CRANIOSACRAL
THERAPY
WHAT IS CRANIOSACRAL?
Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle, hand-ons form of bodywork which works with both structural and energetic elements of the body. It is aimed at improving the functioning of the craniosacral system - the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.
It has its roots in the research and the findings of the American Osteopath, Dr. Sutherland in the 1930s. It has since been developed upon by other practitioners, particularly John Upledger.
The techniques particularly focus on naturally occurring rhythms from deep within the body (independent of respiratory and cardiovascular rhythms). Via fascia and fluids, these rhythms cause fluctuations of cerebrospinal fluid and specific relational changes among dural membranes, cranial bones and the sacrum.
The rhythms have exhalation and inhalation phases (flexion and extension respectively). You can imagine the rhythm as a subtle inner breathing, an ebb-and-flow. Every cell is effected by these rhythms in the body.
AIM OF TREATMENTS
The central nervous system, comprised of the brain and spinal cord, has a huge influence over the body's ability to function properly. And it is this system that is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system.
Whilst enduring stress and mechanical strains, the body compensates and tissues begin to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. The result comprimises the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system that interacts with it.
The aim of cranial sacral therapy then is to release these tensions and dysfunctions in the cranialsacral system, thus relieving pain and improving whole-body health and performance.
TECHNIQUE
These restrictions can be detected and corrected through highly attuned sensitivity and perception of the craniosacral system.
Through very light touch, I am able to evaluate the system by gently feeling various locations of the body, identifying restrictions or congestions within the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord.
These restrictions are released using soft-touch techniques generally no greater than 5 grams.
The practice is often described as a deep listening to the body to find a still point. This is something that can only occur through deep presence.
RESULT
The craniosacral treatment will act on the bones of the skull and their sutures, but also on the meninges, the circulatory system, the central nervous system, and on the various tissues of the body such as the connective tissues, the muscles and their tendons, the ligaments, and the viscera.
You may feel a sensation of warmth and energy flow, not necessarily localized at the point of treatment. A deep relaxation during the treatment is also common.
After the treatment, your body will integrate the new information and regain all its ability to self-regulate and recallerbrate to homeostasis
