CranioSacral Therapy |
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CranioSacral Therapy works by helping the body's natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.
This is accomplished through utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which maintains the environment in which the central nervous system functions. It consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.
One of the purest descriptions I have heard about craniosacral therapy came from a student who, upon finding her own craniosacral rythym said in awe, "it's like finding my own ocean inside of me". This ocean has tides, and currents and life within it. We are all born with an essence that holds the key to our health and vitality. This essence flows in the system beneath all the emotional and structural imprints, beneath the trauma and beneath the stories. In a craniosacral session that essence is contacted and the space is held for it to grow and move into the areas that can benefit from it's vitality and health.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, Craniosacral therapy is an excellent way to take preventive health measure for its ability to bolster the immune system, decompress the nervous system, and is effective for a wide range of physical symptoms associated with pain and dysfunction.
While craniosacral work focuses on facilitating the cranial wave flow more freely through the head, spine and pelvis, it is not limited to those areas. Craniosacral therapy is also used to work with painful or restricted conditions anywhere in the body. Craniosacral work helps the client access their own clarity and insight, and hence it is used not only to relieve pain, but also to help empower the client to deal successfully with many various life situations.
In addition, craniosacral therapy is a place where your soul is heard and responded to. It is a gently facilitated inner journey. Each client is honored, deeply respected and heard. Personalities disappear, egos step aside and we unite in the great mystery. I believe that by becoming present with your deepest heart, your soul remembers itself and fills you with a new vitality. This creates fertile ground for healing. While your central nervous system does its job of "dropping off stress", and your spine is bathed in it's own healing ocean of craniosacral fluid, you are reconnected to your divine state of being. Staying "awake" to this part of ourselves in everyday life becomes our goal. This is a journey into the body where we listen to its story, its wisdom, and bring back the messages from our deepest self to integrate and heal on a physical and emotional level.
What conditions can CranioSacral Therapy help?
Because of its influence on the functioning of the central nervous system, CranioSacral Therapy can benefit the body in a number of ways.Chronic symptoms that haven't been aided by other approaches are often successfully responded to with craniosacral therapy. Craniosacral therapy is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from trauma and accidents. The light touch involved in the facilitation of this therapy makes it a safe approach for children, infants and newborns with early traumas, including birth trauma. They especially can benefit from identification and release of restrictions in the craniosacral system, thereby preventing future difficulties such as learning disabilities or hyperactivity.
Craniosacral therapy is also effective with stress related imbalances. Migraine headaches, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety and temporomandibular joint (TMJD) dysfunction are a few examples. CranioSacral Therapy works to reverse the debilitating effects of stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. CranioSacral Therapy has also shown to be effective with various sensory disorders such as motor coordination problems, autism, dyslexia, loss of taste or smell, tinnitus, vertigo and neuralgias such as sciatica and tic douloureux. Craniosacral work can also be highly effective in helping the return of mental clarity and abundant energy after a life-crisis, and sometimes helps alleviate chronic depression.
In unraveling chronic (and acute) health imbalances, often complex layers of injury and trauma may mask the original cause of the problem, as well as the body's learned defense mechanisms. A relationship with a therapist you can trust and feel safe with is imperative as you enter these territories. Change is possible on a deep level when the right therapeutic environment is in place.
"Both my children and husband now also see Stephanie. My husband is not a person to embrace any type of healing, medical or alternative. After repeated visits to the doctor to identify a foot pain, he saw Stephanie and was astounded when he walked out of her office pain-free. We both saw Stephanie after major surgeries and shocked our doctors with our recoveries. Only one week after major nose and throat surgery I had a craniosacral session and I was able to stop my prescription painkillers. My surgeon was so impressed with my progress that he asked me back for two additional appointments to further document my success. I gave Stephanie all the credit." C. L.
What is SomatoEmotional Release?
Have you ever had a physical injury that seemed to plague you long after the site had healed? That's not as unusual as you might think. Even when CranioSacral Therapy releases restrictions in body tissues, sometimes a release of emotional energy is necessary to fully discharge a trauma.Through SomatoEmotional Release, the therapist engages in imaging and dialoguing techniques that can guide the patient through an otherwise challenging encounter with long-held emotions. The patient does not need to analyze the problem to release it. Often the body will spontaneously return to the same position it was in when the injury was first sustained. As this occurs, the therapist can feel the tissues of the body return to a relaxed state as the energy of the trauma is released.
My personal approach is to hold a safe and nurturing space while listening to your body and it's "story" and follow it's cues. Often the body will respond in a gentle, non-cathartic way that facilitates the necessary release of the held energy. Sometimes, as this energy nears the "surface" there is an emotional response.
Your body has many wise ways of releasing energy without activating the nervous system, and returning to a (re)traumatizing state. Emotions are a healthy and vital part of life, and allowing their authentic flow can optimize health.
"Each time I leave a session with Stephanie, I am in awe at her ability to again and again provide me with a life changing experience. Her intuitive gifts and sincere nature in combination with her multitude of skills provide a rare and beautiful opportunity for self-reflection and healing. I have grown in ways I never imagined possible under her loving guidance." Chris Howe
Is there any condition for which CST shouldn't be used?
There are certain situations where application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.
"I cannot sum up the totality of my experience with Stephanie by merely listing our successes. Recently a friend asked me why I felt so strongly about our work together. I found myself searching for the words to describe the range of emotions I've felt in her care; from the joy of touching my true being to the tears of relief as the tension leaves my body. I felt the word I wanted: love. Stephanie embodies unconditional and compassionate love for her work, her gifts, her vision, and thus for our path. No other healer has ever offered me more. And with Stephanie's help, I am learning to offer it to myself. Thank you Stephanie!" Clay
Do I need to have something "wrong" to experience Craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is sought by those who are perfectly healthy, as a time to check in with their body, or their inner selves in a supported and meditative way. Some people find craniosacral touch a deeply spiritual place within that often creates the fertile ground necessary for transformative insight that paves the way for ease.
"I had debilitating migraines for twelve years. Since our work together, I am pleased to say that I have not had ONE migraine in six months, something I never thought possible. Your faith in me and your exquisite skill have changed my life. Thank you." Fran Randall.
How often should I receive a session?
When working with a chronic or acute condition it is recommended to schedule a series of six weekly sessions and then reassess.Many people like to maintain a regular schedule of monthly for maintenance sessions, or more or less often, according to what fits for their individual lifestyle and preference.