Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
The various modern approaches to Craniosacral Therapy have their roots in the work of William Garner Sutherland (1873-1954). Sutherland was an American osteopath and a student of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of Osteopathy. Sutherland’s work spanned over 50 years and is practised by many osteopaths who refer to it as Cranial Osteopathy. In the late 1970s another American osteopath, John Upledger, began to teach cranial work to non-osteopaths, and coined the name ‘Craniosacral Therapy’.
How does cranioscral Therapy work?
The cerebrospinal fluid at the very core of the body, which bathes the central nervous system, has an inherent fluctuation that can be sensed as a ‘tide-like’ motion. This motion can be felt through the bones of the skull and sacrum, but can also be sensed throughout the whole body, carried by the body’s fluids. The free-flow of this movement, or ‘tide’ is essential to the health of every cell and system of the body. Craniosacral Therapists help facilitate the processes of change necessary for healing to take place by working with our craniosacral system.
What conditions can it help with?
What is unique about Craniosacral Therapy is its ability to work with the source of symptoms on every level, whether mental, physical or emotional, and can therefore address a wide variety of conditions.
For example, if the body has had to cope with illness, injury, shock or long-term stress, then its capacity for self-healing can become compromised.
Commonly, Craniosacral Therapy can help with issues such as:
- Stress and trauma
- Chronic fatigue
- Back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Joint pain
- Digestive disorders
- Emotional and psychological disturbances
Craniosacral therapy can help the whole person to recover a sense of vitality and flow, allowing the body to subtly re-organise and re-balance towards its original state of health. Therefore, it can also be used to support overall health and wellbeing on an ongoing basis, helping to develop a sense of grounding and resilience throughout life’s challenges.
NB. Craniosacral Therapy is not intended as primary healthcare but to work alongside the relationship you have with your doctor.
What can I expect from a session?
Your practitioner uses their hands and senses to listen to the subtle rhythmic motions in your body, as well as to where there might be places of ‘stuckness’ or stasis. Because the body functions as a whole, your practitioner may focus on areas other than where your symptoms occur. Through the session, they help support the unfolding of the healing process guided by your body’s own profound intelligence. All this will highlight your individual needs and the practitioner will respond accordingly in verbal dialogue with you and your experience.
Will Craniosacral Therapy only involve my head and spine?
Do I need to undress for the session?
Clients remain fully clothed through the duration of the session.
How many sessions will I need?
Craniosacral Therapy allows the process of change to take place by meeting your body at its own pace, so treatment may require several sessions and the amount will vary from person to person.
Some people like to continue receiving treatment even after their symptoms have resolved, as they find that the work supports them in other areas of their life.
How much does it cost?
-
£50 for 60 minutes
- Bundle of £140 for 3 sessions (payable in advance)
- 20% discount for NHS Staff and NUS Students
Useful Links
https://www.karuna-institute.co.uk/
http://cranio.co.uk/biodynamic-craniosacral-articles/index.shtml
