Cranio Sacral Therapy

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a technique of healing that takes the body to a state of rest and repair to allow it to achieve and maintain optimum wellbeing.

Physiology

The nervous system is divided into the following:

• the central nervous system (CNS) consisting of the brain and spinal cord;
• the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consisting of the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS); and
• the enteric nervous system (ENS) consisting of the nerves dealing with digestive processes.

Craniosacral therapy deals with the nervous system. The brain and spine are supported by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which flows around the spinal chord. The craniosacral therapist uses an extremely light touch to facilitate the rhythmic flow of CSF throughout the central nervous system.

The body’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) has two branches: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic.

• the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) manifests itself through the fight or flight response; and
• the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) through the ‘rest and digest’ state.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic states are complementary – both are imperative to human survival. Where the SNS is activated, there should be equal time afforded for recovery by the PNS. Unfortunately most people are often too busy to allow their bodies to be in the rest and repair state. Through increasing the flow of CSF and removing blockages, the craniosacral therapist can facilitate the transition from a sympathetic state to a parasympathetic state, which is why many clients will feel a deep state of relaxation, both during and following treatment.

What to expect from a treatment:

When you present for a craniosacral therapy session you will be invited into a relaxing room where you will be asked to lay fully clothed on a massage table. The technique involves the therapist placing their hands at key points of the body, including the head, the feet or the sacrum. Using a very light touch to the skin your craniosacral therapist will facilitate the flow of CSF using gentle touch. Often you won’t feel anything other than light touch and a sense of relaxation, however rest assured that your body is doing the work to rest and repair itself.

The most commonly reported responses to the therapy include a reduction in pain, an increase in mobility, less stress and less burdened by emotional issues. You will notice shifts and changes occurring in your body – it will feel like a very subtle energy that moves within you well after treatment has finished.

Cranio refers to the cranium, or head, and Sacral refers to the base of the spine and tailbone

Training

Joan Fisher has been a qualified and practicing massage therapist for over 20 years. She is also a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist having obtaining her Diploma with ‘Body Intelligence Training’ under the watchful eye of Ged Sumner. She has also studied with the Upledger Institute, one of the pioneers of cranialsacral therapy. Continual professional development has included workshops at the Cranial Sacral School in Adelaide with teachers including Hugh Milne, Georgia Milne and Micheal Shea.

Conditions:

According to the Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists (PACT) the following is a list of just some of conditions which have been known to respond favourably to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy:

Allergies
Arthritis
Asthma/Bronchitis
Autism
Back Pain
Birth Trauma
Bladder conditions
Bone disorders
Breathing disorders
Cerebral Palsy
Chronic Fatigue
Colic
Dental/jaw/TMJ trauma
Depression
Digestive problems
Emotional issues
Exhaustion
Fibroids
Fluid retention
Headaches
Hormonal problems
Hyperactivity
High blood pressure
Infertility
Insomnia/sleep disorders
Joint disorders
Low immunity
ME
Menstrual pain
Migraines
Morning sickness
Muscular pain
Nervous disorders
Neuralgia
Postnatal depression
Premature birth
Sciatica
Sinusitis
Sprains/strains
Stress
Stroke
Visual problems