CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle manual therapy technique that aims to alleviate deep-seated tensions within the body, thereby alleviating discomfort and enhancing overall bodily functioning and health. Through the application of subtle touch on areas such as the skull, spine, and pelvis, the therapist seeks to realign these structures to facilitate the smooth circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. This restoration of the body's natural rhythmic patterns not only aids in harmonizing the central nervous system but also contributes to addressing an array of both physical and emotional ailments. Craniosacral Therapy fosters a sense of relaxation and fosters holistic well-being for individuals seeking its benefits. It has the capacity to facilitate the body’s own self-healing mechanisms by releasing restrictions and tensions held in the craniosacral system.
Craniosacral Therapy influences many body functions. It has an effect on the central nervous system, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune system, connective tissues, body fluids and all the organs. Craniosacral Therapy has been shown to alleviate a wide range of conditions, including:
Headache, migraine, insomnia
Chronic neck pain, back pain, persistent pain anywhere in the body
Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis
Tinnitus and middle ear problems, ENT problems
Chronic fatigue, lack of energy
Stress, tension, anxiety, emotional and depression related difficulties
Hormonal imbalances
Cardiovascular disease, high blood-pressure
Vertigo
Motor coordination impairments
Orthopedic problems
Dental and Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) problems
Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), glandular fever
Post-surgical dysfunction
Digestive problems, menstrual disorders
Problems during and after pregnancy, depression, post operative effects, adhesion
Birth trauma - with its profound physical and psycho-emotional consequences
Infantile disorders: feeding difficulties, sleeping problems, colic, pyloric stenosis, squint
Behavioral disorders, tantrum, obsessional behavior
Learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyscalculia, concentration problems
Hyperactivity
Autism, epilepsy, CP (Cerebral Palsy)
The after effects of any chronic illness or debilitating disease
What does a treatment involve and how long does it take?
The client usually lies on his/her back fully-clothed on a comfortable massage table in a relaxing, friendly environment. At the beginning of the session the therapist makes contact by gently placing his/her hands on the client’s body and palpates the client’s craniosacral rhythm to evaluate the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid. The therapist detects any variances or possible restrictions in flow of the cerebrospinal fluid and related soft tissue in accordance with specific learnt techniques. When a restriction or variance change has been found, he/she helps the body release restrictions - which it has been unable to overcome on its own - that inhibit the body’s normal, self-correcting tendencies.
Over the course of a session, a sense of connection develops between the client and therapist. The client also becomes aware of his/her own healing mechanisms and begins to assist in his/her own healing.
The initial session is 90 minutes. Follow-up treatments are between 60 and 90 minutes.
What might I experience during a session?
The experience of Craniosacral Therapy is subjective, changeable, and sometimes very subtle.
As the touch used is gentle, but firm and reassuring, in the broadest sense, most everyone who has received Craniosacral Therapy reports a feeling of deep relaxation, which is accompanied by a feeling of ease and comfort, and that pervades the whole person physically, mentally and emotionally as well.
Some people feel as though they have been asleep, some fall into a deep, sleeplike meditative state. Sometimes the experience of CranioSacral Therapy is dramatic, while for other people, the first session in particular may be uneventful, although they feel somehow better afterward. Still others experience memories, emotions or a variety of physical sensations such as sensations of heat, tingling, and pulsation during the session.
CST is cumulative and even people who don’t notice much the first time usually have progressively deeper experiences when they continue.
Besides the almost immediate experience of stress release, a feeling of deep relaxation and being more centered, one may notice other positive changes that continue to unfold as the days go on.
The most common experience is a general well-being even long after the session.
How many sessions should I receive?
The number of sessions required depends on the actual problem that the client is having, and the client’s ability to self-correct and support physiological changes.
In general, from 3-7 sessions can have an enormous effect on most people health, however, some people may get complete relief on their first session. Most of the clients receive CST once or twice a week till they attain optimal physical and emotional health, and come back quarterly for another few sessions to maintain general health and well-being. Clients with chronic or debilitating situations often require long-term therapy and the frequency of sessions usually reduces over time.
Can craniosacral therapy be combined with other therapies?
CST is useful as both a primary treatment method and combined with other traditional or complementary modalities to create powerful effects. Christine integrates craniosacral therapy into all of her treatments.
Is there any condition for which craniosacral therapy should not be used?
Craniosacral Therapy should not be used in case of acute cerebral hemorrhage and in situations where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability, such as recent skull fracture, acute cerebral hemorrhage, herniated oblongata, Arnold-Chiari malformation
I don't really feel any pain, why should I consider craniosacral therapy?
CST plays a vital role in prevention. It reduces accumulated stress, works to reverse the debilitating effect of stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. It can improve resistance to disease, improves the functioning of the immune system and enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities. Anyone who regularly deals with stresses of life can benefit from CST. The therapy can help you to attain greater relaxation, balance in the mind and body and a feeling of greater health and well being. Everyone who has ever received Craniosacral Therapy reports having more energy, sleeping better and being sick less often, even long after the treatment.
I am interested but skeptical. Do I have to believe in it for it to work?
It helps to have an open mind, but the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy are not dependent upon faith in the treatment.
How would you describe the effects of craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy improves people’s quality of life in general as well as helping with specific problems. It can help you recover from the results of accidents, falls and strains as well as diseases. Psychological and traumatic conditions can also be helped. CST can reduce stress and improve the functioning of the immune system.
What should I do before, during and after a session?
Drink plenty of water prior treatment.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes, or you can bring it with you and change at my office.
Use the restroom before your session so you are able to lie down comfortably.
Let me know your needs before and during treatment. For example, if you have trouble lying flat on your back, or you have had a surgery recently and your scar is still tender, or it is too hot or too cold in the room.
During your treatment, turn your attention inwards. Christine offers a meditation to gently ease you into this practice. This supports you in noticing those many subtle changes in your body: physical sensations, images, memories, emotions, etc. You will have plenty of time to share your experiences with me after your session and I am always happy to answer your questions afterwards.
Just be you, the way you are now. This is your special time and I am present in facilitating and holding space for your healing process.
