Communicating the Value of CST

by SharonHartnett | Mar 16, 2017 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, stillpoint

Communicating the Value of CST

People who come in for a Craniosacral Therapy Session are often looking for corrections to their bodies such as with balance, healthy motion and dialogue. What they often leave with is a sense pain relief, more freedom in movement, and a sense of better grounding.

What makes a session helpful to clients is that they feel like their concerns are heard and that their therapist can speak the same language verbally, but also with their presence and hands.

In my experience, for the best results, the therapist is listening from moment to moment as to what the body is saying. As a client, I can really feel the difference when I am touched as to the quality of connection. So when I work, and teach other therapists, I offer this teaching as one of the most important guide posts to providing a valuable session.

Once this criteria is met, techniques come into play that can help the body to self-correct in the most gentle way. With Craniosacral Therapy, the touch is so light, that it feels like a whisper on the skin that nourishes and promotes efficiency and wellness. This is why it is such a wonderful therapy for ages from infancy to working with seniors. Almost all people can receive this type of work easily.

A trained Craniosacral Therapist will check the motion of how the cerebrospinal fluid is moving through the Craniosacral System (CSS). What he or she will feel are the flexion and extension phases that are constantly providing information to the therapist about any restrictions or dysfunctional patterns in the system itself, or with fascia and other parts of the body.

Once the pattern expressions are presented, the therapist listens, follows, and encourages gentle changes to help with symmetry, amplitude, rate and quality. This can have a great impact on how the CSS functions. When the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) can flow freely, it allows the nerves to function more optimally. Without getting into too much detail, the clients often feel more balanced, at peace, and more centered after a session.

I have been a Massage Therapist and Bodyworker for about 20 years. In the last 10 years, I have refocused much of my work into the field of Craniosacral Therapy, SomatoeEmotional Therapy, Brain Work and Visceral Manipulation because the effects are profound and yet the touch so tender and precise.

I have learned so much at the Upledger Institute because I value their contribution to the wellbeing of so many people across the globe. One man, Dr. John Upledger, explored into an unknown frontier and brought this science based medical work to hands on practitioners to bring health and joy back into individual lives. I have seen dramatic changes for people with chronic pain and energy issues, to people recovering well from TBI’s and concussions, back and and neck pain relief, fibromyalgia relief just to name a few conditions.

I don’t think that anyone can quite explain what a session is like. Yes, I could say that you come in fully clothed and you are touched this way or that. But hardly anyone expects how great they feel by the end of the session. This work goes beyond a gentle one hour treatment. Its reaches go deep into the cells along with the mind connection there. It simply is bliss. And the changes continue to happen for days, and often times longer.

As with most types of massage and bodywork, each client is unique. And each will have a different experience. One person may feel huge shifts the first time, and others- well it may take them some time to really relax. But most often they do, and people often discover new sources of tranquility, energy and a sense of Self.

So that is my take on Craniosacral Therapy at this point in my practice. I love the work. I love practicing it, and I love receiving it. It has helped me on so many levels: physically, emotionally, in my heart and with spirit. And I have been blessed to help others with it.

If you would like to learn more, or have some questions about Craniosacral Therapy, I do offer a free 15 telephone consult. I love to share this work, and hopefully I have educated and imparted an idea of how it can help you. I haven’t found one person yet who hasn’t found some benefit in CST.

Sharon Hartnett Craniosacral Therapist Columbus

614 653-8111

Serving the Columbus, Ohio Area

For information, go to my main page.

Ice or a Heating Pad for a New Injury?

by SharonHartnett | Jan 29, 2017 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K

What do you do after an acute injury?

Many people don’t know whether to ice or to heat. The rule of thumb is that if you have been hurt in the past 48 hours, are experiencing inflammation, ice packs are your best bet. Ice helps to numb the pain, and aids in the event of swelling. The easiest way to use ice is to put a couple scoops into a towel and place it directly on the hurt area. A rubber band around the towel can keep the ice in. An ace bandage to hold it against the skin with compression is even more helpful. Other ideas are to do an ice massage, sliding the ice around (don’t keep it directly on skin to avoid frostbite), or perhaps use a baggie to hold the ice. If nothing better is around, find a frozen bag of veggies or such, and apply that to the injury. Make sure the area doesn’t get cold to fast, it should be a gradual treatment. Keep the hurt body part elevated. Depending where the ice is applied, keep it on for about 15 minutes + or – a few minutes. Give your skin time to warm up between applications. This can be done a few times a day.

Use Ice for acute injuries with swelling.

Of course, if the acute injury is severe, go to your physician or local hospital. It’s important to use common sense when there is an injury. The body is great at self-healing. It is repairing itself all the time. The inflammation in itself is part of that self-correction. So be wise- and make sure you don’t overdo the ice. But if you use it sparingly, it can help with the pain quite a bit. Those nerve endings will calm down.

Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST-D, SI

(614) 653-8111

Better Posture with Myofascial Work

by SharonHartnett | Sep 21, 2016 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, better posture, Craniosacral Therapy

Do you want to find more balance and freedom in your body?

It all starts with a core muscle in the body called the Psoas Muscle. Better Posture is Possible at any Age.

This deep muscle is a connector between the torso and the leg. It originates in the lumbar vertebrae, crosses through the deep abdominal area until the it attaches to the smaller trochanter of the femur. It’s influence over how you walk and move can not be overrated. When it is out of balance, it can negatively affect the spine, and contribute to lower back and pelvic pain. Better posture is key to good health.

Finding better posture

Often you won’t hear doctors talk about this muscle, but it really is one that ought not be ignored. One of the best things you can do is bring your awareness to this core muscle. Why? This muscle is often tight and interwoven functionally with fear, and the fight or flight response. If left overstimulated, it could lead to pain. If you can find away to relax it, you’ll be surprise how much more effortless your movement will become.

Three things that you can do do relax it, and improve posture are:

Yoga poses can help stretch and release the psoas muscle.
Laying on your back with your knees up and feet on the ground, while relaxing for 10-15 minutes a day can help wonders.
Myofascial work and Craniosacral Therapy can relieve deep seated tension around the pelvis and lower back. As the fascia contains the musculature and organs, therapeutic approaches could release restrictions and re-align the spine.

If you are looking for a better posture, look to the psoas and how you can bring more peace and quiet to this part of your body.

Sharon Hartnett LMT

Serving East of Columbus, Ohio

(614) 653-8111

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

www.upledger.com

Healing Sexual Abuse with Craniosacral Therapy

by SharonHartnett | Apr 13, 2016 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, mind body & spirit, upledger institute

Statistics say that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys have suffered sexual abuse.

Many victims of abuse stay quiet about their experience. Isolation often leads them to feeling low self-esteem, and frightened about contact. It’s time to change that.

Craniosacral Therapy

Recovering from sexual abuse is an individualized process that is done with hope and help.

If one can only imagine after suffering sexual abuse in silence, what it would take to step out and commit to the healing process, know that resources are available.

Craniosacral Therapy can be very helpful if only for its therapeutic presence. Yet it is also a very gentle hands on therapy that is done with respect and in a neutral state of Being.This allows clients to have an experience of touch that is without judgment, where they can feel into their emotions and let go of residual trauma.This often takes many session to build trust, and to work with the Inner Physician within the client through mindfulness and self-discovery. This is not an advice type of psychotherapy, but rather a bodywork exploration into the senses, and feelings that come up organically within the bodywork context. By working with the Craniosacral Therapy rhythm, the therapist can monitor and support the Central Nervous system to balance and integrate.

Sharon Hartnett LMT has worked with clients with this modality in conjunction with psychotherapists to support self-discovery. Clients have learned to identify and build healthy boundaries, to self-regulate and move through their trauma at their own pace and time. Everything is done with respect and organic movement. There is no need to accomplish or go for a goal, but rather to allow the process to unfold in its own way. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their body.

If you are feeling stressed and and feel like you would like to try this CST, call Sharon Hartnett CST-D for a free 15 minute consultation.

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.

ADHD Help

by SharonHartnett | Mar 14, 2016 | Craniosacral Therapy, craniosacral, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit

The percentage of drugs that children take for ADHD has gone up dramatically.

I have no judgement about this. Physicians are doing what they can to help children who feel inattentive, high energy and are having a difficult time integrating into mainstream daily life. Medications can help. Maybe there are some more integrative treatments as well.

ADHD can be challenging. On top of the child’s own inherent challenges, they often can face rejection by other children, teachers and their community as well.

So what else can be done to help our children?

How about trying a more natural approach that will support the best qualities of your child to shine ?

Craniosacral Therapy has been able to help lots of kids with ADHD to calm down and feel more centered. Personally, there is nothing better than having a child get up off the table and give me a big hug because they finally have a sense of peace and balance. If we can encourage the child to lay down and receive the work, the Central Nervous System often will feel some huge shifts. By working with the brain, spine, and surrounding tissues, we can assist the cerebrospinal fluid to function optionally, allowing the CNS to do its work more efficiently.

When one’s mind is busy, one of the best experiences can be to relax and feel quiet.

Here are some benefits CST can provide:

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that focuses on the craniosacral system—comprising the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It’s used to release tension and improve the functioning of the central nervous system. CST is often considered a complementary therapy and is sometimes suggested for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to help manage symptoms. While the evidence supporting its effectiveness for ADHD is limited and more research is needed, proponents believe that CST may help in the following ways:

1. Reducing Stress and Tension

Children with ADHD often experience heightened stress levels and may have difficulty relaxing. CST is thought to promote relaxation by gently releasing physical tension in the body, which could help improve emotional regulation and reduce hyperactivity.

2. Improving Focus and Attention

Some children with ADHD struggle with concentration and maintaining focus. CST may help improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord, which in theory could support cognitive function, leading to better focus, clarity, and overall mental performance.

3. Enhancing Emotional Regulation

Children with ADHD often have difficulties with emotional control, including impulsivity and difficulty managing frustration. CST may help by promoting a sense of calm and balance, possibly improving emotional regulation over time.

4. Promoting Better Sleep

Sleep disturbances are common in children with ADHD, and poor sleep can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. By supporting relaxation and reducing physical tension, CST may improve sleep quality, which in turn could help with mood, attention, and behavior during the day.

5. Supporting Sensory Integration

Children with ADHD sometimes have sensory processing issues, such as being oversensitive to certain stimuli or having difficulty filtering out irrelevant sensory input. CST is thought to help normalize sensory processing, which may improve how a child responds to stimuli and help with focus and behavioral regulation.

6. Increasing Overall Calm and Self-Regulation

CST’s gentle techniques might help a child feel more grounded, leading to improved self-regulation, which is often a challenge for children with ADHD. By working with the body’s natural rhythms and promoting balance, CST can support overall well-being.

7. Addressing Underlying Physical Tension

Many children with ADHD have been shown to have heightened muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. CST could help alleviate this physical tension, which may contribute to reduced anxiety and better mental and emotional functioning.

If you would like to try a Craniosacral Session, look at the Upledger site for a practitioner in your area. I’d recommend looking for someone who is certified to make sure they have a thorough understanding of the work.

If you have questions about how Craniosacral can help alleviate some of your child’s ADHD symptoms, I would love to chat.

For more information on ADHD:

Sharon Hartnett Craniosacral Therapist Columbus

614 653-8111

Serving the Columbus, Ohio Area

For information, go to my main page.

Post Concussion Syndrome Help with Craniosacral Therapy Columbus

by SharonHartnett | Mar 4, 2016 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, concussion, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Massage

Craniosacral Therapy

Post-Concussion Symptoms: When Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected

If symptoms linger for more than three months after a head injury, your physician may diagnose Post-Concussion Syndrome. Common symptoms include:

Dizziness
Insomnia
Fatigue
Irritability
Headaches, nausea, or memory and concentration problems
Just not feeling like yourself

If you’ve hit your head, get checked by a physician, even if the injury seems minor. Symptoms can last a long time when they go unaddressed. Seek emergency care right away for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, seizures, weakness or numbness, unusual drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.

How Craniosacral Therapy Fits In

Once you have a diagnosis and your doctor’s guidance, you may want to add supportive care. In my craniosacral therapy practice, I’ve worked with clients dealing with headaches, memory issues, nausea, difficulty concentrating, disorientation, and other day-to-day challenges. Many report feeling better within a few sessions, though every person and injury is different.

What a Session Looks Like

Interview and whole-body evaluation. I begin by learning about your injury and symptoms.
Rest first. I ask clients to wait at least 10 days after the injury before hands-on work, because early rest is essential to healing.
Listening hands. On the table, I use very light touch at different areas of the body to sense where tension is held and how the work should proceed.
A whole-body approach. Many people expect the whole session to focus on the head, but that hasn’t been my experience. After a fall or blow, tension can be pulled through the entire craniosacral system. If someone was knocked off their feet, for example, I may start by balancing the feet, pelvis, and especially the sacrum to prepare the body for work around the cranium. When the body below the head is working better, the work around the brain tends to go more smoothly.

Why Gentle Touch?

Craniosacral therapy uses very light pressure to release fascial restrictions and support the craniosacral system and central nervous system, with little or no discomfort. Most clients leave deeply relaxed and feeling more integrated. Craniosacral therapy complements, and does not replace, medical care.

Concussion Awareness Matters

Concussions have received growing attention, especially in youth sports. If you or someone you know has taken a blow to the head, see a physician promptly, since early care matters. An integrative approach that includes craniosacral therapy may help you feel clearer, more energized, and more like yourself.

Ready to explore gentle support for concussion recovery? Book a craniosacral therapy session in Columbus, Ohio.

Sharon Hartnett, CST, SI, LMT
📞 614-653-8111
🌐 www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

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