CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY
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What Is Cranio-Sacral Therapy? Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a complementary Whole Body therapy, treating all aspects of the entire person. In Cranio-Sacral Therapy, the body is perceived to be in constant movement. Every cell in a healthy body expresses a rhythmic movement, which is fundamental to life. The head of this movement is a subtle life pulse called the Cranio-Sacral Rhythm. The Cranio-Sacral motion expresses itself in a tide-like ebb and flow. Tissue and subtle fluid movements in and around the joints, organs, and vertebral relationships, can be felt and will yield important information as to the functioning and health of the system as a whole. Cranio-Sacral therapists are trained to feel this subtle motion in the body, and can use it to identify areas of congestion or restriction. Using the hands to reflect back to the body the pattern or restriction it is holding, the therapist provides an opportunity for the body to let go or unravel its restrictive pattern and to return to an easier mode of functioning. This happens at a deep unconscious level within the body, but occurs in the same way we might make other, more conscious decisions. This therapy is extremely effective in achieving structural change, yet has much wider implications with revitalisation of the person as a whole. The body is a map, which holds our own complete individual history. All the systems of the body are interconnected through the web of Connective Tissue called FASCIA. Fascia is a fabric of interwoven membranes. One area of the body (the hip, for instance) under strain, can cause stress on the surrounding fascia which may travel up the spine, perhaps causing migraine for some people. How It Works Like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the Cranio Sacral system also influences many body functions. The name CRANIO (the head) SACRAL (the sacrum or tailbone) Therapy is derived from the system that was discovered by osteopaths in the early part of this century. At the core of the body is a hydraulic system of Cerebrospinal Fluid, which bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord. Enclosing this internal hydraulic system are membranes, which are part of the entire body's interconnected Fascia. Cranio-Sacral Therapy now means this subtle, yet deep method which requires only the light touch necessary to assist the nature of this hydraulic system's profound influence on the entire body. When we work with the core dynamics of this physical system, the body reaches a very deep state of physical and mental relaxation, which can be a gateway to a wealth of profound experience. What Is a Session Like? Generally, a person coming for a session will lay face up on the therapy table fully clothed. In the session, you will probably feel a sense of deep relaxation and may become aware of alterations in fluid pressure, areas of heat/cold, restriction and releases, and pulse waves. An integral part of this work is the patient/client's own awareness of her/his own life process. The whole of our life history is held in our physical form. A current disease process or physical pain may have its roots in very early experience. Sometimes our bodies communicate things our minds are unaware of. Therefore, you may find the reason you came for treatment may not be what begins to unravel first. Illness and Wholeness Because each of us produce our own different reaction to trauma, stress and loss of healing capacity, we each present our own unique combination of ailments, pains and dysfunctions. In response to physical knocks and stress, the body's tissues contract. Sometimes, particularly when the shock is severe or occurs within an emotional situation, the tissues stay contracted. Any stresses which have been stored in the body in this way will restrict functioning and may give rise to problems over the years. The effects may be both physical (such as back pain, migraine or digestive orders) and emotional (such as anxiety or depression). Who Is Cranio-Sacral Therapy For? Cranio-Sacral Therapy is very gentle with no manipulation. It is safe and suitable for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. It is often appropriate when other therapies may be unsafe, such as during pregnancy, after an operation, injury and those in fragile or acutely painful conditions. Cranio-Sacral Therapy may aid people with almost any condition. You don't even need to be ill or have any particular symptoms to benefit from Cranio-Sacral Therapy. By alleviating negative effects of stress on the body, you benefit from overall health and resistance to disease. The increased sense of vitality and. well being that Cranio-Sacral Therapy can bring are welcome to most of us at any time. Cranio-Sacral Therapy for Babies and Children One of the joys of treating babies and children is that they tend to respond so well to treatment. Even in the most natural and problem-free births, pressure of the baby's head on the mothers pelvic floor during contractions can create compressions at the base of the skull, which can in turn affect the spine and pelvis. Many infant problems like colic, sucking
problems, breathing difficulties, restlessness and irritability,
may result from Cranio-Sacral imbalances caused by compressive forces
during childbirth. Examination of infants for Cranio-Sacral imbalances
may be helpful in preventing problems later in life and is highly
recommended. |
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