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.
CST
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.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by an external mechanical force that enters the brain.
The effects can be dramatic for a person who has been faced with a head trauma impairment. Life can be changed in an instant. Different stressors can cause physical damage, behaviors and emotional imbalances, impacting decision making, day to day activities and one’s future. TBI’s can even lead to death. So, head injuries need to be taken seriously.
Craniosacral Therapy
Based on the level of the injury, with a physician approval, it might benefit you if you have be diagnosed with TBI to see a Certified Craniosacral Therapist, to help you to heal. In my practice, I have worked with clients who have had concussions/TBI’s that resulted in complex disabilities, who have eventually found great relief. For example, in the last year, I had a client come in who had fallen and hit her head. It was difficult for her to think clearly, or to verbalize thoughts and memories. Fogginess and problems with balance kept her fearful or uncomfortable in living her life fully. After 10 sessions, she recovered almost back to normal. Following, she studied yoga, and threw herself into study in areas that she enjoyed. Now she is doing great. Others who have come on to my table, have felt a complete sense of quiet and peace from a brain that otherwise stays in fight or flight. Working with the cerebral spinal fluid and pressure in the cranium can be quite the relief. However, depending on the severity of the neurological damage, it may take more rather than less sessions. I say this upfront because brain injury can take a while to improve. Although, I have seen that there is usually positive change each session.
Because I have witnessed success with my clients using Craniosacral Therapy, I decided to specifically study working with the Glial Interface through using biomechanical force specifically in the brain. Through the Upledger Institute, I have learned to touch into the neuroglia complex to support deep healing both structurally and functionally. The teaching of this method was created by Tad Wanveer, who is now getting ready to present his work at Harvard.
I have to say that while I am certified at the highest Diplomate level at the Upledger Institute in Craniosacral Therapy, this new way of touching into the brain, blew me away. After experiencing the work myself, my brain and spine continued to shift and heal for many days after the class. By relieving strain patterns, I felt my central nervous system reach a balanced state I hadn’t felt in years.
As such, I have been offering the Brain Work to my clients. It is as if it has taken the craniosacral work to a whole new level. The therapeutic intention to touch, feel, and support the CNS and PNS glial cell patterns is a powerful tool to help the body self-correct. The only way to experience the benefits is to come in for a session. If you have had a TBI and haven’t recovered completely, why not give me a call. I would love to help you in your healing journey.
My goal is to help you find a way to live with good health and the ability to feel joy again.
Have you ever gone in for a Massage and walked out feeling like your LMT was somewhere else?
This can happen in any profession. But when we go in for a massage, we like to feel like our bodies relax and our spirit comes alive, right?
Healing Comes from a Healthy Relationship. So take your time to find the best Massage Therapist for You!
Massage Therapist
5 Ways that You can find the right Massage Therapist for you are:
1.When you call for an appointment, check and make sure the therapist listens well. That can tell a lot about a person. The best therapists are mindful and have skill with healthy contact.
2. Ask your Therapist if they use a routine. Massage Therapists who do aren’t necessarily gearing the session towards you. You deserve to have your needs met, so ask for a tailored body massage.
3.Find a Massage Therapist who has experience. They may charge more than someone out of school, but their Presence, Their Hands, and Wisdom will show your body how to discover what it needs to heal and balance out. When a Massage Therapist is mindful through practice and experience, the work moves beyond basic techniques. Trust the connection and see what happens!
4.Conversation during the session can be very helpful- if it comes from the client and is about the client. However, massage time is not about the life of the Massage Therapist. It’s Ok to ask your therapist for a quiet space. It’s often in silence that the most important things can be heard and found.
5. Build a relationship with your Massage Therapist if you are finding healthy results. Often clients follow the best coupon or deal. But when you commit to your own health and share that with your Massage Therapist, the journey deepens. Deeper relationships build deeper experiences.
Getting to understand your body through manual touch can change your life. The body is the doorway into the whole human experience. Massage Therapy can help you understand this. Take the dive and free yourself from stress, tension and pain into something new.
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is just what it means…
Somato means relating to the human body.
Emotional is characterized by intense feelings.
Release is freedom!
What is different about SomatoEmotional Release Work with Craniosacral Therapy that other therapies?
With Craniosacral Therapy, the therapist focuses on the myofascial tissues, but primarily on the Craniosacral Rhythm as a guide to help release restrictions in the body that maintain stress patterns. As we listen intently to the quality, symmetry, rate and amplitude of the rhythm, we ask the Inner Physician within to lead the way to self healing and self discovery. This often leads us into disorganized energy and tissues, and possibly into a layer of emotions. An experienced Craniosacral Therapist will then gently encourage its expression to release the body into more freedom and mobility. Many other types of possible therapy might be either massage or psychotherapy. SER in particular, while it is not psychotherapy, allows for the mind, body and spirit to reconnect and bring more balance and awareness on many levels.
Craniosacral Therapy Columbus
Craniosacral Therapy is a very gentle type of therapy that focuses on connection with the central nervous system. Often people who are feeling overactive internally will feel quiet and calm. Others who feel lethargic pick up energy as they come closer to equilibrium. SER, with it full spectrum experiencing, gives space for the unfolding of blocked patterns into expression and presence.
If you feel like your emotions are stopping you from relaxing and enjoying your life, or that the tension in your body is causing pain, SomatoEmotional Release work may be just the right thing for you.
If you have any questions, please call Sharon Hartnett LMT at 740 966-5153
I really like to stay with the basics when it comes to neck pain, and say that hands-on massage work is one of the best things to reduce it. So that is my first tip. Find a good Massage Therapist who has great recommendations. When your neck is bothering you, this is not a luxury, but rather an essential for your health and wellbeing. Being proactive is a lot less expensive than surgery, and it much easier.
I have found this great new gadget on the internet called Dr Riter’s Real Ease. I have no financial link to this item, but have tried it myself and with clients, and we all love it. It is so comfortable and relaxes the neck muscles. I know when I use it, my whole body starts to relax also. I found this on Amazon.
Neck Pain Relief
Believe it or not, often neck pain can result from a misaligned pelvis. A chiropractor can help you to restore better posture in conjunction with soft tissue work. A healthy pelvic girdle and spine support a healthy neck.
Stop bending over to look at your I phone and computer. Either prop up your technology or get a proper ergonomic chair and working station. Almost every client who walks into my office these days has forward head. That ends up being a lot of weight that is being carried incorrectly.
Research good pillows. There is nothing worst than waking up with a stiff and painful neck. Personally, I bought mine at Brookstone. They have a good selection, and it helps me to sleep well on my back. However there are many other brands. My chiropractor sold me one which was quite nice which I found on this page too.
While neck pain is a common ailment, it does not make it any easier when it hurts. If it stays persistent, even with heat//cold treatment, go see a physician. Neck issues should not be ignored. Be proactive in your health!
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.
