Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Using light touch practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to palpably improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
It is a subtle and profound healing form which assists the body’s natural capacity for self-repair.
By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
- Migraine Headaches
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Scoliosis
- Infant Disorders
- Colic
- Learning Disabilities
- Trauma, including birth trauma
- Chronic Fatigue
- Emotional Difficulties
- Stress and Tension-Related Problems
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) and teeth grinding
- Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Post-Surgical Dysfunction
History / Background of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. He discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and his further research revealed different ‘tidal’ rhythms in the body.
As a result of detailed clinical observation it has become clear that these movements, that can be measured with delicate scientific instruments, are a direct expression of health and offer a way of working with the physical as well as the more subtle aspects of life.
Further observation showed that these movements are also inextricably linked with mental and emotional health. Restriction of movement corresponds to a reduction of the natural capacity to self-heal. Using the hands to feel these movements allows craniosacral therapists to facilitate change in areas of restriction.
A limitation or absence of the movements implies a reduction in the expression of health which may result in, for example, numbness, a sense of something missing or disease. Craniosacral therapy has developed from clinical experience, which shows that health is something active and not just an absence of disease.
It is the expression of life, responsible for the organisation of the millions of things that are constantly happening in the body. Craniosacral therapy supports health in the body. It helps increase physical vitality and well-being not only effecting structural change but also having much wider implications, emotionally and spiritually. The resulting increased sense of well-being can help with many aspects of life life from strengthening the immune system to improving interpersonal relationships.
What happens during a Biodynamic Craniosacral Session?
In a typical session, there is an initial interview and assessment – and then the client lies fully-clothed on the treatment table.
Contact is made carefully and respectfully so that you will feel at ease with what is happening. The first thing that is usually noticed is a deep sense of relaxation, which will generally last throughout the session.
Through the development of subtle palpatory skills the practitioner can read the story of the body, identify places where issues are held and then follow the natural priorities for healing as directed by the patient’s own physiology.