CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY – ONE OF THE BEST THERAPIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF?

It is a hands-on, non-manipulative, gentle, yet deeply healing holistic therapy which recognises and works with the body’s inherent Health. Craniosacral therapy is client led and as the therapist isn’t imposing any order or judgement on the changes needed, a totally natural and longer lasting benefit can be obtained.

It is the body which decides in what order and in which location the changes need to be made to express its optimum health.

The therapist is trained to recognise and work with the different types of motion shown by the cranial bones, the spinal vertebrae and the sacrum as well as the motion of the cerebrospinal fluid which flows through them. In addition, attention is given to the fascial (connective tissue) interconnection of the individual cells forming the nerves, muscle groups, organs and skeletal form which has an enormous impact on the work craniosacral therapists do with the body.

Craniosacral therapists use their hands to reflect back to the body any strain or stuck patterns it is showing, thus helping it to change (rather like someone who is frowning and when they look in a mirror they stop).

These strain or stuck patterns can be held by the body for any length of time; in some cases they may have been present from birth. The day to day stresses which impact on the body may be physical and / or emotional and if they are not able to be fully processed, layers of patterning will be built up which can cause distress and dis-ease within the body.

Craniosacral therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions and because it is so gentle it is suitable for all ages from babies to the elderly. It can be helpful in improving acutely painful conditions and help speed recovery from an operation.

It is widely known to be able to help babies whose birth has been stressful or there has been an intervention e.g. forceps or caesarean or if they are suffering from colic, sleep problems, feeding difficulties or inconsolable crying. One or possibly two visits to a craniosacral therapist may be enough to show an improvement in the behaviour being experienced.

The therapy can also assist pregnant women whose bodies may struggle to adapt to the hormonal changes and may suffer from the aches and pains known to be associated with pregnancy e.g. back, leg, pelvic pain, digestive problems. It can also aid relaxation and increase their energy levels.

During a typical session the therapist will take a detailed case history and discuss the specific reason for your visit. You will be asked to lie or sit on a couch after having removed your shoes. The treatment will last about 45 to 60 minutes.

A craniosacral treatment is different for everyone and even from session to session. You may feel heat, tingling, gentle pulsing, a feeling of increased gravity or a sense of deep relaxation. Depending on the presenting condition people normally feel substantial benefits after 5 – 10 sessions.

The therapy is based on the American osteopath, Dr. William Garner Sutherland’s findings in the early twentieth century. While training to become an osteopath he became convinced that the bones forming the cranium were designed to allow movement between them. (This was contrary to current thinking at that time which was that the bones of the skull were fused.)

Sutherland discovered that not only were the cranial bones able to move but that their motion had a significant impact on the whole of the body, physically, emotionally and psychologically.

Sutherland’s work was later built on by Rollin Becker D.O., Franklyn Sills, John Upledger and Hugh Milne to name but a few, resulting in the treatment known today as Craniosacral Therapy.

Further information can be obtained from the Craniosacral Therapy Association’s website: www.craniosacral.co.uk

Lorena Neep RCST

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