Craniosacral therapy

What is craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy is a very gentle yet profound healing therapy in which the therapist listens with her hands to the subtle patterns and rhythms of the body – not only to the fluid body but also to the muscles, bones, tissues and energy fields. Working on the principle that health is always present, the therapist aims to assist the body’s natural tendency to repair itself.

Craniosacral Therapy developed from discoveries made by Dr William Sutherland an American osteopath over one hundred years ago. He noticed instrinsic movements of the bones of the skull and later research revealed rhythmic tidal motions in the fluid systems of the body. He considered these movements to be a direct expression of health.

Since then Craniosacral Therapy has grown 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 immensely complex internal body. Craniosacral Therapy supports these internal ordering principles. It helps increase physical vitality and well-being not only effecting structural change but also having much wider implications, emotionally and spiritually. This increased sense of well-being can help with many aspects of life from strengthening the immune system to improving interpersonal relationships.

Craniosacral therapy is so gentle that it is suitable for babies, children and the elderly, as well as adults and people in fragile or acutely painful conditions.

What happens in a session?

The therapist will ask you to lie fully clothed on the treatment table before making contact. Contact may be made most commonly at the head, feet or sacrum. However, your therapist may feel drawn to make contact anywhere in the body – always with your permission. The early minutes of the session are often ones in which settling and relaxation occurs. You may feel the stress and strains of your busy day begin to fade away as you start to experience a sense of deep relaxation and stillness.

At this point the therapist will follow the priority of your body listening with her hands to what needs attention. She may move to a new position or change her hand hold in order to facilitate a state of balance and deeper stillness. You may feel different sensations in your body or experience a “meditation like” state. Tight muscles may begin to soften and you may begin to feel more spacious in different areas of your body. It is not uncommon for emotions to arise, however, the therapist will work with you to make sure you feel comfortable and safe with anything you experience.

Sometimes the benefits are not immediately noticeable but may take a few days to to become obvious. The work can involve resolution of past events and is often profoundly relaxing, deeply moving and exhilarating. It can be considered a fascinating exploration of your inner landscape.