clothed, though most choose to remove their shoes. The session is performed with the client reclining on a massage or treatment table while the practitioner stands or sits, positioned at various times at the client's head, middle torso or feet.

3. What conditions are commonly treated by craniosacral therapy?

Among CST's largest patient groups are those suffering chronic symptoms that haven't been aided by other approaches. In particular, CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from an accident. ...

Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related dysfunctions. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety and temporomandibular joint dysfunction are just a few examples.

4. What does craniosacral therapy feel like?

The practitioner's touch is extremely light (no more than 5 grams of pressure). Just as individuals experience CST sessions differently, the immediate results can be diverse as well. This relaxed state may cause some to sleep for many hours after a session. Others may experience an increase in energy. Reduction of pain or an increase in function may occur immediately after the session, or it may develop gradually over the next few days.

5. Are there people who should avoid the treatments?

There are certain situations where application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other pre-existing severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.