Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using light touch practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. It is a subtle and profound healing form which assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Central Nervous System Disorders
Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Scoliosis
Infant Disorders
Colic
Learning Disabilities
Trauma, including birth trauma
Chronic Fatigue
Emotional Difficulties
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) and teeth grinding
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Surgical Dysfunction

History / background
Craniosacral Therapy developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. He discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and his further research revealed different 'tidal' rhythms in the body.

As a result of detailed clinical observation it has become clear that these movements, which can be measured with delicate scientific instruments, are a direct expression of health and offer a way of working with the physical as well as the more subtle aspects of life.

Further observation showed that these movements are also inextricably linked with mental and emotional health. Restriction of movement corresponds to a reduction of the natural capacity to self-heal. Using the hands to feel these movements allows craniosacral therapists to facilitate change in areas of restriction.

A limitation or absence of the movements implies a reduction in the expression of health which may result in, for example, numbness, a sense of something missing or disease. Craniosacral therapy has developed from clinical experience, which shows that health is something active and not just an absence of disease.

It is the expression of life, responsible for the organisation of the millions of things that are constantly happening in the body. Craniosacral therapy supports health in the body. It helps increase physical vitality and well-being not only effecting structural change but also having much wider implications, emotionally and spiritually. The resulting increased sense of well-being can help with many aspects of life life from strengthening the immune system to improving interpersonal relationships.

What happens during a Session
In a typical session, the client lies fully-clothed on the treatment table. Contact is made carefully and respectfully so that you will feel at ease with what is happening. The first thing that is usually noticed is a deep sense of relaxation, which will generally last throughout the session.

Through the development of subtle palpatory skills the practitioner can read the story of the body, identify places where issues are held and then follow the natural priorities for healing as directed by the patient's own physiology.

The result is a deep sense of relaxation and, depending on the depth or severity of the dysfunction, release of restrictions and relief from painful physical symptoms.