CranioSacral Therapy

Light touch, profound change,
find your inner balance.
What is Upledger CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) uses a gentle, hands-on approach to evaluate and treat the whole body.
Areas of restriction in the body are located by the CranioSacral Therapist. These areas are often the source of the symptoms.
CST helps address both physical and emotional issues.

Everything is Connected
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Different areas and systems of the body are linked by connective tissue called fascia. Fascia is often likened to a spider’s web. It surrounds our muscles, nerves, blood vessels, bones and organs.
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Fascia is dynamic, it changes all the time through movement and can adapt to stress and even emotions. Any tension, twist, or imbalance in one area can lead to a problem in another area. For example, a weekend digging in the garden could strain the lower back causing pain. People then often hold themselves differently or avoid moving normally which can cause weakness elsewhere. Pain can cause anxiety and stress, shoulders may tighten, tummies feel unsettled, jaws clench. Similarly, events in our life influence our fascia and tissues.

How does CST work?
Areas are assessed through the craniosacral rhythm which is a pulsating movement of cerebrospinal fluid produced in the brain but felt anywhere on the body. If there is an area of restriction, then the rhythm is less optimal. By comparing the rhythm felt on different areas of the body, a picture can be built up of where the restrictions are.
The therapist then uses light touch techniques on these areas to follow and change the biological fascial network. This has an impact on the CranioSacral System (the bones, soft tissues and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord). By freeing up the central nervous system, CST has far- reaching effects on health and well-being.
The Emotional Connection
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Often a memory of an injury, accident or situation may come into the client’s awareness even if it is from years ago. There may be an associated emotion that comes up which is linked to the physical problem. SomatoEmotional Release ® is the term describing our work of facilitating this process, which may involve therapeutic conversation and imagery.
How is CST different to Physiotherapy?
The CranioSacral Therapist doesn’t make a diagnosis or direct the treatment as a Physiotherapist does.
CST:
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is led by the client rather than the therapist having an agenda
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is generally lighter in touch than physiotherapy techniques
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listens to the body’s innate wisdom to self-correct
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empowers people to realise ways they can help themselves feel better
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works on the CranioSacral System
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unlocks possibilities for treating any system in the body
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can treat dysfunctions in the cranium which Physiotherapists aren’t commonly trained to do
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is always done fully clothed
CST can be done in isolation or alongside physiotherapy techniques and exercise prescription.
Conditions that may benefit from CranioSacral Therapy
I treat people not symptoms because each person is unique and has a different cause to their symptoms.
However, CST has been found effective in managing various conditions, including but not limited to:
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Stress, anxiety, and tension disorders
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Acute and chronic pain
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Neck pain, backache, and sacroiliac joint dysfunctions
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Scoliosis, whiplash, and recovery post falls or trauma
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Hip, knee, foot or shoulder dysfunctions
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Headaches, migraines, and TMJ issues
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Scar tissue and myofascial tightness post-surgery
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Women’s health concerns, including pelvic pain
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Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia syndrome, hypermobility spectrum disorders
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Please note that Laura does not treat babies or children under 16.
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Why have I never heard of CranioSacral Therapy before?
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The CranioSacral system (CSS) was discovered fairly recently in the early 1970’s. It was discovered by our founder Dr John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician and surgeon. Whilst assisting in spinal surgery he felt the rhythmic pulsation of cerebrospinal fluid, distinct from the heartbeat, which he termed the craniosacral rhythm. After further research amongst anatomists and physiologists at Michigan State University and following on from the work of osteopath Dr G. Sutherland, he developed CranioSacral Therapy.
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Often people have heard of CST through the work with babies but are not aware of the effects in adults. CST is practised around the world and is growing in popularity in holistic health and wellness.
Contact
Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. Or alternatively fill in the form below, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
PHONE NUMBER: +44 7403 224945
EMAIL: laura@enrichtherapies.com
Pilates classes are held in Highfield, Portswood and Chandler’s Ford.
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Physiotherapy, CranioSacral Therapy and one-to-one Pilates are at Laura’s home in Bassett, Southampton. The address is given when making an appointment.