When I heard about this technique I decided that this is not for me - not invasive manipulation, light touch, pressure not exceeding the weight of a nickel, sense the rhythms of the craniosacral fluid and work with it to bring the body to balance.That all sounded like an energy work which I did not want to go into.
Out of curiosity and professional drive for another certificate in my Curriculum vitae, I enrolled myself in a class and started to study it. Maybe I guess I was looking very sceptic so one day the teacher asked me to stay after the class. I received a session which transformed my doubt into a believe. I realized that this will be a very powerful tool in my hands to help people in a different but very deep body approach.
History
In the early 20th century osteopathic doctor W.Sutherland developed the idea that the bony plates of the scull do not fuse, but instead maintain the ability to move. this movement creates a rhythm, subtle pulse at the body's core. In the 70s osteopathic physician John Pledger , after research and tests based on Dr.Sutherlands work, he concentrated on the mechanism that moves the cerebrospinal fluid within the scull and the spinal canal. It was discovered that the fluid circulates via motions contract- expand, of the semi-closed hydraulic craniosacral system. That’s how the craniosacral therapy was born.
What is CranioSacral system?
The CranioSacral system is a physiological system.It extends from the cranium -formed by skull, face and mouth down the spinal cord to the sacrum. They attach to membranes which enclose the cerebrospinal fluid, both protecting the brain and the spinal cord.This fluid is filtered out of the blood in a dynamic feedback loop. Acting like a semi-closed Hydraulic system, the increase of fluid amount builds a pressure, bathing the brain and spinal cord. When the fluid moves, membranes move with a rate of 6-12 cycle per minute.
What to expect?
Based on the information about your physical, mental and emotional stage therapist makes a contact with your body by placing hands on different parts to feel the internal rhythm and waves. Sometimes that feels like a long time before moving hands to other areas, following the restriction patterns, releasing blockages and balancing the body.You lie face up, clothes on or you can undress if that helps you relax better. It is a silent, light touch but deep connection which can put in sleep.
Do not expect major shifts and a feeling of post massage full body euphoria you are used to. Even though that can happen, you mostly will experience a general sense of great well being.
How does it benefit you?
Craniosacral work increases the motion and fluidity through the system and wakes up the body's self correction and healing. it is a work with the waves to remove the restricted obstacles and symptoms from Physical pain, emotional or spiritual trauma. It opens the stuck aspects on deeper mental and emotional levels and carries that into the functional level- helps relax muscles and lengthen connective tissue. The inner shift changes the way you move.
Helps with:
headache
stress
neck pain
movement restrictions
back pain
TMJ
joint, soft tissue stagnation
injuries
It is recommended that you do 6-10 sessions but it depends on the severity of the issues.
You can combine it with other activities and therapies to create a whole healing experience.