Craniosacraltherapy

Craniosacral therapy helps to restore balance at the core of the system enhancing the body's inherent self-healing processes.

WHAT IS IT?

Craniosacral therapy is an extremely gentle, non-invasive whole body therapy. It is suitable for fragile or acutely painful conditions and is suitable for all ages, from the newborn to the elderly. It can bring about a feeling of well-being and enhanced vitality.

You don't have to be ill or have any particular symptoms to benefit from Craniosacral Therapy. The alleviation of life's stresses and the increased sense of vitality and well-being are benefits themselves.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

In response to physical and emotional stresses, strains, tensions and trauma, the body's tissues contract and sometimes stay contracted and 'stored' in the body. This will restrict the body's functioning and may give rise to problems over the years. The effects may be both physical, such as aches and pains, migraine or digestive disorders, and emotional, such as anxiety or depression. Working through sensitive and focussed touch, Craniosacral therapy helps to restore balance at the core of the system enhancing the body's inherent self-healing processes.

The whole of our life history is held in our physical form. An integral part of this work is the patient's developing awareness of how their story is held and how it unfolds. It is clear that a living human organism is immensely complex and requires an enormous amount of internal organisation. Craniosacral Therapy helps nurture these internal ordering principles.

Dr William Sutherland, an American osteopath, discovered intrinsic movements of the bones of the skull around the turn of the century. His further research revealed different rhythmic tidal motions in the body. These movements, which can be measured with delicate scientific instruments, express our health. As research continued it became apparent that these movements are inextricably linked with not only physical health but also mental and emotional health. Being aware of these tide- like motions allows Craniosacral therapists to facilitate change in areas of restriction.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TREATMENT?

You will lie fully clothed on a treatment table and experience the very light touch of the therapist's hands. You may feel a deep sense of relaxation and possibly become aware of heat, tingling, pulsations or other sensations. The client learns how to recognise where there are areas of holding and how to let go of them. This happens on both a conscious and sub-conscious level. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

The number of sessions required depends entirely on the condition being treated. 4-5 sessions initially would be recommended. Acute injury and disease states can benefit enormously from 5 - 10 sessions. With chronic debilitating disease or severe injury, it is usually appropriate to work for longer in order to develop well-being. A treatment session usually lasts for up to an hour.

WHAT IS THE INTERVAL BETWEEN SESSIONS?

Initially sessions are usually a week to a fortnight apart. With long-term treatment the frequency of sessions usually reduces.

What is the difference between Craniosacral Therapy and Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial Osteopaths train initially in osteopathy, a more mechanical tissue based approach, and then do postgraduate training of variable length. Craniosacral work tends to be more integrated with enhancing the body's inherent self-healing processes, while cranial osteopaths are generally more directive and analytical. There is a variable amount of overlap between individual approaches in the two professions depending on personality and which particular training was followed.

HOW SAFE IS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?

Such subtle qualities of touch are used in Craniosacral Therapy work that it is one of the safest therapeutic forms. It is a non-directive, non-analytical, non-invasive approach - essentially the art of listening and enabling the body to heal itself. When practised by a qualified therapist, it is a very safe method. To ensure that a practitioner is qualified, check that they are registered with one of the Craniosacral Therapy Associations.

Bromley Health Management can refer clients to a local and well-respected Craniosacral Therapist

Friday, 25 August 2006