Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle yet powerful form of bodywork with its origins in osteopathy. Craniosacral work addresses the whole body system and includes the idea that a very basic vital life force is at the heart of health and balance in the body. This form of therapy touches many levels of the client's experience, including emotional, mental and spiritual. However, the practice is rooted in the anatomy and physiology of the body, where patterns of imbalance and inertia can become lodged in the tissues, creating pain and dysfunction. By connecting with the core levels of health in the client, the practitioner can assist in the process of restoring normal function and vitality, which in turn can relieve pain, increase energy levels and create a sense of well-being.
In a craniosacral session, the practitioner uses a very light touch in order to contact subtle rhythmic motions in the tissues and fluids of the body. By contacting these deeper rhythms, the practitioner can detect patterns of limited movement due to congestion or restrictions. It is then possible for the practitioner to encourage movement in these areas of inertia, so that the essential forces of health can return to the restricted structures, restoring healthy function. There are two basic methods of craniosacral theraapy: Biomechanical and Biodynamic. Biomechanical craniosacral therapy relies on the practitioner's gentle hand pressure to correct imbalances in the client's system, focusing on the bones of the cranium and sacrum and the cerebrospinal fluid. Biodynamic craniosacral therapy focuses more on two slower fluid rhythms in the body which can become imbalanced, causing illness. The practitioner helps balance these rhythms in order to allow the body's own healing process to occur. In my practice, I use a combination of these two methods for optimal healing.
Craniosacral sessions may contain some massage techniques, but most benefit from solely craniosacral work. I do schedule 75-minute sessions so there is ample time for discussion, assessment and integration before and after the session. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing like you might wear for yoga or stretching.
I am certified as a Craniosacral Therapist through the Natural Health Resources Center in Seattle, WA. and have additional training in Infant and Child craniosacral therapy with Lauren Christman, LMT, CCSP.
For more detailed information, see this video about the biodynamic approach to Craniosacral Therapy: