CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a non-invasive, light hands-on approach that relies to a large extent upon an individual's natural self-corrective physiological activities. The CST therapist gently assists the hydraulic forces that are inherent in the craniosacral system to improve the body's internal environment. Because of its influence on many body functions, CranioSacral Therapy is used today by a wide variety of healthcare professionals including osteopaths, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, acupuncturists and licensed bodyworkers.

CST is a gentle technique. Seldom does the CST therapist apply pressure that exceeds five grams. As remarkable as this sounds, the positive effects from this gentle application can be quite pronounced. In essence, CST works with the natural and unique rhythms of our multiple body systems to pinpoint and correct problem sources. This requires a sentient touch rather than a heavy hand. Palpating the rythmic motion of the craniosacral system anywhere on a person's body provides valuable information very quickly with regard to rate, amplitude, symmetry and quality of craniosacral motion.

The regions of the craniosacral system that can be easily palpated are the bones of the skull, sacrum and coccyx because they attach to the membranes enclosing the cerebrospinal fluid. (Palpation is also possible with the other bones of the spine, pelvis, facial bones and the temporo-mandibular joint.) Cerebral Spinal fluid is filtered out of the blood in a dynamic feedback loop.

Pressures build as the amount of cerebrospinal fluid increases, bathing the brain and spinal cord in an action similar to a semi-closed hydraulic system. When the fluid moves - normally at a rate of six to twelve cycles per minute - the membranes containing the fluid move - but only to the extent that existing restrictions are unwound and freed up. If restrictions are present, all the surrounding tissues, organs, ligaments, bones, etc. compensate. These restrictions, if not released, can lead to dysfunction and disease.

CranioSacral Therapy encourages your body's natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your brain and spinal cord. CST has been proven to be effective in dealing with many malfunctions including:

· poorly understood sensory, motor and neurological dysfunction,
· chronic pain,
· the negative effects of stress,
· lowered vitality and immunity,
· recurring infections; and more.

During a session, the recipient lies on their back, fully clothed, on a massage table.

For more information about CranioSacral Therapy please visit The Upledger Institute

 

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SOMATO-EMOTIONAL RELEASE THERAPY

SER is a dynamic therapeutic process that expands on the priniciples of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma.

Joint research conducted by Dr. John Upledger and biophysicist Dr. Zvi Karni in the late 1970's led to the discovery that the body often retains the imprint of physical forces from accidents, injuries and emotional shock. Those dysfunctional areas are frequently isolated in what Dr. Upledger calls "energy cysts."

Although a reasonably healthy body can adapt to energy cysts, extra energy is then required to perform normal bodily functions. As years pass, the adaptive patter of the body loses its effectiveness. Symptoms and dysfunctions begin to appear and become increasingly difficult to suppress or ignore.

 

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PEDIATRIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Research strongly suggests that the birth process is responsible for many brain dysfunction and central nervous system problems. CST carried out, during pregnancy (on mom and fetus) then in the delivery room or within the first few days of life, could potentially reduce a wide variety of difficulties. Some difficulties manifest in toddlers as developmental and/or behavioural problems, or may not be apparent until your child is in school. Even problems with head shape and skull-bone override can be corrected with the skillful use of CranioSacral Therapy.

When properly applied, CST is essentially risk-free. No matter how old your child is it is never too late to benefit from this essential therapy.

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CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY FOR ANIMALS

Lets not forget our animal friends who require body-mind therapy once in a while too! The only restriction is the animal must be a vertibrate - meaning it has to have a spine.

When invited into an unconditional theraputic environment, animals immediately respond, wasting no time releasing restrictions in their system.

Sessions are brief and entertaining! Look here for a recent article where Laurie Anne shares an experience of CST on animals.

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New CST Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics International Alliance of Healthcare Educators. Practitioners using therapies taught through the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators are expected to adhere to the highest professional standards. Among these are the commitment to provide quality therapy to all persons without discrimination, to seek educational opportunities to enhance therapeutic skills, to respect each client's right to privacy, and to accept the responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of self, clients and associates. They must work within their professional scope of practice and abide by the rules and/or laws that govern healthcare practices in their applicable regions (i.e., city, state, or province).