Ankle Freedom, Upright Posture: A Craniosacral Perspective on Neck Health — Columbus Insights
Craniosacral Approach: Ankle Mobility for Better Posture & Neck Health in Columbus
After 30 years of being a craniosacral therapist and doing integrative types of bodywork, it dawned on me how very important it is to free up the ankles in order for the neck to do the same.
A Bit about the Fascial System
The fascial system forms a continuous integrated architecture that literally connects your feet to your head. Working with this seamless three dimensional connective tissue network beginning at the ankles and feet can make a huge difference in how you feel and move in your body. It also directly affects the neck and it’s ability to sidebend, rotate and move in various directions.
Fascia is a seamless three dimensional connective tissue network that envelopes muscles, bones, organs, nerves and vessels. It allows global integration and force transmission. It is the medium through which all of life dialogues in my opinion.
In any case, recently what I have been noticing is that people who come in with neck issues, usually have a tightness in their lateral line. That begins at the peroneous muscles and goes up through the glutes, transferring possible tension up into the SCM muslces and such. Often this can lead to pain with headaches and migraines. There has to be efficient flow and communication from the head to the body, and the body to the head through the thoracic inlet.
Secondly, the plantar fascia and posterior needs to be considered as it deals with the arch and gait for walking and movement.
We have other lines too from the toes which run up to the pelvis to the head as well. So many relationships with which to work in order to restore better mobility and posture.
Your Goals with Craniosacral Therapy for your Health
The neck may be your weakest link. You may come in with neck pain, and issues like migraines, headaches, and tinnitus. You may believe that you need only local massage to release pain. But this is NOT a local muscle problem.
With Craniosacral Therapy, we approach the whole body. As a Structural integration Therapist I look at the whole body. The reason is- every movemenet we make is about interconnected patterns. What brings about optimal health and motion is addressing all the parts and patterns which add up to the whole.
As a somatic therapist, I know that you want to be feeling your best. I have to say though that most times, working only on the neck won’t bring you long term relief. Everything needs to change to create better order and integration.
Whole body attention is much more comprehensive and effective. You deserve to come in for treatments and to have your goals reached which most often are pain relief and better motibility. It is true that the neck probably needs a lot of attention, but the thoracic inlet, head and everything down to your ankles and toes does need to be included too in most cases.
My Goals for You with Craniosacral Therapy
First of all, my goal is whatever your goal is for yourself. Each Craniosacral Therapy treatment is based on how your body communicates through the craniosacral system. Bodies know how to move into the direction of healing, and I have faith in that dynamic to lead the session. In addition, I visually check your fascial alignment, and feel for twists, turns or any irregularities. I treat based on what you and your body are telling me. Each session is unique, as it should be as each person has their own way of developing and holding posture.
I find that by trusting the body’s communication and presnetation of patterns is the most effective way to treat.
Something I would like to invite you to do at home.
If your neck tightenss is bothering you, lie on the floor and feel how your neck and feet position themselves. Are they even when you look? Flexing your feet and pointing them, are you tight or do you move freely. Can you move your feet from right to left and left to right with ease? When you stand up, can you lift your toes? Do you stand on each side of your heal and the balls of your feet with balance. What do your arches look and feel like? Use your imagination and try to move your feet in many different planes of movement and see what is limited and what is not.
After about 5 minutes of testing. Get back on the floor. Breathe in for 4 and out for 6. Check in with your body and see how it feels after just the test. Do your ankles feel better? Your neck. Make a practice of finding ways to increase your mobility.
With Craniosacral Therapy, the motion tells me everything. On a deeper level, I listen to what the fluids and nervous system show me. I will help the body find alignment, and release tensions. Even more powerful is helping you to center and integrate new changes that give you more freedom in your body.
My message to you is that everything is interconnected in regards to your posture. Your fascia and the Craniosacral System are key to releasing dysfunctional patterns. However long it took you to get into a pain pattern- be patience and take your time to heal, and get well again. You deserve Seslf-Care!
Sharon Hartnett CST-D
614 653-8111
www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com
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