Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a complementary therapy with its origins in osteopathy. It is a gentle yet profound way of supporting our health and wellbeing.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a hands-on therapy that uses light touch. ‘Cranio’ means relating to the cranium or upper part of the skull, and ‘sacral’ relates to the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine between the hip bones. CST has developed from the insight of Dr William Sutherland, an osteopath who was a pioneer of cranial osteopathy.
Craniosacral therapists work with the presence of subtle rhythmic motions that are expressed within the body (particularly the head, spine, and pelvis). The free and balanced expression of these subtle motions is related to our state of health and vitality. The therapist can evaluate if there are any imbalances within the body and use a range of non-invasive therapeutic skills to relax and thereby promote self-healing within the client.
The body has self-healing capabilities and is constantly striving for good health. Craniosacral therapy can facilitate this natural propensity for balance and a feeling of wellbeing.
CST recognises and assists the connections between body, mind and emotions. Through the simplicity of gentle listening touch, it offers a distinctive stillness that allows your mind and body to rest deeply and begin to restore natural balance. In the peaceful space created during a session, these strands can become more fully integrated.
Who is Craniosacral Therapy suitable for?
I work with adults, and young people and welcome all clients, whether they have health challenges or are wishing to maintain optimal health and vitality.
I have a special interest in stress, and regularly work with clients who are finding stress is having a negative impact on their health.
As it is so gentle and non-invasive, CST is suitable for those in the post-operative period or recovering from an accident or illness.
CST is a perfect complement to talking therapies. Physically processing emotional issues and trauma held in the body supports the work of counselling and psychotherapy.
Some clients come for treatments simply because they find the quiet space created in a craniosacral session nourishing and a counterbalance to their busy lives.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to know if CST might be suitable for you.
What happens in a treatment?
CST treatments last an hour. On your first visit, please allow extra time as I will take your medical history and listen to your reasons for seeking treatment.
The treatment is carried out fully clothed with you lying on a treatment couch, but if you have difficulty with mobility, we can find a position that is comfortable for you.
I will make a light contact with my hands and do not use manipulation.
Your body will govern how the session unfolds and it will set the pace of the treatment.
CST is a sensory experience and therefore subjective, so your own experience will be unique. However the most common experience is one of relaxation, a deepening of the breath and settling into the body.
How many treatments will I need?
We can begin to get an idea of how many treatments you will need when you have your first session. Your current state of health will determine how the treatments proceed.
Clients sometimes notice an improvement in symptoms after one or two sessions, but chronic conditions and work to help resolve trauma will take longer.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to know if CST might be suitable for you. You will find more information about CST on the Craniosacral Therapy Association website.
Craniosacral therapy is intended to complement not replace the relationship with your medical practitioner. If you have a particular medical concern, we would always recommend that you consult your GP. Craniosacral therapists do not diagnose or prescribe medication.