CranioSacral Therapy

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=150 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> CranioSacral Therapy</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#what_is_craniosacral_therapy__1_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>What is CranioSacral Therapy?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#brief_explanation_1_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>Brief explanation</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#full_explanation_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>Full Explanation</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#component_parts_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>Component Parts</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#what_to_expect_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>What to expect</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#benefits_of_craniosacral_therapy_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#brief_history_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>Brief History</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#faq_s_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>FAQ's</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#cst_for_pregnancy_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>CST for pregnancy</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm#cst_for_babies" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U>CST for babies</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id88.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CST Articles"><U><B>Additional Articles</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=110 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="665" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=BOTTOM HEIGHT= 31 ><NOBR><div> <B>Complementary Therapies</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Handful Of Cherries"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B> : </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Handful Of Cherries"><U><B>up</B></U></A><B>  :  </B><A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Practitioner Details"><U><B>previous</B></U></A><B>  : </B><A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Massage Therapy"><U><B> next</B></U></A><B> </B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <B>             Restoring Balance in Health</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="698" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BELOW" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 87 WIDTH="692"><div> <I>CranioSacral Therapy</I></div> <div> <I>_____________________________________</I></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=370 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> Gentle effective bodywork for people of all ages</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="what_is_craniosacral_therapy__1_1_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>What is CranioSacral Therapy (CST)?</B></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="brief_explanation_1_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Brief explanation</B></div> <bR> <div> CranioSacral Therapy is generally a very light touch, therapy and is deeply effective on a wide range of conditions. It is far more than just the cranium - sacrum complex which the name implies. It deals with the fascia - that connective tissue which covers many of the internal body components including the bones, muscles, nerves, organs, vessels, ducts, etc. It deals with the quality of the structure and function of all those structures encased in fascia and the dynamics of the movement between them. It incorporates SomatoEmotional Release® which deals with the emotions present at and around the time of trauma and how those emotions get locked into the traumatised tissue structures. Trauma includes falls, accidents, blows, surgery, physical and emotional impingements and the birth process itself. When there is an emotional component in, for example, an old injury that won't heal fully, a purely physical approach to healing will not be wholly effective. Take the emotional component out and there is often an almost spontaneous physical resolution.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="full_explanation_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Full Explanation</B></div> <div> CranioSacral Therapy is an exceptionally gentle yet extremely powerful form of 'hands-on' bodywork.  It is a profound healing process which can influence deeply held patterns - both physical and psychological which accumulate throughout life as a result of injury, illness and trauma.  These become held into the body tissues, leading to ill-health and dysfunction.  CranioSacral Therapy has the potential to release the power of the self-repair systems of the body and transform these patterns of restriction and resistance in our lives at a very fundamental level, thereby eliminating disease and dysfunction and restoring health.  It can be of benefit to most people and can help in most conditions - from minor aches and pains to severe and persistent chronic health problems. </div> <bR> <div> The restoration of mobility within the Cranio-sacral System enables the resolution, not only of recent injuries and disease, but also of chronic patterns of physical restriction due to past injuries and chronic tensions.  It helps to release the power of the self-healing systems of the body. Local pressure on nerves and neural tissue is also reduced and natural movement of neurotransmitters within the fluid of the brain and spinal cord is assisted.</div> <bR> <div> Every injury, illness or trauma, including stress, sets up patterns of physiological disturbance.  These can lead to neurological irritation, vascular constriction, tissue contracture, sclerosis or other such influences.  These patterns of disharmony becomes imprinted into the tissues at many levels - in the soft tissues, the membranes, the fascia, the nerve endings, the peripheral nerves, the  central nervous system or in the energy systems.  They are bound into the tissues in the form of tissue memory creating a circle of reciprocal physiological activity and inappropriate neurological stimulation, resulting in chronic dysfunction. </div> <bR> <div> CranioSacral Therapy assists in dissolving the restrictions and resistance in the various tissues.</div> <bR> <div> Because individually we produce our own different reactions to trauma, stress and loss of healing capacity, we each present our own unique combination of symptoms, pains and dysfunctions.  The Cranio-sacral System reflects the accumulation of all our life experience, recent or long past, physical or psycho-emotional.  As the Cranio-sacral System perceives the support of the therapist it begins a spontaneous process of making corrections and readjustments.  This may take the form of physical movements, emotional releases, deep relaxation and tissue 'unwinding'.  These changes are supported and encouraged by the therapist. </div> <bR> <bR> <div>   </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="component_parts_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Component Parts</B></div> <div> The Cranio-sacral System consists of: </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the membranes (or meninges) which surround the central nervous system;</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the bones of the cranium and sacrum to which these meninges attach;</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the fascia, which is made from collagen fibres, spun into sheets and threads and is continuous and seamless from the top of the head to tips of the toes and fingers;</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the cerebro-spinal fluid, a pure and vital fluid produced within the central nervous system and contained primarily within the membranes surrounding and enveloping the brain and spinal cord.</div> <bR> <div> All of these structures pulsate in a palpable (feelable) rhythmic motion - the Cranio-sacral Rhythm. </div> <div>   </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="what_to_expect_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" ><B>What to expect</B></FONT></div> <div> Treatment is usually carried out with you lying down, fully clothed. As your body perceives the light pressure applied by the CST practitioner on various parts of the body, it begins a spontaneous process of making corrections and readjustments.  This may take the form of physical movements, emotional releases, deep relaxation and tissue `unwinding'.  The practitioner will work with the Biological Wisdom of your body (rather than imposing) to help to release any restrictions that may be blocking the self-healing/self-repairing mechanisms. </div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="treatment_time_and_frequency_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" >Treatment time and frequency</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Sessions typically last 1 hour, and the number of sessions required will vary  with the problem and client.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="benefits_of_craniosacral_therapy_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy</B></div> <div> CranioSacral Therapy is suitable for every age from new born babies to the elderly, including all ages and stages in between.  It is particularly valuable in babies and children since the establishment of healthy patterns, at an early age, sets patterns for the whole future of that individual, both in their health and in their capabilities.  It can also have a profound influence on the effects of birth trauma. Acute or long-term pain and health problems also benefit from CST.</div> <bR> <div> Some of the most common conditions relieved and aided by CranioSacral Therapy are:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">allergies</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">anxiety</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">autism</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">back and neck pain</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">beneficial in preparing for pregnancy</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">breathing disorders, e.g. asthma, bronchitis</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">birth trauma for babies and mothers and fathers</div> <div>             (beneficial to mother and baby before and after birth)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">depression</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">digestive problems </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">drug withdrawal</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">ear infections</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">epilepsy</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">headaches, migraines</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">hyperactivity </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">insomnia</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">jaw (TMJ) problems, dental trauma (e.g. extractions, root canal work)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">lack of energy</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">learning difficulties</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">ME </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">paediatric conditions</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">period pains </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">post operative effects e.g. anaesthetic, scar tissue, tissue trauma</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">post traumatic stress syndrome</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">tension and anxiety </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">tinnitus </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">vaccinations - pre and post treatment</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">visual disturbances</div> <bR> <div> CranioSacral Therapy enhances well-being, health and vitality. An excellent way to maintain health.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="brief_history_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Brief History</B></div> <div> The Craniosacral System was first identified by osteopath, Dr William G Sutherland,  around 1940. </div> <div> He considered craniosacral rhythm to be the most significant of all systems and described it as the Primary Respiratory Mechanism,  suggesting that it was more significant even than respiration.  </div> <bR> <div> Dr. John E. Upledger, a student at the same osteopathy school as Sutherland, developed cranial osteopathy into a therapy and established the Upledger Institute in 1985 as a continuing education resource center and clinic.</div> <bR> <div> The Upledger Institute U.K. is in Perth, Scotland and was established in 1993.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="faq_s_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B> FAQ's</B></div> <div> How can I benefit from CranioSacral therapy?</div> <div> The therapy will surprise you with benefits you hadn't known were possible, including the resolution of symptoms that you had no idea were related to the cranial system or to each other. You may feel lighter, with a sense of more spaciousness within yourself. You may notice more ease in relationships or ability to focus. After a period of adjustment, in which you may feel a little spacey or experience the shadows of a past symptom on its way out, you may notice that you stand straighter or breathe more easily and deeply, with less effort. Pains may decrease, organs function better, and emotional boundaries may be easier to maintain. Because each person is unique, it is impossible to say exactly what benefit you will feel, or how long it will take you to feel it. </div> <bR> <div> Who could benefit from CST?</div> <bR> <div> Everyone, from new born to the elderly, can benefit though with some the improvement may be more dramatic than with others. </div> <div> Children respond well to CST because it is gentle, non-invasive, and effective in ways they can intuitively recognise. CST is also recommended during pregnancy, as it calms the nervous system of both mother and baby and helps Mum's body adapt to the changes that take place, especially during the last trimester. It will also help the birth process itself, and any birth trauma baby may experience.</div> <bR> <div> What kind of symptoms respond best to CranioSacral therapy?</div> <bR> <div> Impingement of cranial nerves or spinal nerves, left-right imbalances, head injuries, confusion, feelings of compression or pressure, anxiety, depression, circulatory disorders, organ dysfunctions, learning difficulties, neuro-endocrine problems, TMJ and dental problems, and trauma of all kinds - birth, falls, accidents and other injuries, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, PTSD, loss/grief, surgery, anesthesia - all are good indicators that a visit to your CranioSacral therapist will be helpful. CranioSacral therapy is also excellent as a preventive therapy as it can facilitate the resolution of imbalances within a client's system that she/he may not be consciously aware of.</div> <bR> <div> Does CranioSacral involve manipulations? </div> <bR> <div> Craniosacral therapy is not a manipulative therapy. The healing process comes from within the client, not from the outside with the practitioner. The practitioner's hand contacts are based on listening and following the tissues and the client's process rather than pushing or manipulating the client towards a theoretical ideal state.</div> <bR> <div> What kind of symptoms respond best to CranioSacral therapy?</div> <div> CranioSacral therapy is beneficial to mother and baby before and after birth, after surgery, falls and accidents, acute or long-term pain, neck and back pain, PTS, autism and drug abuse (prescription or recreational). For a more comprehensive list see www.wanimo.co.uk</div> <bR> <div> Why do I "fall asleep" during my CranioSacral therapy sessions?</div> <bR> <div> It is common for people to doze off or at least appear to sleep during portions of a CranioSacral treatment. Some report hearing themselves snore! There are probably times when a deep, perhaps meditative state of consciousness is contacted, or when the mind needs to get out of the way to allow the system to reorganise in some profound way. It may also be that you are tired but have pushed yourself to keep going, taking caffeine and straining your adrenals. Sometimes your practitioner may ask you occasional questions about what you are sensing in your body, to assist the processing. Other times we will let you rest, appreciating that most healing takes place in deep sleep or deep relaxation.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="cst_for_pregnancy_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CST for pregnancy</B></div> <bR> <div> The essence of Upledger CST is to help natural processes work as nature intends; to help reduce or remove factors that compromise the natural healing, health-giving and growth processes that are designed in at conception.</div> <bR> <div> Reproduction, birth and development are natures grand designs which should naturally happen through instinct and guided by particular triggers and hormones. Anything that interrupts or interferes with this natural process may harm the developing foetus and possibly its mother. There are many factors that interfere with this process such as stress and diet. </div> <bR> <div> Most of today's mothers would benefit from some degree of support to help their structures and systems produce and deliver healthy babies. Substantial changes are experienced during pregnancy, such as in weight distribution, posture and fluid balance. These can highlight old injuries, surgery and spinal problems. The deep releasing effect of CST helps with the adaptation to these changes, particularly during the last stages as the pelvis attempts to accommodate the descending foetus.</div> <bR> <div> CST is profoundly relaxing and enhances free movement in all the fluid systems: blood, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid and waste disposal. That means optimal recovery of all the healing systems. This is especially important for mothers if the birth has involved any extra difficulties, such as anaesthesia and pain control (which are thought to inhibit natural mechanical and hormonal responses required for natural birth).</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="cst_for_babies"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CST for babies</B></div> <bR> <div> The birth process itself can be as challenging and demanding to baby as it is to mother. Many babies will have experienced some kind of unnatural stress or interference by the time they are born. </div> <bR> <div> One function of a natural birth seems to be to give baby its first massage as it travels down the birth canal. All the muscles are worked, joints articulated and the cranium (skull) is squeezed and shaped. In some new-borns the cranial plates that are squeezed remain overlapped in places. A CST practitioner can help rectify this and other stresses that could impact on circulation to the brain and possibly other functions essential to baby's optimal health and development.</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>