CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral Therapy is a very gentle way of working with the body using light touch. It works with the whole person and changes may occur in body, mind and spirit during and after sessions.
When a Craniosacral therapist places her hands lightly on you, she is using them to listen to you in much the same way that a counsellor might listen to your words.
Your body responds to this sensitive touch by beginning to listen to itself.
A feeling that you have been heard in the truest sense of the word is a common experience.
These are some of the words and phrases that people have used to describe their experience of Craniosacral Therapy:
“Comforting, inner peace, a sense of relief, deep stillness and relaxation, connection, feeling accepted, feeling more fully alive, put back in one piece, feeling whole again”.
I came across Craniosacral Therapy whilst caring for a friend who was dying. A cranial practitioner came each week and the depth of stillness and peace that spread through the house on those days was palpable. I felt this again within myself during the first few sessions I received, and was inspired to train in the work - first with Upledger, and then at the Karuna Institute with Franklyn Sills.
This was the beginning of a remarkable journey of healing, of coming back into my body.
IS IT FOR YOU ?
People often come for Craniosacral Therapy with acute physical problems like headaches or bad backs, or with longer standing problems both physical and emotional.
Others come for ongoing support in their busy lives and for help to meet life’s challenges.
Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, Craniosacral Therapy is suitable for everyone from newborns to the elderly.
Mothers and babies often come for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of tension and fear held in the body enables both to settle into calmness.
Craniosacral Therapy supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself, as well as helping to reduce stress and build your underlying energy and resilience.
The practitioner senses tensions in the body and helps to release them in a supported and comfortable way.
During or after a session you may feel calm and energised, with increased clarity of mind and a feeling of well-being.
For advice about whether Craniosacral Therapy is right for you
During a session:
I will listen carefully to the reasons for your visit, and take a health history. The session typically lasts an hour, you will remain clothed and usually lie on your back or on your side, or you may be seated. I will make light contact with your head, the base of your spine, and other areas, encouraging your body to relax and begin to make the changes it needs. Because the body functions as a whole, I may focus on areas other than where your symptoms occur.
In the longer term:
After a session there is occasionally a short period of adjustment as part of the healing process, where you may become more aware of symptoms.
Sometimes people report relief after only one or two sessions.
For long-standing problems further sessions may be needed.
Some people find they benefit from regular treatment over an extended period of time and say that, as well as noticing improvement in their physical or emotional symptoms, they feel that they have more awareness of their own needs and strengths, and their quality of life has improved.
Craniosacral Therapy is not intended as primary healthcare but to work alongside the relationship you have with your doctor.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY FOR
PARENTS AND BABIES
Craniosacral therapy is a great help during pregnancy, and for many of the ailments of young babies and children.
This gentle treatment can ease backache, improve digestive problems of pregnancy and give the expectant mother much-needed relaxation.
Parents often bring along babies for treatment, suffering from colic, sleeping trouble and digestive problems.
Many parents appreciate skilful and sympathetic help and support both at these stages, and also as their children grow older. Craniosacral therapy is a valuable resource for parents and their children over many years.
From the moment of conception, a child’s life is a whirlwind of change and development. These many changes bring their own challenges and it can be helpful to have a range of supportive “tools” to address the issues.
Craniosacral therapy is one such tool and is ideal for babies and children since the touch is extremely gentle and is carried out fully clothed.
The treatment develops out of what the practitioner feels in the client – so the client, of any age, totally directs the session.
This is vitally important when working with a child who often has little control over some aspects of their life and wellbeing.
Craniosacral therapy enables them to begin the important process of being aware of, and responsible for their own physical and emotional health.
It can also enable the child to relax and enjoy life for the first time, if she has had a stressful birth. It is not necessary for words to be used to convey how the treatment is being experienced, so it is ideal for babies and children with no, or limited speech.