Relax with Safe Hands in Craniosacral Therapy

by SharonHartnett | Apr 22, 2017 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K

Good news! You can Relax again

Do you want to get your mind and body back on track? Find a way to relax again?

Most people who come into my office are looking for help in one of the four following situations:

Chronic Pain
Anxiety
PTSD
Concussions and TBI’s

Craniosacral Therapy in particular seems to address the symptoms associated with these conditions well.

One of the reasons why I became so intrigued with the Craniosacral type of work was that my practice attracted these types of issues, and I wanted to find a way to really connect and serve my clients. It was easy for me to see that many of the people who came in for a massage were feeling tense, and uncomfortable with their bodies. They were feeling stressed and afraid. So the first question I asked myself, was how do I help these people to feel better? And of course- the first thing that seemed necessary was to create a positive and trusting environment that allowed for deep healing.

How did I do start this journey?

I studied massage and bodywork, but also delved into body centered psychotherapy. With 2 years invested in Hakomi and some time studying trauma at SPI, I gained a good understanding of techniques. But I also went and had my own sessions so that I could expand and deepen my experience and hold a more rich and diverse space for clients to open up. I sincerely believe, that the more present we can be with ourselves as facilitators to the healing process, the more we are present for our clients. Furthermore, I studied at the Upledger Institute into the Advanced Levels, as well as going through the Highest Certification possible with them: The Diplomate. For this, I learned their methods on how to work with people on the table who were in need of emotional processing. This work is called SomatoEmotional work.

Some of the common principles that I work with are:

Creating Sacred Space- A place of safety and trust.
Allowing organic process to appear. No forcing or pushing, but rather being in time and space together.
Mindfulness- bringing awareness to the body in a gentle and kind way.
Using light touch that is caring. This allows the defensive patterns to be bypassed to go deeper.
Being aware of healthy boundaries
No giving advice. The Client has their own inner wisdom that can be engaged for self-empowerment.
Listening on various levels. Clients have much to say verbally, but also non-verbally. The body is a crucial aspect of the healing process.
Trusting the tissues, and the dialogue that happens in the silence.
Staying curious and in neutral. This means no judgments.
Keeping the work confidential unless instructed otherwise by client.
Using techniques that are supportive and nourishing.

Coming into the office, it’s important to find out for each individual, what helps them to relax. Sometimes people with anxiety and PTSD don’t have a clue how to do that. They may be used to living with hyper vigilance, guilt, disassociation, and or intrusive thoughts, just to name a few challenges. People who are tense or/and are in pain might not be able to focus on anything else. And I as the Craniosacral Therapist need to understand that there might be trauma, violence or emotional scarring that needs to be acknowledged.

So I listen to see what the stressors are. We address them one by one in a variety of ways. Sometimes this may take a few minutes and the person is snoring on the table, and other times, it may take many sessions. With patience, often the gentle touch of Craniosacral Therapy can sooth the Central Nervous system. I have had clients tell me after a few sessions that they can’t remember ever being so relaxed. The Craniosacral Therapy works with the cerebrospinal fluid that circulates around the brain and the spinal cored. Believe it or not, we craniosacral therapists can feel how it works with the body through a flexion and extension motion that can be felt anywhere on the body. Often when the system shuts off, we can tell when something significant is occurring, helping the body to release any cellular dysfunctioning. Our intention is to continue to support in as gentle a way a possible whatever unfolds and is ready to process. Also, I have personally studied the brain quite a bit, and find that is possible to directly dialogue with the tissues (i.e. meninges). Often clients who have not healed completely from concussions and TBI’s find great relief, more clarity, balance and presence after a series of sessions.

The key to learning how to relax again, and to letting go of painful and fearful states, is to bring awareness back to self in a kind, and compassionate manner. To be able to work together going deep into the Central Nervous System, we can help the body to come into better organization in its more natural way of being.

If you would like to find a way to relax again, safe hands and safe presence will help you to remember the way.

FAQ Page

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Worthington, Ohio|Serving the Columbus Area

614 653-8111

To find out more about Craniosacral Therapy, check out my main page.

www.upledger.com

Feeling Overwhelmed by Life?

by SharonHartnett | Apr 12, 2017 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K

Overwhelmed is nothing more than leaving the current moment in our thinking.

One of the reasons why Craniosacral Therapy is so helpful to clients who are feeling overwhelmed is because the act of gently and trustingly touching a person can wake up the sensations in the body. Working with techniques as well as intention can bring the work to a whole new level of allowing awareness to grow. When a therapist works with the Craniosacral Rhythm, we are listening to what is happening is that specific interaction between therapist and client. We are curious about what IS…. and what the next wave of motion is going to be. By staying present in the moment with ourselves, we hold a template of sorts to bring our clients there with us.

Overwhelmed

Of course, even while staying present in the moment, the mind can wander in so many directions. There are stories, thoughts, beliefs that are melded with our emotions and our sensations. And often when we feel a sense of being overwhelmed, it is because we have at some level resisting allowing those to arise and to diffuse with the greater whole. First in the body, and then with the whole of life outside of the body.

By listening to the body, we can stay in neutral and support the upwelling of the creative wave. Things that have been suppressed, forgotten, avoided can re-emerge and take flight. People begin to feel alive again, with more vitality and a sense of empowerment. This though, can take courage because it was carefully wrapped up and tucked away for a good reason. And that may be scary, controlled or frozen. Craniosacral Therapy can help the therapist- client relationship to build trust, and a kind exchange of information that can unlock the non-consious. It is done organically and without advice, but rather with holding, care, and connection.

When we can slow down, breathe and learn Presence, it can alter our world. When we focus on what is right in our immediate lives with focus and clarity, it’s easier to love and to be kind. It’s easier to find peace when we are jumping into the future or escaping the past. It the moment, everything we need is available and present.

Whether you try Craniosacral Therapy or not, mindfulness and meditation can do much to alleviate the stresses of overwhelm.

Eckhart Tolle quote: Surrender is the simple but profound wisdom of yielding to rather than opposing the flow of life.

A mind at war is one that is fixed in judgment, or guilt or shame.

Life can only get easier when we go with life as it is. And help create the next creation with conscious choices.

My thoughts for the night about being overwhelmed. What say you?

Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST-D, SI, BHSP

740 966-5153

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

www.upledger.com

Happy Feet Make for a Happy Person

by SharonHartnett | Apr 9, 2017 | Massage

As a Massage Therapist, I see plenty of feet.

As people age, the feet seem to get more and more neglected for many people. Except the women who treat themselves to pedicures often:) Yet think about how important our feet are. They move us about everywhere we go. If we have happy feet, it’s a lot easier to be happy people!

Feet

Foot care helps us to keep them healthy, and prevent pain and other foot issues.

Foot Care:

Beginning with hygiene, start by keeping your feet clean and dry. Towel them off well after a shower or bath, to prevent fungal infections. Also, by using a textured cloth, you can help promote good circulation and more efficient skin cell replacement.

Every now and then, after you finish with your cleansing routine, check your toe nails and skin, especially if you have diabetes. The feet can signal problems that can be seen by easy observation.

Soaks with a good scrub can be very comforting and refreshing to the feet. This can help to exfoliate.

Trim nails carefully. Ingrown toenails can be very uncomfortable and lead to infection.

Choose well sized footwear. I have seen women come into my office whose feet are shaped like high heel shoes and in very odd shapes. Honestly. This is horrible for the feet as well as the posture.

Don’t share shoes or go barefoot in public places, especially shower. Dirty.

Stretch each foot with rollers, on steps, or 1/2 cylinders to help in the arches. When we walk, we are meant to have flexible feet.

Wiggle your toes and exercise your feet. I have noticed many seniors who have lost most of their awareness of their ankles and feet and can hardly move them.

Foot massage feels great. It can improve how you feel dramatically.

Don’t wait to long to see a physician if you have foot pain. It’s always better to be as proactive as possible when it comes to health.

Good Travels,

Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST-D, SI, BHSP

740 966-5153

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

Meaning of Life in Waking Up

by SharonHartnett | Mar 27, 2017 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K

The Meaning of Life… Waking Up. What does that mean to you?

So many people these days are so busy running their errands, taking care of things, and reaching for success. No problem with that. The Meaning of Life is in the doing.

But there are some people who have stopped and realized that real value means something else. And what usually happens is that when it becomes clear that there aren’t any real answers to life’s questions in the busyness, they begin to slow down and take account. In the quiet, they begin to get introspective and to start listening to another voice. A lighter voice. And that becomes clearer as they find their path to Waking Up. As that happens the Universe in its Divine Pleasure starts to resonate with the new direction of the Mind. The Meaning of Life is found and deepens as it illuminates each moment along the way.

The Meaning of Life can be discovered more easily using The Law of Attraction. Basically, what this means is that what you focus on is what you create in your life. In some of the New Age material, they suggest that you focus on the positive if that is what you want in your life. That can work miraculously as long as one is clear. But I would suggest taking it a step further and also acknowledging what is stressful as these situations arise and blocks your create flow with an objective as possible view. Because if we don’t do that- that thought can still take precedence over what we are thinking. As much as we might want to be positive, the unconscious mind shows up quite frequently in how we perceives things whether “for the good or the bad”. So it is important to notice our thinking process first, how we react to outside situations, and to accept What Is As It is. When we are at peace with ourselves and our relationships, even for just a moment- that clears the way for the next wave of Creation. Question the truth or the realness of those stressful thoughts too, and you’ll be amazed at how life can change. I recommend highly www.thework.com to get you on your way.

As we begin to let go of those stressful thoughts, that “like” energy will attract other “like” consciousness to us. When our minds are freed, we are open to that next thing that wants to happen. A mind that is Waking Up finds relief in day to day living. It begins to recognize that it is easier to drop resistance and duality. A mind that is Waking up sense a joy, even if it had been hidden for a long time. And this joy is more pervasive and long-term than a temporary material happiness. It is something that bubbles from within.

There are many people on the planet now who are Waking Up. These are the free thinkers who see that love and kindness are essential. They understand that the the heart can open and lead the way for the mind. These are the people who own their own craziness and have the courage to walk through the fire to know peace. Waking Up can be found anywhere. It is God talking to us and we are the listeners. We do so in surrender because we have learned to trust the compassionate light and its nourishment as Spirit lights the way for our human selves.

Each person has a way that they see the world. It is unique and made only for him/her. And all life is precious. But if we truly want to make a positive impact in our lives and with those we love, we must learn to be mindful and release all the learned beliefs that tell us that we are separate or different. True meaning instead, is about interconnection, and recognizing that we are all made of the same cloth with an opportunity to express it in different ways. But we must clear the way and focus on what brings us pleasure and warmness to our hearts for as much times as we can. Because that will allow of mutual partnership to flourish and make this a better world.

Joy

So Y’All. It’s time to sing together in peace. What say you?

Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST-D, SI, BHP

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

740 966-5153

Concussion Health with Craniosacral Therapy Glial Work

by SharonHartnett | Mar 20, 2017 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, mind body & spirit

A concussion is a traumatic type of brain injury that is impacted by some type of fall, blow or injury.

A concussion is not something to be taken lightly. I know. After treating many other people for concussions, I now am facing my own. I fell off my horse while landing on my buttocks and back, and also hit my head. Fortunately, I was wearing a good helmut. Since that time, I have rested quite a bit for the past two weeks, stopped most reading and writing, and took off even from the television for a bit. My doctor told me the best thing I could do is lay down in bed and close my eyes. I did the best I could, and it’s finally paying off. In the last few days, I have been applying some Craniosacral Therapy techniques to myself and have noticed an even better rate of improvement. Enough to think clearly and to write this short blog.

Fortunately, I did not lose consciousness, but I did lose my steadiness, and did get headaches for a while if I overdid it. I am so happy to be feeling better every day. Most people will fully recover from concussions, but others may not. Especially if there have been multiple incidents. So please take your health seriously. See a physician if you have any concerns that you have a concussion and make sure that self care is your priority.

Craniosaral with a focus on Glial Cells

Craniosaral for a Concussion with a focus on Glial Cells
I am in the process of setting up some appointment with a peer who does Craniosacral Therapy but also a therapist who knows how to focus on working with the glial cells. Why the glial cells? Lately, it has become increasingly better understood that the glial cells play a very important role in the functioning of the brain. In a class that I recently took from Tad Wanveer (an Upledger.com) therapist and teacher, I learned that through light biomechanics intention, dialogue and touch, that an experienced therapist can create wonderful improvements in how the brain works. The way that Tad explains this in his book, “Brain Stars, glia illuminating craniosacral therapy,” The Glia is more than glue. It is also plays an integral part in:

CNS development
Maintaining homeostasis
Supplying nutrients and oxygen
Synapse formation
healing injured neurons
sensory signaling
motor signaling
Cleansing of the CNS
Healing,
Production of the cerebrospinal fluid
Immune Response in the brain
Insulating
Flow regulation
Memory Processing
To destroy and Remove Waste
If the glia become over stressed or the environment in which they live- toxic, the CNS can be adversely toxic.

The good news is that the Glia can be touched and supported in a way that can repair and expedite the healing process.

As Tad says, ” Glial cells and neurons form and interdependent structural and functional system throughout the CNS that is fused with the Craniosacral System (CSS). This fusion ties place where glial cells attach to the pay matter membrane. The pain matter membrane in the innermost membrane layer of the CSS. It interconnects wit the other CSS membrane layers (meninges), and these layers connect to the bones of the cranium and spinal column. This bone to membrane to glial matrix is a dynamic biomechanical pathway CST practitioners cause use to help their clients correct nervous system dysfunction.”

In this class, I learned to touch into many parts of the brain and spinal cord. By listening and identifying through the different layers, one can come to appreciate the body’s innate ability to self-correct from a deep well of wisdom within. It is very possible to feel into structural and physiological restrictions and then to find a balance point for correction and to create better flow and drainage. In a more optimal environment, it is much easier for the brain and spine to heal.

It’s a bit ironic to me that my focus recently has been to work more and more with people who have concussions and TBI’s. And here I sit, healing with my own. But I feel very confident in the results I have had as a therapist with others, and also in my ability to work with myself, but also having incredible experiences from other therapists before. I know I am getting better, and this will resolve itself. I am back to working a light case load (craniosacral is not hard on the body or mind), and enjoying the miracles of interaction.

If you are feeling stressed about a concussion, please do take seriously that it is important to rest and heal. But I am here to tell you that there are some other integrative therapies that you docs may not know about. Craniosacral Therapy is an amazing hands on approach based on science, and experience that has helped countless others. At www.upledger.org you can see that the Upledger Institute has been helping football player to heal and feel better.

If you are local to the local Columbus area, and have a concussion, please give a call, and I am happy to offer a free 15 minute phone consult. Or look at www. upledger.com and find a Certified Therapist near you.

I can’t wait to get my hand’s on work ASAP!

FAQ Page

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Worthington, Ohio|Serving the Columbus Area

614 653-8111

To find out more about Craniosacral Therapy, check out my main page.

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