CranioSacral Therapy for balance, optimum health and performance for horses and their riders and/or owners. 

CranioSacral Therapy is an effective manual therapy that works by fascilitating the body's own natural healing rs to remove or lessen the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.  It works by treating a physiological system known as the craniosacral system, which houses and protects the CNS (the brain and spinal cord), as well as keeping it functioning smoothly.  The craniosacral system is made up of the protective membranes (especially the dura mater) and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and the bones to which the membranes attach, all the way from your head (cranium) to your tail (sacrum/coccyx).  Therefore, CST addresses restrictions to physiological motion of the cranial vault, the cervical spine, the thoracolumbar spine, the sacropelvic region, the coccygeal region, and all of its fascial connections, including the extremities.

The most notable effects or benefits of CST are considered to be on the function of the CNS (central nervous system) via the ANS (autonomic nervous system), so primarily the brain and spinal cord.  Quadrupeds have a highly developed fasciculus proprius: found in the spinal cord, where the propriospinal tracts extend from the cervical spine to the last sacral segment of the lumbosacral plexus.  Functionally, this provides a highly sensitive connection of the rear legs to the front legs and is involved in pattern generators.

CranioSacral Therapy can have a profound calming and rebalancing effect on the state of the nervous system of the horse.  As a result, it can have positive effects on behaviour, digestion, correction of physical restriction and imbalance, increasing relaxation and reduction of pain.  Muscle imbalances from horse and mechanics of rider can be improved if both horse and rider receive regular CST treatments. 

Equine treatments not covered under massage therapy scope of practice.

* Sourced from Eco-Somatics Equine:  Level 1  Dr. Sandra J. Howlett, DC, CST-D, Certified Animal Chiropractor