Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle form of treatment for a variety of conditions including back pain, migraine, hormonal imbalances, stress, jaw problems, birth trauma in both babies and adults.

Because it is both gentle and effective it is suitable for babies, children, pregnant women, older people and those of any age in acute or chronic pain or fragile health.

Craniosacral Therapy, a holistic approach

The 'body' in craniosacral therapy is shorthand for the physical body, mind, spirit and emotions. Craniosacral therapy recognises that all these aspects are linked.

Craniosacral therapy also recognises that there may be many contributory factors to the symptoms that clients bring. These may be as varied as accidents, ageing, stress, emotional distress, poor posture, chronic disability, hormonal changes.

How does Craniosacral Therapy work?

The craniosacral therapist uses a light touch of the hands to palpate or 'listen' to the body's tissues and fluids. Differences in their motion and quality can show where there are areas of stagnation and restriction. The intention of the craniosacral therapist is: to listen to the information conveyed through the body and to support the body's own ability to self-heal.

Marsha's Story

Marsha came for treatment because she had recurring headaches which were not responding to other treatments. The scans her GP had organised were clear. Two years previously she had a car accident during which she sustained whiplash in addition to other injuries. She did not see any connection between the accident and the headaches because they did not start until nine months later. I asked about the circumstances of the accident. It happened soon after the death of her mother when she was still in acute grief and quite exhausted. She had experienced a double trauma in a short space of time.

It soon became clear that there was still shock held in the tissues of her upper back and neck. This is quite a common occurrence after whiplash and other physical shocks to the body. Treatment helped to resolve Marsha's headaches by allowing release of the shock. This allowed the tissues and fluids to find a new balance.

The wisdom in the body decides what to reveal to the therapist! For example, Emma came with a shoulder problem. The first response of her body in treatment was from her pelvis. Emma then remembered that she had a particularly bad fall from a horse many years previously. She had not mentioned it because falling was such a common experience. It was obviously important that I pay attention to her pelvis before her shoulder could heal. The body speaks and heals in its own order of priority! Her shoulder pain was part of the body's compensations for the pelvic injury.

What happens during a treatment session?

At the first session, there is an in depth history taking which may move from present health and symptoms to past experiences including accidents, illness, dental work, surgery, emotional trauma and birth.

The most important proviso for the 'hands-on' part of the session is that you are comfortable. Whether you (or your child) lie down, sit or stand during treatment will be led by you. Positioning may depend on whether the client has chronic disability, acute or chronic pain or are pregnant.

All clients remain fully clothed unless direct skin contact (following consent from the client or parent) is needed for examination.

The therapist makes hand contact with the client wherever it is therapeutically necessary. You need to feel comfortable with the contact, so permission is vital.

For those who have a history of abusive touch e.g. because of sexual abuse or physical violence, the negotiation of contact is integral to the healing process.

During treatment, you may have a sense of relaxation, feel sensations such as tingling, pins and needles, heat, or experience emotional states. Some people fall asleep, others remain alert. There is no right or wrong way to be. At all times the therapist provides safety & support.

Who Might Benefit from Craniosacral Therapy?

• Causes of acute or chronic pain, e.g. backpain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, pain from inflammation such as arthritis.
• Symptoms manifesting in the head, e.g. headaches, migraine, sinusitis, jaw/TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) or jaw clicking problems, trigeminal neuralgia, pain and stiffness in the neck, post dental trauma
• Female fertility, menstrual and menopausal concerns
• The turmoil of hormones in adolescents
• Recovery from breaks, strains and sprains may be speeded up
• Acute, temporary conditions such as heartburn and indigestion in pregnancy
• Nervous exhaustion, chronic fatigue, depression, emotional overwhelm

Craniosacral Therapy may be used as an aid to Relaxation and Stress Management:

• Most people comment on their experience of relaxation. Many people in stressful circumstances have monthly or fortnightly sessions while those with short term stress such as exams might have a one-off session.

Craniosacral Therapy as Palliative Treatment:

• In common with many other complementary therapies Craniosacral Therapy may help provide ease, relief and a sense of well being without proffering a cure where conditions have become chronic as in arthritis, asthma, backpain as a result of osteoporosis, chronic fatigue
• It may also benefit the physical and emotional distress that can result from cancer or other life-threatening illnesses
• Nausea as a side effect of chemotherapy may be reduced.

Craniosacral Therapy and Trauma:

We know now that the body responds physiologically to trauma. Adaptive mechanisms come into play. These include:

• freezing with fear or for no apparent reason
• becoming dreamy, spaced out
• being uncomfortable in and with one's body
• chronic illness, aches and pains

Many clients who have already tried other treatments may carry a degree of traumatisation which has to be resolved before symptoms can be alleviated. In these cases Craniosacral Therapy offers the possibility of resolution through a particular focus on the way the trauma is held and not on the original traumatising experiences. For this, we draw on the work of Dr. Peter Levine and Franklyn Sills. We are indebted to them.

Conclusion

Fundamental to Craniosacral Therapy is the belief in the intrinsic good health which is always present. Inevitably, it becomes obscured by life's challenges. Craniosacral Therapy is one of many natural therapies which may help us on the road to health.

May we all be helped to find our way out of suffering and towards well-being and happiness.

For more in depth information please click here or contact your practitioners at New Cross Natural Therapy Centre