Relearning how to Feel Warm and Cozy in Your Body

Relearning how to Feel Warm and Cozy in Your Body

by | May 8, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy

Columbus Craniosacral Therapy: Finding Comfort

Each of Us Can find Comfort in ourselves through listening to the internal stirring of Life inside.

With an open mind and a direct connection to our bodies, we can focus on comfort and pleasure.  However, sometimes the complexity of our composition and life experiences can close gateways to discovering our authentic Self.  

Working with a Craniosacral Therapist can help to re-build trust and develop better Dialogue with SomanoEmtional Release techniques.  We do this by connecting and melding with the Craniosacral System, and inviting the present moment to upwell and bring awareness to the body gently and with compassion.   There is no pushing or going for solutions, but rather an invitation to exploration of Self through the Nervous System and how it relates to our very unqiue and human experience.

One Way to look a this: 

You might be surprised how much your breath can help you heal.
Gentle touch can invite subtle movement inside your body.
Quiet conversation can bring new clarity.
In craniosacral therapy, we weave these three gifts together.
We follow your breath.
We listen to your inner motion.
We honor what you want to say.
This gentle focus can ease tension and invite deep calm.
If you’re open to exploring, let’s set up a time to try it together.

Finding the meaning in your life purpose and inner landscape is up to you.  It’s about remember that everything is interconnected, and that the fullness of the whole Universe is accessible to you.  Sometimes we must pull off all the masks and the repressing beliefs to meet the Love We Are, but it is possible.  The body is the doorway to transformation.  At Lighten Up Therapies in Columbus Ohio, we use the techniques of the Upledger Institute to awaken the access to your Inner Sense of Self.

In the meantime, bringing love, comfort, and welcoming intention to a Craniosacral Therapy Session can open the doors again to every shade with warmth and comfort.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

Find Me Craniosacral Therapist Columbus Ohio

www.craniosacraltherapistcolubmus.com

 

Relieve Headache Pain with Craniosacral Therapy

Relieve Headache Pain with Craniosacral Therapy

by | May 3, 2025 | concussion, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, upledger institute

Headache Pain Relief with Craniosacral Therapy

Find Headache Relief with an Upledger Certified Craniosacral Therapist…

Local Columbus Ohio Craniosacral Therapist:  Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Experience Lasting Headache Relief with Craniosacral Therapy

Headaches can disrupt your day, leaving you reaching for painkillers and wondering if relief will ever come. Craniosacral therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to headache relief by addressing the root causes of tension and imbalance. Rather than simply masking symptoms, this holistic headache treatment works with your body’s natural rhythms to restore balance, calm the nervous system, and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a light-touch manual therapy that focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. During a session, a certified therapist uses subtle manipulations to:

  • Release tension around the head, neck, and spine

  • Enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow, supporting detoxification

  • Balance the central nervous system, reducing stress-triggered headaches

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps with Headaches

  1. Tension Release
    Many headaches stem from tight muscles and restricted connective tissue. CST gently eases tension around the cranial bones and surrounding fascia, alleviating pressure that contributes to headaches.

  2. Stress Reduction
    By promoting deep relaxation, Craniosacral Therapy for migraines helps reset your body’s stress response, calming the fight-or-flight reaction that can trigger chronic headaches.

  3. Improved Fluid Dynamics
    Optimizing cerebrospinal fluid circulation supports nutrient delivery and waste removal in the brain, which can reduce headache frequency and intensity naturally.

Why Choose Craniosacral Therapy for Headache Relief?

  • Safe & Non-Invasive: Perfect for all ages, including children and seniors

  • Drug-Free Pain Management: Avoid potential side effects of medications

  • Personalized Care: Treatments are tailored to your unique craniosacral rhythm

  • Long-Term Results: Many clients report lasting improvements in headache frequency and quality of life

Ready to Discover Natural Headache Relief?

Don’t let headaches hold you back. Schedule a craniosacral therapy session today and experience the difference of a truly holistic headache treatment. Your body already knows how to heal—let us help you unlock its potential.

Call Sharon Hartnett at 703 509-1792 for a Free Phone Consultation.  Find out more about Craniosacral Therapy at: My home Page or  The Upledger Institute

What to Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session

What to Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session

by | May 1, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, upledger institute

What to Expect During Your First  Craniosacral Therapy Session in Columbus, Ohio

When you step into Lighten Up Therapies, a  columbus ohio craniosacral therapy studio for the first time, you’re embarking on a gentle, profoundly relaxing journey toward better health and balance. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, headaches, stress, or simply craving a deeper mind-body connection, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Here’s an in-depth guide to your first Craniosacral Therapy (CST) session in Columbus, OH, packed with local insights and keywords to help you find the best craniosacral therapist in Columbus Ohio.

1. Warm Welcome and Initial Consultation

A Columbus craniosacral therapy session always begin with a friendly intake:

  • Personal Health History
    Your therapist, Sharon Hartnett CST-D, will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle habits, and goals. This helps tailor the session to your unique needs—whether you live near the Short North Arts District or out by Polaris.

  • Discussion of Concerns
    Mention any headaches, neck pain, TMJ issues, stress, or sleep disturbances you’ve experienced. Craniosacral therapy in Worthington, Franklin County is renowned for addressing everything from fibromyalgia to post-concussion symptoms.

  • Setting Intentions
    You’ll collaborate on session goals, such as reducing tension, improving cranial rhythm, or enhancing emotional resilience.

2. Comfortable Treatment Environment

A hallmark of CST in Columbus Ohio is a serene, spa-like environment:

  • Quiet, Cozy Studio
    Many Columbus therapists design treatment rooms with soft lighting, a calming  atmosphere.

  • Gentle Aromatherapy
    Optional essential oils—like lavender or chamomile—may be diffused to enhance relaxation.

  • Soft Music or Silence
    Your craniosacral therapist in Columbus will offer either gentle ambient music or hushed quiet to support deeper rest.

3. Clothing and Positioning

One of the perks of a craniosacral therapy session is that you remain fully clothed:

  1. Loose, Comfortable Clothing
    Wear stretchy pants, a soft top, or yoga attire. If you’re coming from the University District or German Village, avoid restrictive jeans.

  2. Table Setup
    You’ll lie on a padded massage table, cushioned with extra support under your head and knees.

  3. Upledger-Inspired Touch
    The therapist will use light, skin-on-skin contact—often no more than the weight of a nickel—to assess and gently release tension in your craniosacral system.

4. The Gentle Touch of Upledger  Craniosacral Therapy

During your first craniosacral session in Columbus:

  • Palpation of Cranial Rhythm
    The therapist senses the subtle ebb-and-flow of cerebrospinal fluid around your brain and spine.

  • Releasing Restrictions
    Through precise, delicate holds—often at the sacrum (tailbone) or cranium—the therapist helps free areas where motion is restricted, allowing natural healing to occur.

  • Whole-Body Integration
    Though it’s called “craniosacral,” practitioners often work on the neck, back, feet, and other landmarks to encourage overall system balance.

5. Physical and Emotional Responses

Most clients leave saying, “That was unlike any treatment I’ve ever had!” Common experiences in Columbus, Ohio include:

  • Deep Relaxation
    Many drift into a light sleep or enter a meditative state, similar to a peaceful nap near the Scioto River.

  • Emotional Release
    Feelings of calm, gratitude, or even a gentle tear may surface as stored tension melts away.

  • After-Session Soreness
    It’s normal to feel slightly achy or tender for 24–48 hours, especially if you’ve released longstanding restrictions.

6. Post-Session Care and Recommendations

To maximize benefits from your Craniosacral Therapy session Columbus OH, your therapist may suggest:

  • Hydration
    Drink plenty of water to help flush out released toxins.

  • Gentle Movement
    A leisurely walk through Goodale Park or some light yoga can support integration.

  • Rest and Reflection
    Allow yourself downtime to absorb the shifts. Journaling your sensations and insights can deepen the mind-body connection.

7. Booking Your Next Visit

Most clients see noticeable improvements after 2–4 sessions. To continue your healing journey with the top Columbus Ohio craniosacral therapist:

  1. Schedule Online
    Soon nyou will be able to look for a “Book Now” button on your local therapist’s website or on your Google Business Profile.

  2. Package Discounts
    In Columbus,  my practice offers savings on 5- or 10-session packages—ideal if you live in Clintonville, Bexley, or beyond.

  3. Ask About Integrative Options
    Combine CST with massage therapy, nutrition counseling, or Reiki to amplify results.

Why Choose Craniosacral Therapy in Columbus, OH?

  • Holistic – Addresses the nervous system, fascia, and emotional well-being.

  • Non-Invasive – Perfect for all ages, from newborns in Upper Arlington to seniors in Westerville.

  • Personalized – Each session is uniquely crafted for your body’s rhythms and needs.

Ready to experience the transformative power of craniosacral therapy in Columbus, Ohio? Contact Sharon Hartnett CST-D, Columbus craniosacral therapist today and take the first step toward deep, lasting balance.

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Driving Strains and Stress: Craniosacral Therapy Columbus

by | Apr 14, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy

The Hidden Strain and Stress of Driving: What Your Body Feels Behind the Wheel

We rarely think of driving as a form of repetitive stress—but for those of us who drive often or for long periods, the body starts to whisper… then shout.

One of the most overlooked areas of strain comes from something seemingly simple: pressing the gas and brake pedals. This small movement, repeated over and over, creates a subtle but real imbalance in the body.

Fascia: The Web That Holds the Story

Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around every muscle, bone, and organ—like a second skin. When we sit in a fixed position for extended periods, especially favoring one leg (hello, right foot on the gas!), the fascia begins to thicken and tighten. Over time, this creates restrictions that can cause pain not just in the foot or leg, but all the way up the kinetic chain—into the hip, back, and even shoulders.

Fascia responds to stress, trauma, and posture by molding itself to your habits. Drive enough, and your fascia learns to live in a slightly twisted, compressed pattern.  However, it is possible to let go of the stress.

Muscles: A One-Legged Dance

Because driving puts your body in a strange asymmetrical position, your right foot is active, your left passive. The muscles in your right leg—especially the hip flexors, quads, and calf—stay slightly engaged the whole time. This repeated tension, without corresponding movement or balance on the other side, leads to muscular imbalances and potential strain.

Over time, this can cause the pelvis to tilt and/or rotation, especially if the driver tends to lean slightly with one side of the body while driving (which many of us do unconsciously). That tilt can cause compensations all the way up the spine.

Posture: The Silent Saboteur

Let’s talk posture. Most car seats aren’t designed for long-term skeletal alignment. The head leans forward, the low back is rounded, and the shoulders hunch. Combine that with the foot constantly reaching forward and slightly down, and you get a chronic shortening of the psoas muscle—one of the key muscles that connects your spine to your legs.

This stress of  locked-short psoas can pull the low back into a compressed curve, cause lower back pain, limit hip mobility, and even affect breathing.

What Can You Do?

  • Switch feet (when safe) – Use cruise control to occasionally relax your dominant foot.

  • Micro-movements – Gently press and release the pedal while parked to keep the fascia and muscles from freezing.

  • Stretch breaks – Every hour, pull over and stretch your hip flexors, calves, and back.

  • Myofascial release – Use tools like foam rollers or balls to gently unwind fascia after long drives.

  • Realign posture – Sit with hips level, back supported, and both shoulders soft and down.

Driving isn’t just transportation—it’s a posture habit which can cause stress. The more we tune in to how it shapes our bodies, the more we can rebalance, release, and realign.

Want help creating a mini movement ritual for post-driving? Just say the word—I’ve got your back (and hips, and fascia).

Craniosacral Therapy is extremely beneficial for postural re-alignment and opening!

Written together by Sharon and Lioraé

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.upledger.com

How to Release Stress from Your Body: 10 Proven Techniques for Immediate Relief

by | Mar 29, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, healthy, mind body & spirit, upledger institute

Feel Better with Craniosacral Therapy

Finding Balance with the 10 step protocol: How Craniosacral Therapy Supports Nervous System Healing and give you Relief.

When healing from concussions, persistent headaches, migraines, or traumatic brain injuries, finding relief can feel like an endless journey. Craniosacral therapy offers a gentle yet powerful approach to supporting your nervous system’s natural healing process. Let me share how this subtle but effective technique may help you find the balance your body seeks.

Understanding Your Body’s Healing Rhythm

Your craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround your brain and spinal cord—has its own natural rhythm. After head trauma or neurological stress, this delicate system can become restricted, potentially contributing to ongoing symptoms and discomfort.

Craniosacral therapy works by using gentle touch—typically no more than the weight of a nickel—to detect and release these restrictions. By tuning into your body’s subtle rhythms, a skilled therapist helps restore flow and balance to your central nervous system.

Supporting Recovery from Head Injuries.

After a concussion or TBI, your brain needs optimal conditions to heal. The gentle nature of craniosacral therapy makes it particularly suitable for those with head injuries, where even slight pressure can sometimes trigger symptoms.

Many clients report improvements in several areas:

  • Reduced headache frequency and intensity
  • Decreased sensitivity to light and sound
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Enhanced mental clarity and focus
  • Reduced anxiety and stress responses

Breaking the Cycle of Migraines and Chronic Headaches

For those suffering from recurring migraines or tension headaches, craniosacral therapy addresses potential root causes rather than just managing symptoms. By releasing restrictions in the cranial bones, neck, and spine, this therapy helps reduce pressure on sensitive nerves and improves cerebrospinal fluid circulation.

The result? Many experience fewer headaches with less reliance on medication.

Creating Space for Healing to help you find Relief.

What makes craniosacral therapy unique is its respect for your body’s innate wisdom. Rather than forcing change, your therapist creates a safe environment where your nervous system can shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and repair” mode—essential for true healing to occur.

This gentle approach is particularly valuable for those whose systems are already overwhelmed by pain or trauma. The sessions themselves often provide immediate relief, with many clients reporting a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

Finding the Right Practitioner to help you have relief from pain and stress.

The effectiveness of craniosacral therapy depends significantly on your practitioner’s skill and experience, particularly when dealing with neurological conditions. Look for therapists with specialized training in treating concussions and neurological issues, and don’t hesitate to ask about their experience with your specific condition.

If you’re struggling with the effects of head trauma, persistent headaches, or migraines, consider adding craniosacral therapy to your recovery toolkit. This gentle approach might be the missing piece in your healing journey, helping your nervous system find its way back to balance and well-being.

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps you Feel Relaxed and Connected

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps you Feel Relaxed and Connected

by | Mar 5, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy

Relax Craniosacral Therapist Columbus

Melt Away Stress & Reconnect: How Craniosacral Therapy Helps Your Body to feel Relaxed

In our fast-paced world, stress, tension, and overwhelm can take a serious toll on our bodies and minds. Many of us long for a way to release tension, feel deeply connected to ourselves, and experience true relaxation. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle yet profound healing modality that offers just that—a doorway to deep relaxation, embodiment, and balance.

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a light-touch therapy that works with the body’s natural rhythms to release tension and restore balance. Rooted in osteopathic medicine, CST focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. By gently manipulating this system, CST practitioners help encourage the body’s self-healing abilities, leading to profound feelings of being relaxed  and realignment.

The Power of Embodiment and Stress Relief

One of the most powerful aspects of craniosacral therapy is its ability to guide you back into your body. In our modern lives, we often operate from a state of disconnection—living in our minds, caught up in stress, and unaware of the subtle signals our bodies are sending us. CST brings you back into a state of embodiment, where you can fully inhabit your body with ease and presence.

Through this gentle therapy, deep-seated stress patterns begin to dissolve. The nervous system shifts out of the fight-or-flight response and into a state of rest and healing. This allows the body to unwind, releasing stored tension and facilitating deep relaxation. Many clients report feeling lighter, calmer, relaxed,  and more at peace after a session—like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps You Feel Connected and Relaxed

Craniosacral therapy doesn’t just relax the body—it helps restore a deep sense of connection. This connection manifests in multiple ways:

  • Relaxed Connection to Self: By quieting the mind and relaxing the body, CST helps you tune into your own needs, emotions, and sensations. Many people report a deepened awareness of their inner world, leading to greater self-understanding and clarity.
  • Connection to the Present Moment: The subtle, meditative nature of CST brings you into the now. Instead of being caught in the past or future, you can fully experience the present moment—where healing and transformation occur.
  • Connection to the Flow of Life: Many people describe CST as an experience of deep surrender—letting go of control and trusting the innate wisdom of the body. This often translates into a greater sense of ease and flow in everyday life.

What to Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session

A typical session takes place in a quiet, soothing environment. You remain fully clothed while the practitioner uses gentle, hands-on techniques to assess and release restrictions in your craniosacral system. The experience is deeply relaxing, and many people feel a profound sense of well-being both during and after the session.

Is Craniosacral Therapy Right for You?

CST is beneficial for a wide range of people, from those dealing with chronic stress and anxiety to individuals recovering from injuries or trauma. It is especially effective for headaches, neck and back pain, sleep disturbances, and nervous system imbalances.

If you’re looking for a holistic way to relieve stress, feel more embodied, and reconnect with yourself, craniosacral therapy may be the perfect solution. A single session can leave you feeling lighter, more aligned, and deeply relaxed—ready to move through life with greater ease and presence.

Ready to experience the profound benefits of craniosacral therapy? Book a session today and step into a more relaxed, connected, and balanced version of yourself!

For a Free 15 minute Phone Consultation, call Sharon Hartnett CST-D:

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Find out more about the Upledger Institute at www.upledger.com

 

 

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