the entire central nervous system
My Personal Story
Several years ago, I was in an accident and sustained several fractures in my facial bones. In the months following surgery, I suffered from debilitating headaches lasting from several days to several weeks. When I first received CranioSacral Therapy I wondered if a treatment so gentle could affect me. After my first session I had the pleasant sensation of what seemed like more room in my aching head, and after three sessions, I noticed the duration of my headaches was shorter. After ten sessions, I had no more headaches at all.
The CranioSacral Rhythm
Each of us has a craniosacral system rhythmically moving inside of us. Within the head, cerebrospinal fluid is produced from, and reabsorbed into, the bloodstream. It moves beneath the bones of the skull, nourishing the brain and spinal cord, enclosed within the water-tight dura membrane. Researchers have found that the skull bones must be in continual, minute motion in order to accommodate the fluid pressure changes. Accidents and traumas can restrict the bones, restrict the flow of cerebral spinal fluid, and cause discomfort, pain, and even depression. Now as a practitioner of craniosacral therapy I palpate the subtle ebb and flow of the fluid and gently release restrictions. The light touch enables me to feel and respond to miniscule changes in the body's tissues.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) helped my clients recover from whiplash, headaches, dental pain, TMJ or temporo-mandibular joint syndrome, back pain, anxiety, as well as discomforts of preganancy.
CST Improves Performance of Singers
Several professional vocalists have been drawn to my practice. They have reported improvements in their vocal to experience the benefits of CST to their voices.
• CST Unlocks TMJ and reduced jaw tension
• Improves coordination of the throat and tongue musculature
• Eases headaches and neck pain
• Opens clogged ears and sinuses
• Relaxes tight diaphragm muscles
• Increases awareness and relaxation of the entire spine
• Improves flow of nutrients to the brain and central nervous system
CST and Cerebral Palsy
I’ve been working with adults who have cerebral palsy and other severe disabilities at the CP Center of Oakland for 5 years. Many of these look forward to their CST sessions to relieve tight and twisted fascia that impedes the cerebral spinal fluid from circulating easily. Many report fewer headaches and backaches, less stress and more mobility. This often makes a significant difference in the quality of life for someone with disabilities.
CST for Newborns and Infants
Special pediatric techniques and protocols are used for babies to help them release any residual tension or trauma from the birthing process. This improves the sucking reflex, reduces colic and improves developmental growth.
CST Compliments Dental Work
Root canals, fillings, braces, and other dental and orthodontia treatments may leave the neck and jaw feeling strained. Receiving craniosacral therapy after a dental appointment can relieve abnormal tension and improve the healing process. Children find they have less pain and tension when they recieve CST after their braces are adjusted by their orthodonist.
SER or SomatoEmotional Release
The body has the ability to store emotions until you are ready to release them. On the short term this helps us function in the real world, on the long term it may drain our energy, contribute to poor health, and block the fulfillment of our highest goals. I may use therapeutic imagery and dialoging to facilitate the release of emotions if this feels right to the client. By tuning into the craniosacral rhythm I am able to sense the subtle changes that reveal shifts in emotions or consciousness. Using the CS rhythm as a significance detector informs the dialoguing process so that we stay on track. It’s not always comfortable to re-experience fear, pain or anger, but letting it go often results in greater understanding, a sense of peace, and better energy for self-healing. I trust that your body has the wisdom to know when and how this needs to happen.
Cell Talk
Cells and organs function largely without our awareness. They perform a multitude of complex jobs and interact with each other in a myriad of ways. By dialoging directly with a cell or organ we can often find out what they need to function better. Again using the motion of the cerebral spinal fluid or craniosacral rhythm as a significance detector helps me stay deeply tuned into the body. Dr. John Upledger discusses this in his most recent book “Cell Talk, Talking to Your Cell(f).” He also designed classes called, “The Brain Speaks” and “CST and the Immune Response” to explore cell consciousness further.
