Cranio-Sacral
What is it?
A gentle form of manipulation, Craniosacral therapy is a hands-on body therapy. Craniosacral therapists listen to and guide the Craniosacral system, which includes the soft tissue and bones of the head (cranium), the spine down to its end (the sacral area), and the pelvis. They also work with the membranes that surround these bones and the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. Although the therapist uses a touch so light that many patients don't even notice it, most people report feeling many changes and relaxed after a treatment. Craniosacral therapy has it’s origins in the 1930s with William G. Sutherland, an American osteopath and disciple of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy. Sutherland devoted nearly 20 years to exploring the concept that the bones of the skull are designed and formed to allow for movement.The form of Craniosacral therapy I practice is based on the work of Dr. Sutherland but should not be confused with Cranial Osteopathy. At no time will I make any diagnosis about you or your condition.
How Does It Work?
Craniosacral therapists believe that the movement of spinal fluid within and around the central nervous system creates a vital body rhythm, no less important to health and well-being than the heartbeat or the breath. The bones of the head move to accommodate this rhythm, although very slightly. Restrictions in the movement of the cranial bones as well as the spine can cause a reduction in the cranial rhythm. Traumatic injuries, ligament or joint strains, or dysfunctions in other parts of the body may cause these restrictions. As a cranial therapist I attempt to remove these blockages to bring the rhythm back into balance. What You Can ExpectIn a typical session, you will be clothed asked to lie down on the table. I will then gently use my hands to monitor the craniosacral rhythm at your head. After sensing the movement I will encourage the tissue, again very gently, to release any restrictions in the bones and soft tissue to clear blockages and correct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid so it is smooth and even. A session usually lasts from 50 minutes to an hour.Benefits
When the craniosacral system is properly aligned and the rhythm balanced the cerebrospinal fluid can deliver nutrition to the central nerves. By clearing restrictions, craniosacral therapy may help to:- Reduce stress
- Improve the quality of sleep
- Increase energy
- Enhance the functioning of all the body's organs.
Although no significant clinical trials have tested these claims, anecdotal reports considerable success for craniosacral therapy in the treatment of a wide variety of common ailments, including headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and sinusitis.