WHAT IS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?

Craniosacral therapy is a type of bodywork that relieves tension in the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes, fluids, and tissues that protect and nourish the brain and the spinal cord. It uses a gentle touch to enhance the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid, the clear liquid that brings vital nutrients and positive ions to the brain and central nervous system. As this fluid washes over the brain, it provides a suitable environment for neuronal signaling and helps promote homeostasis. It also nourishes the brain cells and carries away waste and byproducts. If the cerebrospinal fluid is not flowing properly, then the brain and nervous system are not receiving the vital nutrients needed to maintain proper functioning.

When this flow is hindered, we may also experience brain fog and feel like we can’t think clearly. Other symptoms may include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, headaches and migraines, sinus issues, disturbed sleep cycles, hormonal imbalances, TMJ, body aches and pains, and constipation, to name a few.

HOW DOES CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY WORK?

We all feel stressed or anxious sometimes, but the body can hold onto these emotions long after the moment has passed. Unfortunately, this restricts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and keeps us in a state of “fight or flight.” While our natural reactions to stress and trauma protect us at the time, we have to train our central nervous system back into a sense of safety. Otherwise, hormones like cortisol and adrenaline continue to pump through the body, leading to discomfort, restlessness and agitation. In this state, organ systems don’t function properly, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is restricted and the body cannot heal or repair itself.

Craniosacral therapy utilizes a soft touch to release the stress and tension that can impede the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The craniosacral system has a subtle yet distinct rhythm that practitioners can detect to eliminate disruptions and restore balance. This can help improve the body’s natural healing abilities and alleviate the symptoms of pain, illness and mental decline. Craniosacral therapy is a safe, gentle and non-invasive treatment that gets the body back to feeling safe so it can function optimally. Our body knows how to heal itself, we just have to give it the opportunity to do so by creating a supportive environment.

THE BENEFITS OF CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral therapy helps to turn off stress mode and get the body back to feeling safe, so healing and regeneration can occur. As the body returns to its natural state of alignment, it releases the stress, tension and anxiety it has been holding on to and begins to repair itself.

Letting go of unresolved stress and trauma through craniosacral therapy can deliver a number of health benefits, including:

• Eliminate brain fog

• Ease headaches and migraines

• Soothe pain and muscle tension

• Restore the cerebrospinal flow

• Relieve compression in the head, back and neck

• Help regulate mood

• Boost memory and focus

• Improve digestive health

• Promote a feeling of safety, clarity and relaxation

• Optimize function, health and healing

Craniosacral therapy can be combined with other techniques to help and support the body’s natural healing process. Many people choose to incorporate craniosacral therapy into their wellness plans since it is a safe, effective and gentle approach to releasing stress and restoring a sense of calm and comfort.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral therapy sessions take place in a quiet, private setting. During treatment, clients are fully clothed as practitioners use a light touch to evaluate the craniosacral rhythms. There is a pulse that runs through the craniosacral system like a tidal wave, creating perceptible movements that can be sensed by trained hands. Observing them helps to identify areas where the flow might be stuck and needs to be released. Then, practitioners use gentle techniques to release tension in the deeper layers of tissue and membranes to restore flow to cerebrospinal fluid, and promote a feeling of well-being.

Many people experience a shift in energy, emotions or sensations in the body as stress is dissolved and things move or shift around. As stress and tension is released, space is created for new, vital energy to take its place. Clients are able to process painful and even traumatic events without talking or re-living the experience and will feel a sense of peace and tranquility at the end of the session. There may also follow a feeling of numbness, tingling or light-headedness, but these effects are temporary and nothing to worry about. Some clients even fall asleep during sessions because it is so relaxing and therapeutic.

IS CRANIOSACRAL RIGHT FOR ME?

The beautiful part about craniosacral therapy is that everybody can benefit from it. Whether you have specific areas that need attention, or you just want to feel better overall, craniosacral therapy can work for you. All you have to do is show up and relax. It is also suitable for anybody at any age, and gentle enough that clients often fall asleep during sessions. You’ll get hooked on this feeling of relaxation and clarity!