Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on therapy that follows the subtle movement of your fascia or connective tissue. The practitioner will lightly place (less than a nickel weight of pressure) her hands on areas of restriction that facilitates the body to gently release fixations. During the session the person is fully clothed and the therapist evaluates restrictions in movement from different parts of the body. A session usually lasts one hour but that can vary depending on the condition.
What might you experience with Craniosacral therapy?
You might feel very relaxed and maybe even fall asleep. Many people can feel the movement of the craniosacral rhythm inside their bodies and describe it like they are floating on water. Tingling sensations and heat are also commonly felt as fixations are released. Because Craniosacral therapy is so relaxing, you might even tap into your subconscious and identify blocks to your healing and belief patterns that are preventing total health. This represents the most powerful and deepest aspect of this work. Many unresolved issues can be resolved with this therapy.
What are fixations or adhesions and how do they get there?
Many different processes create fixations or adhesions in the fascia. Trauma, accidents, injuries are all major events that cannot only damage bones but also muscles, nerves and fascial tissue. Scar tissue tends to be shorter and less flexible than original fascia so surgery or other trauma also alter the balance of the fascial network. Fevers, chemicals and hormones can also alter the collagen substance causing muscle to become glued together and unable to slide across each other in order to work independently.
Who is craniosacral therapy for?
If you’re experiencing any of the following, craniosacral therapy may be a powerful support for you:
- Anxiety and chronic stress
- Fibromyalgia or musculoskeletal complaints (e.g. low back pain)
- Whiplash or other injuries from car accidents
- Migraines or Headaches
- Jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction
- Post traumatic stress responses (PTSD)
Do you need to stop doing other therapies if you receive Craniosacral therapy?
No. Many other therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, massage and homeopathy are complimentary to Craniosacral therapy and will facilitate your body in regaining health. The goals of treatment are to bring your body into optimal health so that you won’t need to have treatments other than maintenance. Talk with your health care practitioner about guiding you to the therapies that will work best for you.
Is there such a thing as CranioSacral Massage?
YES! In fact, many of my clients prefer a combination bodywork treatment that utilizes both massage and craniosacral therapy techniques in one treatment. On my scheduling page, look for “CranioSacral Massage Therapy.”
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Self Assessment: CranioSacral Therapy
Do you suffer from TMJ or chronic jaw tenderness/pain?
How about chronic headaches or migraines?
Do you have old injuries that cause you pain today?
Have you suffered whiplash or other injuries from car accidents?
Do you feel stuck or disconnected from your body?
**If you answered yes to one or more of these questions please consider scheduling a CranioSacral therapy session today!
*Some of the information on this page is quoted from Faith Christensen, ND, RN and Masahiro Takakura, ND, LAc, DC*
