CranioSacral Therapy

 

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a whole body, very gentle, hands-on treatment that frees up the nervous system and the surrounding CranioSacral System (the bones, soft tissues and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord). Every day the body absorbs stressors and strains which over time can lead to dysfunctions over multiple body systems. Our body is connected by an interwoven biological network called fascia so any tension, twist, or imbalance in one area can lead to a problem in another area. As an example, a weekend digging in the garden could strain the low back causing pain. Over time this could cause a distortion of the CranioSacral System surrounding the spinal cord. This can cause stress to the nerve roots which may result in tingling, leg pain or chronic pain. As the pattern progresses it can affect more of the spinal cord, into the upper back, neck, and brain with symptoms such as temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, headaches, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue or stress.

 

Using light touch techniques, CST can help the body lessen structural strain so our biological network can work at peak levels and restore health and well-being.

Unlike Physiotherapy, which is often directed by the practitioner, CranioSacral Therapy taps into the client’s innate ability to self-correct, as the body holds the knowledge of improving itself. CranioSacral Therapists listen to and follow what the body tissues need to do.

Many people feel deeply relaxed when having CranioSacral Therapy because it stimulates the Parasympathetic nervous system- the network of nerves responsible for calming the body after a stressful event.

Another aspect of this work is SomatoEmotional Release ® which is often used to release any emotional or psychological component of the physical problem. In the example of back pain above, if present for months or years the pain has far-reaching consequences to our emotional health. It can cause anxiety about moving or doing one’s regular exercise, frustration, irritability, and low mood. Emotions can cause physical symptoms. A relatable example for most people is the tension we feel in our shoulders when we are uptight, like difficult driving situations. Or how our tummies can feel unsettled when we are anxious. It is also my experience from meeting many patients, that emotional trauma such as grief can lead to or worsen musculoskeletal pain. Indeed, there is evidence amongst nurses that work stress is as much linked to low back pain as sustained postures or the manual handling they do.

Emotions or the memory of traumatic events can be suppressed and stored in our organs or in the tissues of the body. CranioSacral Therapy can help release these emotions with the aid of the hands of a listening therapist. CST can empower people to realise ways in which they can help themselves feel better.

CranioSacral Therapy can help with many conditions which include but are not limited to:

• stress and tension related disorders

• acute and longstanding pain

• neck pain, back ache, sacroiliac joint dysfunctions

• scoliosis and whiplash associated disorder

• hip, knee or shoulder dysfunctions

• headaches, migraines, brain fog, eye motor control problems, jaw (TMJ) problems, difficulty swallowing

• scar tissue and myofascial tightness following surgery e.g. hip replacement, mastectomy, caesarean section and spinal surgery.
   

If you would like to find out more or make an appointment, please contact me