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What is Craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle form of bodywork used to release restrictions that can develop in the craniosacral system which can cause problems in the central nervous system. The therapist detects these restrictions by feeling for the craniosacral rhythm throughout the body. Once the restrictions are released, the body is able to work more efficiently.

What does the Craniosacral system consist of?

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The Craniosacral system consists of :

  • the brain

  • the spinal cord

  • the three menegeal layers which surround the brain and spinal cord like a sac

  • the cerebrospinal fluid that flows within one of the menegeal layers and serves to oxygenate and nourish the entire system

  • the cranial bones, facial bones, vertebral column, sacrum, and coccyx (tailbone)

  • the connective tissue throughout the body, also known as fascia

What is the Craniosacral rhythm?

Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the brain and fills space between menegeal layers, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the entire system. As it fills the entire system, it causes the cranial bones to move and expand. As it fills the spinal cord, it causes the rest of the body to rotate slightly outward. When it has filled to capacity, the fluid begins to empty back out. This emptying of cerebosprinal fluid causes the cranial bones to narrow again and the rest of the body to rotate slightly back inward. This rhythmic filling and emptying of the system is the craniosacral rhythm and is very subtle. The therapist can tell if there is a restriction by looking for areas where there is no movement from the cerebrospinal fluid or if it is not in balance from one side of the body to the other.

How do I get restrictions?

Restrictions can be caused by physical trauma such as a fall or accident, or from an emotional trauma or every day stress. Restrictions can even be caused by pressure changes from the weather or changes in altitude, such as flying.

Why is Craniosacral therapy such light touch?

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How will I feel during and after a Craniosacral therapy session?

Craniosacral therapy is so light because it uses the concept of working with the body instead of against it. Since the nervous system is so sensitive, if you were to push as hard as possible against it, it would detect that touch as an enemy and fight against it. By using gentle touch, the therapist can move with the craniosacral rhythm, in turn allowing it to release gently.

During a craniosacral therapy session, you will feel very relaxed. You may fall asleep or experience moments where you doze off for just a few seconds. After a restriction is released, the whole system must adjust in order to reorganize itself to be more efficient. This adjustment period can last up to 72 hours after a session and can range from being a little lightheaded to having a slight headache.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies from client to client depending on the types of symptoms you have and how long you have been dealing with them. Many individuals experience relief even after just one session while some need closer to six treatments. For chronic conditions, a maintenance plan can be set up on a monthly basis to prevent symptoms from returning. Some incorporate craniosacral therapy into their holistic lifestyle and periodically return for sessions.

What types of conditions can Craniosacral therapy help?

  • Migraine Headaches

  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain

  • Motor-Coordination Impairments

  • Colic

  • Autism

  • Central Nervous System Disorders

  • Orthopedic Problems

  • Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

  • ScoliosisInfantile Disorders

  • Learning Disabilities

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Emotional Difficulties

  • Stress and Tension-Related Problems

  • Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

  • Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

  • Neurovascular or Immune Disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Post-Surgical Dysfunction

 

Craniosacral therapy can also be used as a preventative health measure due to its ability to bolster resistance to disease.

What is Somatoemotional release?

Somatoemotional release is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of Craniosacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma.

 

Our body tissues may remember and hold emotions from past trauma, often times subconsciously.

 

The therapist can assist in helping an individual release these emotions if they come up during a session. 

These emotions can be linked to the physical symptoms an individual is feeling. Once these traumatic emotions are dealt with, a relief of physical symptoms can be experienced.

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