| Gentle Touch Therapy Could Be the Answer to Restoring Your Body’s Balance. Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, type of therapy that uses light touch to evaluate the body’s craniosacral system – the tissues and fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It includes the membranes and structures that connect the skull (cranium) through to the end of the spinal cord (sacrum). When your body endures stresses and strains during your daily movements, your body will try to compensate. A lot of times, these changes cause body tissues to tighten, taking the craniosacral system out of balance. These distortions can cause tension to form creating a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, the therapist releases these restrictions. This gentle touch improves the function of the central nervous system, and the body can self-correct. Many of my clients use craniosacral therapy along with more traditional paths to wellness with great success. What is Craniosacral Therapy Used For? Several decades ago, an osteopathic physician, Dr. John E. Upledger, was assisting during a neck surgery when he noticed a pulsing in the tissues surrounding the patient’s spinal cord. When he questioned his colleagues about the movement and was unable to get an answer about what was happening, Dr. Upledger began to research it himself. He spent years studying and analyzing the phenomenon of cranial movement and cerebrospinal fluid flow. His findings became the foundation of craniosacral therapy. Dr. Upledger stated that “all these membranes affect brain function, and when they’re not moving properly, there can be harm.” Dr. Upledger says that any blockage in the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid causes mental or physical distress. He explained that “what we do is take away obstacles, like removing stones from the road.” By referring to his roots in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Upledger applied the same whole-system approach to craniosacral therapy. As the cerebrospinal fluid nurtures the brain and nervous system, the craniosacral system acts as a link to all the body’s functions. Any blockages require light resistance to restore the optimal flow of cerebrospinal fluid and bring the system back into balance. “The more the membranes are mobilized, the healthier you will be.” Surprisingly, seemingly unrelated conditions can be relieved by craniosacral therapy. The gentle touch of the therapist can bring relief to conditions such as headaches, chronic pain, stress and tension, fibromyalgia, TMJ, and many others. My clients find that as their physical symptoms improve, so does their mental state. This can help with anxiety, concentration issues, chronic fatigue, and sleep quality. Craniosacral Therapy Techniques During the session, you will be fully clothed, supported in either a sitting position or reclined. I want to make sure that you feel comfortable and safe at all times, so I’ll periodically ask if you need any changes to the lighting, sound, or temperature of the room. I gently lay hands on your head to see how the craniosacral system is moving in your body. Since this is an interconnected system, I check in to different points in the body to “listen in” and see if there are any areas of blocked energy or resistance. There are generally ten areas of the body that give me feedback. Often I will check these areas in a specific sequence. Yet, during a craniosacral therapy session, I can be drawn to other areas of the body depending on its rhythm: * Beginning at the head or feet in stillness to identify potential blockages * Moving to the diaphragm to check five major myofascial structures * Gentle decompression and traction of the pelvic girdle * Checking the spine through the sacrum with gentle rocking and gliding motion * Gentle manipulation and pressure applied to the front of the skull bones * Gentle manipulation and pressure applied to the sides of the skull bones * Gentle manipulation and pressure applied to the rear of the skull where it meets the spine * Moving to check the temporal bones in and around the ears * Compression and decompression of the jaw hinge * Finishing at the head with a return to stillness to assess changes in the cerebrospinal flow I may ask you from time to time what you are experiencing, and will help you to stay present in your treatment. Using light touch, I gently palpate bones, tissues, fascia, or ligaments back into alignment to release tensions or blockages. This is a gentle treatment, unlike the forceful manipulation of a chiropractic adjustment. As the body’s natural rhythms are restored, you may feel a return to gentle stillness, or a sensation of loosening, dropping, or unwinding as blockages release. But at all times, your body is directing me where and how to apply pressure. I act as more of a conduit to restoring your body’s balance, and my touch is always determined by your body’s wisdom. No matter what your experience, I will take some time with you afterward to check in about how you are doing. This is a great opportunity to find words for your experience and reflect on how you feel after your session. The effects of treatment can also be felt even after you leave your session. You may want to take time over the next few days to notice how you are in the world. You might want to keep track of the quality of your sleep, your digestion, and your overall outlook or mood. By paying attention to the lasting effects of craniosacral therapy, we can work together to fine-tune your further treatment sessions. Craniosacral Therapy at Roxanne Garcia Holistic Health As my valued client, I work with you to determine the best course of treatment using craniosacral therapy. We will discuss the number of sessions required to bring your system back into balance, and whether you may require additional rebalancing sessions in the future. Therapy sessions can be scheduled for 90-, 60-, or 30-minutes in length, and I can create custom packages with promotional pricing for a series of sessions. Feel free to contact me to schedule your consultation today. I look forward to helping you along your wellness journey. For more information, you may contact me by clicking here. |
How Can Craniosacral Therapy Make Me Feel Better?
