Therapies Offered

CranioSacral Therapy | Theta Healing | Shamanism

CranioSacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

Cells

While craniosacral work focuses on helping the cranial wave flow freely through the head, spine and pelvis, it is not limited to those areas, and may be used to work with painful or restricted conditions anywhere in the body. In fact, many practitioners find that 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 different life situations. Some therapists use it to facilitate sensitive psychic states such as are used in past-life regression therapy.

In simple terms, if the cranial bones are not in the “right place,” then the brain and central nervous system cannot be in the “right place.” The hormonal system cannot perform optimally. Even though the cranial bones move only half the thickness of a sheet of writing paper, the human head is so delicate and so suffused with vital nerve pathways, that even slight deformations of a bone’s movement or position can produce physical or psychological symptoms, and often both. When the cranial wave is distorted it also consumes or diverts a disproportionate amount of “chi,” or energy, lowers the strength of the immune system, and increases the likelihood of chronic states like depression becoming intractable. When the cranial wave is optimized, we feel “all of a whole,” we feel wonderful.

In addition, this is a place where your soul is heard and responded to. It is a gently facilitated inner journey. The session becomes a place where each client is honored, deeply respected and heard. Personalities disappear, Egos step aside and we unite in the great mystery. I have seen what many call miracles and I believe that by becoming present with your deepest heart, your soul remembers itself and fills you with a new vitality. This creates healing. While your central nervous system does its job of "dropping off stress", and your spine is bathed in a healing ocean of craniosacral fluid, you are reconnected to your divinity. 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.

How does CranioSacral Therapy work?

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.

Like the pulse of the cardiovascular system, the craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Using a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a nickel, skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Other times, CST may be combined with other complementary therapies to help restore the body to its optimum functioning 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 — from bolstering overall health and resistance to disease to alleviating a wide range of specific medical conditions.

Among CST's largest patient groups are those suffering chronic symptoms that haven't been aided by other approaches. In particular, CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from an accident — be it from a car, sports or work mishap or from a fall. The extremely light touch involved in the application of CST makes it a safe approach as well for children, infants and newborns with early traumas, including birth trauma. They especially can benefit from the timely identification and release of restrictions in the craniosacral system, thereby preventing future difficulties such as learning disabilities or hyperactivity.

Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related dysfunction's. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction are just 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. In fact, it's this capacity to reduce stress that's leading an increasing number of people to include CST as part of their wellness routines. Other conditions for which CranioSacral Therapy has shown to be effective are various sensory disorders. Among these are eye-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. It is also sought out by those who are perfectly healthy, as a meditative and calming experience. Some people find craniosacral touch a deeply spiritual experience. And a few find it creates a fertile ground for the kind of transformative insight that paves the way for important change.

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. In those cases, the CranioSacral Therapist may gently encourage a SomatoEmotional Release.

Research conducted in the late '70s by Dr. John Upledger and biophysicist Zvi Karni led to the discovery that the body often retains the emotional imprint of physical trauma. These imprints, especially, of intense feelings that may have occurred at the time of injury - anger, fear, resentment - leave residues in the body in areas called "energy cysts."

Although you can adapt to energy cysts over time, your body needs extra energy to continue performing its day-to-day functions. Then as years pass and the body becomes more stressed, it can lose its ability to adapt. That's when symptoms and dysfunctions begin to appear and become difficult to suppress or ignore.

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 relax as the energy cyst is expelled. Then the body is free to return to its optimal levels of functioning.

Is CranioSacral work scientifcally proven to be effective?

In the hundred years since William Sutherland first began documenting the effectiveness of cranial osteopathy, there have been more than 40 scientific papers published documenting various aspects of its effectiveness, and at least 10 authoritative textbooks published. Notable amongst the scientific papers are Viola M. Frymann’s work documenting the successful treatment of 1,250 newborn children with birth defects, Edna Lay and Stephen Blood’s work on temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), and John Wood’s work on psychiatric disorders. Many of the osteopathic medical schools in the USA teach it. The American Dental Association has found it to be an effective adjunct to orthodontic work.

More than 20,000 craniosacral practitioners in this country have also clinically proved its effectiveness alone. They use it because it is effective. Sir James Paget (1814-1899), the British physician after whom Paget’s Disease is named, noted “That which is clinically proved needs no other evidence.”

Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy

CST has been shown to alleviate a wide range of conditions, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, motor-coordination impairments, chronic neck and back pain, scoliosis, central nervous system disorders, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), stress and tension-related problems, and orthopedic problems. While the focus of CST is to uncover the source of the problem, symptom relief also is achieved. The length of time and number of sessions needed is extremely variable and depends, among other factors, on the complex layers of injury and trauma that may mask the original cause of the problem as well as the body’s defense mechanisms. Due to its gentleness and effectiveness, many people include CST as a component in their personal wellness programs. They report having more energy, sleeping better and being sick less often.

The Foundations of CranioSacral Therapy

In the early part of this century, osteopathic physician William Sutherland put forth the original concepts for what is now known as the craniosacral system. Dr. Sutherland’s studies culminated in a system of treatment known as Cranial Osteopathy. Another osteopath, John Upledger, is credited with developing CranioSacral Therapy. While assisting during a surgery in 1970, Dr. Upledger observed a rhythmic movement of the dura mater, the membrane that encompasses the brain and spinal cord. Neither his colleagues nor medical texts could explain his observation. Dr. Upledger’s curiosity led him to the work of Dr. Sutherland, and later to develop his own scientific studies to confirm the existence of the craniosacral system. This work went on from 1975 to 1983, while he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University. The findings of the research team he supervised first established the scientific basis for the craniosacral system.

Dr. Upledger’s continued work resulted in his development of CST. He formed The Upledger Institute in 1985 to educate the public and healthcare practitioners about the benefits of CST. To date, the Institute has trained more than 40,00 healthcare practitioners worldwide in the use of CST. Practitioners include osteopathic physicians, medical doctors, doctors of chiropractic, doctors of Oriental Medicine, naturopathic physicians, psychiatric specialists, psychologists, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, acupuncturists, and massage therapists.
With a growing number of practitioners, CST provides a new healthcare option – one that uses a gentle approach working with the body. By following the body’s lead, the CST practitioner often can uncover the source of pain or dysfunction that can open the path to wellness.

What conditions can CranioSacral Therapy help?

Among CST's largest patient groups are those suffering chronic symptoms that haven't been aided by other approaches. In particular, CST is beneficial to those with head, neck or back injuries resulting from an accident — be it from a car, sports or work mishap or from a fall. The extremely light touch involved in the application of CST makes it a safe approach as well for children, infants and newborns with early traumas, including birth trauma. They especially can benefit from the timely identification and release of restrictions in the craniosacral system, thereby preventing future difficulties such as learning disabilities or hyperactivity.
Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related dysfunction's. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction are just 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. In fact, it's this capacity to reduce stress that's leading an increasing number of people to include CST as part of their wellness routines.

Other conditions for which CranioSacral Therapy has shown to be effective are various sensory disorders. Among these are eye-motor coordination problems, autism, dyslexia, loss of taste or smell, tinnitus, vertigo and neuralgias such as sciatica and tic douloureux.

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.

When was CranioSacral Therapy developed?

It was at this point that Dr. Upledger set out to scientifically confirm the existence of cranial bone motion. From 1975 to 1983 he served as clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, where he supervised a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers in research and testing. The results not only confirmed Sutherland’s theory, but led to clarification of the mechanisms behind this motion — the craniosacral system. Dr. Upledger’s continued work in the field ultimately resulted in his development of CranioSacral Therapy.

If you are interested in trying CranioSacral Therapy, please be sure you are working with a licensed practitioner. Stephanie Foy specializes in and has been trained through The Upledger Institute completing their Advanced CranioSacral Therapy program, The Hugh Milne Institute, and is pursuing an interest in BioDynamic CranioSacral Therapy.

Visionary CranioSacral Therapy

A non-traditional CranioSacral Therapy treatment in which we journey to your deepest self with an intention to listen to its wisdom and bring back its messages. By bringing your visions and dreams into the conscious mind through dialogue, we can often clarify beliefs that no longer serve you. By changing these long held beliefs, you release destructive patterns and move forward with a new energy and vitality.

How do I schedule a session?

Stephanie is currently seeing clients in Bennington and Brattleboro. Please email stephaniefoy@aol.com or call (802) 380-3306 to schedule a session.

Theta Healing

We are all innately whole, healthy and vital beings. So, what happens when we are not feeling this way? And how can we remember our health? The conscious mind is estimated to be only 12% of the mind. What your conscious perceives as a belief isnt necessarily congruent with what your subconscious mind perceives. Our subconscious beliefs and thoughts dictate our lives. Beliefs that do not serve us lead to ill health, emotional pain, relationship difficulty, spiritual strife, and lack of prosperity. We hold beliefs on core, genetic, history and soul levels. In order to access or remember our original selves, Theta Healing works to clear blocks to restore original health. By using kinesthesiology (muscle testing) to test for subconscious beliefs, and then accessing the theta brain waves, deep change is inevitable. Slowing the brain waves allows access to creation and bypasses the lower conscious mind and ego, where our resistance to healing resides. In effect we are utilizing the laws of quantum physics and the same brain wave pattern used in hypnosis. Brain waves are categorized by their frequency. There are four kinds brain waves generally known to science and measured by EEGs - alpha, beta, theta, and delta - and one more that has been recently discovered now that EEGs are becoming sensitive enough - gamma.

Beta brain waves, measured at 13-40 Hz, are the brain state of our normal waking consciousness. Nearly all forms of action, thinking, and problem solving are done with a beta brain wave. Most people spend most of their waking lives in a beta state.
Alpha brain waves, measured at 7-13 Hz, are the brain state of relaxation and meditation. The alpha state is associated with creativity and super learning, where the brain learns at a faster and deeper level than it does in beta. Most meditation and energy healing techniques cultivate and utilize an alpha brain wave for relaxation and healing.
Theta brain waves, measured at 4-7 Hz, are the brain state of REM sleep (dreams), hypnosis, lucid dreaming, and the barely conscious state just before sleeping and just after waking. This is the frequency of growth and change. Theta is the border between the conscious and the subconscious world, and by learning to use a conscious, waking Theta brain wave we can access and influence the powerful subconscious part of ourselves that is normally inaccessible to our waking minds. While in the Theta state, the mind is capable of deep and profound learning, healing, and growth - it is the brain wave where our minds can connect to the Divine and manifest changes in the material world.
Delta brain waves, measured at less than 4 Hz, are the brain state of deep sleep and unconsciousness.
Gamma brain waves, measured at 40+ Hz, are the brain state of hyperalertness, perception, and integration of sensory input. When time seems to slow down during a car accident, the brain is entering a high gamma state. Theta Healing is actually moving back and forth between the theta and gamma state.

During a session the practitioner accesses a meditative state, and provides an intuitive reading. We then work together to change the subconscious patterns and beliefs that are no longer serving you.

For example, we may muscle test for the following (or similar) beliefs: I am healthy * I love and accept my body * I am safe * I am respected * I am worthy of love * I know what joy feels like * I know how to utilize my talents If you test that you do not hold these (or similar), Theta can clear whatever is in the way and “install” them in your subconscious.

Often we hold in our subconscious and conscious mind a dual belief system. We may believe we want financial success, while we also believe that money is the root of all evil. In other words, your subconscious beliefs may be in conflict with your conscious beliefs.

I don't want to be alone ..... I'm afraid to open my heart
I want a partner who will be good to me ...... I'm unworthy of love
I want to be passionate about my work..... I must suffer and toil
I enjoy my life ...... life is a struggle
I want to heal quickly .......healing is a long process

Your subconscious mind is directing your life without you knowing it. It thinks it's protecting you, but is really preventing you from having exactly what you want. This work allows you to bring your subconscious beliefs forward into your conscious mind, where you can then choose to permanently change and replace them, for those which will allow and support your desires. This process is fast, easy and gentle. You’ll be amazed to witness your long held limiting beliefs leave in moments, never to return. The changes you’ll make are permanent changes.

By quickly and accurately pinpointing and removing a block or issue, one theta session can provide what years of traditional therapies strive to achieve.

Theta healing is easily and effectively performed over the phone. Call Stephanie at (802) 380-3306 or email stephaniefoy@aol.com to schedule a session.

Shamanism

Soul Retrieval

Soul retrieval is the shamanic practice of retrieving lost soul pieces and bringing them back “home”—restoring a person’s soul. It is for everyone who wants to deepen their connection to self, loved ones, and to the earth. Soul loss is a spiritual illness that causes emotional and physical disease. Signs of soul loss may include: Difficulty staying “present” in your body; feeling numb or apathetic; problems with your immune system and resisting illness; chronic illness as a child; memory gaps after age five; sense of blocking out trauma; addictions; looking to external fulfillment to fill up an internal void; difficulty moving on with your life after a divorce or the death of a loved one. Please reserve 3 hours for this double session treatment.

Journeywork

Through consultation we arrive together at a decision to journey - either I will journey for you and ask your questions of my guides and teachers, or I will teach you to journey to your own guides - an empowering tool! We may journey to find a power animal or guide that you can call upon for support.

Visionary CranioSacral

Stephanie is currently seeing clients in Bennington and Brattleboro. Please email stephaniefoy@aol.com or call (802) 380-3306 to schedule a session.