Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle technique that allows the client’s body to relax and begin the self-healing process. The practitioner uses light holds and minute movements to engage the nervous system, using the bones of the body and head to affect the membrane of fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, as well as the vast network of connective tissue that surrounds every organ and cell in the body. Using this approach allows the body to switch from the “fight or flight” response (sympathetic nervous system) to the “rest and digest” response (parasympathetic nervous system), which allows the body to focus its healing energy to the areas of dis-ease. The practitioner and the client work together to help the client’s body reset and correct long-held patterns of compensation and guarding, helping to release trauma from injury and emotional issues by reestablishing the connection between the body and the mind.
Craniosacral therapy works well alone or in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as massage, naturopathy, physical therapy, and acupuncture. Traditionally done while the client is fully clothed, it is wonderful for those who are new to bodywork or are uncomfortable with traditional massage. Treatments are usually one hour long, starting out at once a week for three weeks to determine what changes are being made.