What is Craniosacral Massage?

by SharonHartnett | Jul 10, 2024 | concussion, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, healing, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit, stillpoint, upledger institute

What is Craniosacral Massage?

Many people call me asking for Craniosacral Massage. The first thing I do is listen to why a person wants to come in.

People speak about their health issues, and often state that they have heard about Craniosacral Massage. Yet they don’t really know what it is. It’s important to me to take the time to explain the foundational basics, and then to make sure they question and understand if this work is a good match for what they are looking for.

So I do want to start by clarifying that Craniosacral Therapy is not actually “Massage”. Instead, it is a light touch manual therapy with a very different focus. It’s based on the Craniosacral System and how it relates primarily to the Nervous System. Just to name a few, it’s great for people dealing with:

Chronic Pain
Headaches/Migraines/Concussions
Fibromyalgia
People looking for Body Centered Help with Trauma Release
Scoliosis
TMJ
Anxiety

You can find out more on the Cleveland Clinic site:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17677-craniosacral-therapy

or through the Upledger Institute.

Also, there is a big difference between practitioners and therapists. Practitioners may have taken a class, whereas therapists going through a rigorous process to get certified through the Upledger Institute are much more thorough and deep into the work.

While the touch of Craniosacral Therapy is very light and simple in a way, there is actually alot of complex anatomy and techniques to learn, as well as taking the time to gain experience in order to become a professional and helpful therapist. So if you are looking for a qualified person to meet your needs, ask them about their backgrounds and specilties.

I love Craniosacral Therapy because it can help almost everyone. Craniosacral Therapy is also attentive and gentle-yet profound. It nudges the body into self-healing and deeper awareness. There are a few contraindications, but for the most part everyone can appreicate a healthier nervous system, more balance and fluidity through their bodies.

If you would like to find out more about Craniosacral Therapy, not craniosacral massage, please contact me and I offere free 10 minute phone consults.

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Serving the Columbus Ohio Area

6797 N. High St. #333

Worthington, Ohio 43085

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How To Find Relief from Clenching

by SharonHartnett | Jul 3, 2024 | concussion, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K

Clenching: You Deserve to Feel Better!

Is it possible to stop Clenching?

Bruxism is the name of the condition when you grind or are clenching your teeth. Up to about 30 % of people do this. Some people are aware that they clench. And others not.

Clenching often happens when a person is stressed and awake. At other times, the clenching happens while sleeping at night. Eventually it is discovered, because it leads to pain or other issues like sleep disorders, pain in the face, issues with breathing, tinittus, and swallowing issues.

On a personal level, I began to experience it after some concussions. My jaw became misaligned. Hitting ones head can also cause lots of stress when the cranium is knocked around.

I went to the dentist, and she gave me a mouth guard. It was so uncomfortable I couldn’t wear it. Also, being a Craniosacral Therapist, I knew that it also inhibited the natural movement of the maxilla. Didn’t work. I will be honest and say that clenching has caused me a lot of issues. On the positive note, I can also say that with persistence, one can help to alleviate and sometimes release all the tension contributing to bruxism. It is possible to stop, but it may take patience to unwind all the causes which contribute to the condition.

Being a Craniosacral Therapist, I have worked in my own mouth, and that has helped me considerably. Releasing all the tension around the hyoid muscles is key. Also working around the TMJ joint. Above are some pictures to show you the inter-relationship between the the neck and jaw muscles. The Upledger Institute teaches a whole protocol on mouthwork which is very beneficial. I enjoy working with people just to see the relief they find with mouth work.

Also facing your stress and anxiety with gentleness, while receiving some help can change your life and heal the body as well. There are many somatic approaches to addressing the body that are profound and create postive change. Some examples are Hakomi, SE Work, Upledger SER therapy and such.

Also myofunctional therapists can help with exercises.

Dendending on the stress and structure, it may take time to release and integrate the stressed from clenching. But there is help available.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.cranioacraltherapistcolumbus.com

www.upledger.com

6797 N. High St. #333

Worthington, Ohio 43085

by SharonHartnett | Mar 27, 2024 | concussion, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit, Structural Integration

Young people and older people are getting forward neck posture. All the computers and the cell phones contribute greatly. But also all the sitting Americans do. It’s not good. If I had to do it again, I’d start squatting and learn yoga or pilates early on. I’d make them a life practice. But life being what it is in our culture- our postures are often misaligned as we get older. But there are things we can do to have more freedom of motion.

In my opinion, massage can help. But someone who specializes in fascia is the best bet. The fascia wraps around and through everything in the body superficially to the deep. From macro to micro and reversed. It’s a living tissue that contains and keeps us alive and in motion. When we nourish the fascia and help it remember its ability to be vital, pain can disappear.

I have clients in their 50’s and on up. They can hardly move their necks when they first come in. They are told it is arthritis. Well, they may have arthritis, but it’s the tissues that restrict or allow motion. It’s the fluids dancing with the structure that makes the change. If things can start to soften, spread and move, the bones can be adjusted or perhaps move back on their own. It’s like a wrapping. If it’s tight and stiff- how does life nourish or relinquish what it no longer needs?

Of course there are minerals, vitamins, PT and other things which can help (all part of the HELP team), but the fascia is key. People, whose doctors tell them it’s arthritis often don’t talk about the benefits of fascial work. I think this is a big mistake not including it in health protocols. In addition, learning Feldenkrais, Continuum and other movement exercises that are gentle can be essential and really help too. People don’t have to stay stuck or frozen internally. At any age, we can make choices that will help us. It may not correct the issue 100%, but it can make a huge difference.

Friends, move yourself in different ways. Be proactive with your health. We all have habits that aren’t easy to break, and when this happens- there is always someone out there with skill and experience who is willing to help. It may take time and patience. Take care-no matter which route you take.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D
7035091792
www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

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Craniosacral Columbus

by SharonHartnett | Dec 3, 2018 | Craniosacral Therapy, concussion, craniosacral, mind body & spirit, mindfulness, upledger institute

Craniosacral Columbus

During the last 20 years, I have thrown myself into Craniosacral Columbus work. Why? Because I have seen so many positive results for my clients without having to dig in. I don’t have to create pain for the gentle release of pain to happen. It’s much easier for my clients.

For many years, I focused on deep connective tissue work. I thought that by leaning my body weight in that I could get great results. Often I did. But that type of work can be quite uncomfortable. So, I decided to go for the more light touch work that worked with the body rather than pushing through, to see if I could get as impressive results for pain relief and integration. I do!

When a Craniosacral Therapist listens, your body tells us where there are restrictions throught the rhytym of the functioning of the cerebral spinal fluid, and also the fascia. This “inner guidance” directs us where to go and how to support the Central Nervous (Brain & Spine Connection) system to function at its best.

The more I practiced Craniosacral Columbus therapy, I began to see my clients go deeper inside, releasing tensions and often stuck emotions. Their bodies relaxed. Their stressed disappeared. Many times, I have had clients falls deep into sleep after not being able to sleep for weeks. The fascia began to melt so easily, excess energy released, and people woke up with no pain, feeling clearer and happier.

This was an easy decision. If I could help clients… people in pain from car accidents, those dealing with concussions, and neck and back pain, those with high anxiety- the picture was clear. I found my way to serve.

If you would like to find out more about Craniosacral Columbus therapy work, contact Sharon Hartnett CST-D for information. She is an accomplished Certified Diplomate CST therapist who has reached the highest certification through the Upledger Institute. She has close to 30 years of experience in bodywork, massage, Hakomi and other healing techniques.

Craniosacral Columbus

Located in Johnstown, right outside of New Albany on a beautiful horse farm. On Fridays, bringing Craniosacral Therapy at its highest level to Worthington, Ohio!

If you haven’t found stress relief or for your body pains, please call for a free 15 minute consultation at 703 509-1792! Looking forward to meeting and serving.

Warmly, Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacralatherapistcolumbus.com

#craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral Therapy Worthington Ohio

by SharonHartnett | Jan 4, 2018 | mind body & spirit, better posture, concussion, craniosacral, fibromyalgia, Structural Integration, upledger institute

Open for Craniosacral Therapy Worthington

Sharon Hartnett CST-D (Craniosacral Therapist Diplomate through the Upledger Institute.)

703 509-1792

My new hours for this location: 6797 N. High St. #333 Worthington, Ohio are Tuesdays and Fridays.

I am so excited to be going into the city two times per week to serve my clients. Recently, a great opportunity arose where one of my friends who has a beautiful office, let me know that she is willing to share with me. So for all my clients driving out to Johnstown- this is your opportunity to schedule a time closer by, with less driving. For those of you who are currently looking for a Craniosacral Therapist in the Worthington area, here is your chance! Craniosacral Therapy Worthington- here we come!

To Celebrate: I am offering a discounted rate for new clients at $125.00 for an hour during the month of October.

Craniosacral Therapist

A bit about Craniosacral Therapy Worthington…

Craniosacral Therapy is great for most everyone. This work is so gentle and yet profound. The focus is on working with the rhythm of the craniosacral system to look for and release restrictions that negatively impact the Central Nervous System. What I find the best results with are: trauma-releasing emotional blocks, back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, concussions and basically for decreasing stress. But I also have clients who enjoy experiencing more balance, vitality and overall better health after a few sessions.

I also offer myofascial therapy for structural issues. I have been working with fascia for close to 30 years.

For more information, check out www.upledger.com

Check out my website at: www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Sharon Hartnett CST-D, LMT, SI, Hakomi, BHSP

703 509-1792

Craniosacral Therapy Upledger

by SharonHartnett | Nov 26, 2017 | Craniosacral Therapy, concussion, craniosacral

What is Craniosacral Therapy Upledger Style?

Massage Therapy is beneficial to overall health and wellbeing. In fact, the AMTA says that most clients come in due to medical reasons. Some of the advantages of typical massage are: it generally reduces many different types of pain, increases circulation, reduces muscle tension just to name a few ways it can help. Craniosacral Therapy Upledger Style is a specific type of massage therapy that is quite different than what you are probably used to. The techniques and intention are not so much a flowing type of effleurage motion that glides over the skin, but rather, a listening type of interaction between therapist and client.

Dr. John Upledger, Co-Founder of the Upledger Institute based his Craniosacral Therapy on working with the “Inner Physician”. He believed and experienced over and over again, the body’s own ability to heal through self-discovery and with Craniosacral techniques. Having a career as an osteopathic physician, he decided to teach as many people as possible the fine art of Craniosacral Therapy with its gentle and profound touch. Through his research and Intensive Therapy Programs, he found great positive healing changes of many patients who could not find the same help elsewhere. As a result, the Upledger Institute has grown and reached its arms across the world.

Dr. John Upledger

Being a student and a Diplomate level Craniosacral Therapist under the Upledger teachings, I can say, that many of my clients have also experienced deep healing on many levels. The best successes I have seen are in reducing pain, correcting postural imbalances, healing concussions, fibromyalgia, and with decreasing stress. In most cases, my clients have become more self aware, and more stable emotionally too, especially with the SomatoEmotional Release Work. The reason why this is so is that the Central Nervous system is addressed in such a way that people can find more of their center. For example, if some one is highly stressed, often they will calm down. If someone is lethargic, their energy can pick up, especially when pain restrictions in the fascia are relieved. After all, it takes energy to keep pain going! And when the brain and the spine have clearer and easier communication, one finds better functioning.

Craniosacral Therapy Upledger focuses on working with the craniosacral rhythm. You might wonder, how we therapists do this in a session? Well, basically the cerebrospinal fluid is created in the brain, and it flows through mostly the subarachnoid space around the brain and the spine. It creates a flexion and extension movement that can be felt anywhere on the body. We lightly place our hands at certain listen stations to get an idea where there is optimal functioning or where there are restrictions. As we continue to follow what the rhythm and tissues show us, the body starts to let go with the techniques that are being used. Dysfunctional patterns release, allowing each cell, tissue, organ and such to work most efficiently. What is really cool about this, is that the body has its own inner wisdom. It can lead the therapist to support it to find what most needs to be healed, exactly as it needs to heal.

Most sessions are about one hour long. But Intensive Therapy Sessions can be extremely helpful when possible. I have been at 5 day intensives and seen miraculous results. Especially with multi-hand work. The sessions are done with clients fully clothed. The therapist may be quiet, but if something significant shows up, there may be a conversation. This type of conversation is not like psychotherapy, but rather a session where the Craniosacral Therapist helps you to find your own answers, whether physically, emotionally or at different levels of consciousness.

Craniosacral Therapy Upledger Style can help just about anyone feel better. But it can truly help many people who have not found help in the traditional way, especially around head traumas, postural balance, and for pain relief.. If clients have long-standing issues, it does take time to heal. The body likes to heal. And it is quite possible it will if given the change to self-correct. Often people will feel some really good results after about three session. What I like to tell my clients, is that I will give you a brief explanation of what I found. However, the Inner Intelligence within is what does the job you are looking for.

If you want to find out more about Craniosacral Therapy Upledger Style, check out the Upledger Page!

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Serving the Columbus, Ohio Area.