Craniosacral Therapy– What is it?
Craniosacral therapy developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. He discovered that fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord has it’s own rhythmic motion – known as cranio-sacral motion which is expressed throughout the whole body.
Physical and emotional knocks and stresses throughout life will inevitably cause a degree of trauma/shock on some level, leading to the body’s tissues contracting and tightening. These restrictions can remain held in the body, and if not addressed can lead to physical and emotional symptoms such as back pain or anxiety/stress.
Restrictions in the body can affect the quality of flow and motion of this fluid and cells throughout the body,affecting the whole system such as the nervous system, lymphatic,endocrine and musculoskeletal.
Every cell and tissue in the body is connected by membrane called fascia. As it connects the whole body, a restriction in one area eg an injuy at the ankle can have an affect on other parts of the body. By releasing these restrictions using a gentle touch. the therapeutic effects can therefore be extended throughout the whole body.
By very subtle palpation, therapists can detect this motion and observe any restrictions throughout the body that require help to release. This can assists in restoring vitality to the system.
What can it help with?
As it is such a gentle, non manipulative therapy it is suitable for anyone from new born babies to the elderly. It works directly with the body’s natural ability for self-repair to treat a wide range of conditions. The following are just a few examples of conditions that may benefit from treatment:
- Persistant chronic pain / chronic conditions
- Migrane / headaches
- Asthma
- Anxiety/depression /stress / insomnia
- Post trauma
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Learning difficulties / autism
- Behavioral disorders
- Dyslexia / squint
- Crying and unsettled babies
- Colic, wind and digestive disturbances
- Sleep problems
- Feeding difficulties
Many people find that they benefit from treatments to help simply with support of the daily stresses of life, or as a preventative measure to help maintain good health and well being both physically and emotionally.
What to expect during a session?
In a typical craniosacral session, you will usually lie fully-clothed on a treatment couch. If lying is difficult, alternative positions such as sitting or side-lying can be arranged.
I will place my hands using a light touch over any part of the body as required by your system. Areas include the cranium (head) and the sacrum (tailbone).
People often experience a profound sense of relaxation and calm during or after treatment. Sensations such as heat or tingling may also be experienced, or you may not feel anything at all which is also fine.
There will be a time of integration after the treatment where by effects may be felt during the days following treatment as your body is adjusting.
How many sessions will I need?
This will vary between each individual. For some people, a few sessions may resolve symptoms. For more chronic/deeply ingrained issues, a longer period of treatment may be required.
Please contact me if you have any further questions, to discuss how craniosacral can benefit you – or to book an appointment.