Are You Dealing with Chronic Pain?

by | Dec 31, 2017 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, Massage, Structural Integration, upledger institute

Chronic Pain throws a jolt into life, doesn’t it?

One of the most difficult things about chronic pain is that there is no break.  The body continually sends signals to the brain that say “OW”, and there is no rest on a physical level. If your chronic pain is lasting days, weeks or even months, you need some help. And if your chronic pain is coming from an illness level, it’s important that you seek medical help. In addition to that, naturopathic and/or functional medicine can also be very helpful in supporting an overall maintenance or health recovery.

chronic pain

chronic pain

What I would like to talk about is twofold.  The myofascial component of pain, and also how the mind reacts to pain.

  • Fascia-If there is inflammation in the body, it often affects the fascia as pain or dysfunction of some sort.  In the reverse, if the fascial body is tight, disorganized or unhealthy, it can also cause pain patterns. Because fascia interacts with all the living things in your body, it is important to address any myofascial issues that contribute to your chronic pain.  The problem is that most people have never even heard of fascia. So they go on medications and travel the traditional route looking for answers. Sometimes- the answers are there. Sometimes not. Mostly, in my practice I receive clients who have found no resolutions anywhere.  So what do we do?  We begin a dialogue between my hands and the person’s fascia.  The body tells me where to go.  Whether there are tight sheets, torques, pulls, resistance or whatever- we work there until the soft tissues start to melt and re-vigorate.  I look for more hydration, flexibility, motion and general health in the fascia.  When this happens, compression and dysfunctional patterns disappear, leaving more flow and energy to help self-correct the physical body.  The body eventually begins to feel more space and alignment, and voila- you can breathe again.
  • The Mind- It plays a huge part in how we respond to physical pain. It is true, that as human beings, we can suffer with physical pain.  But there are other things that can make pain worst. And usually, believe it or not- when we ignore our pain- the pattern usually gets worst.  Ignoring our bodies does not create better health. One thing that is helpful to do to relax pain patterns is to do a breathing meditation, Breathing with awareness helps to bring motion back into the body.  Motion is vitality. On top of that benefit, when we start to notice our thoughts, and beliefs, we become more empowered in understanding how our mind is organized. When we experience our bodies, with gentle awareness, pain often softens and can actually subside. As we question our unhealthy thinking, the mind expands, and so does the space inside of us.  I know,  that sometimes it is easier to resist the pain- but that really doesn’t help long-term.  Take some time each day to find the silence in the moment, the places in your body that are feeling good, or ask for loving kindness to fill you up.  The mind’s relationship to pain is important.  If you want to feel better, it is crucial that you start to explore other conscious choices.

I have worked with people on the table for close to 30 years. Chronic Pain is not the easiest thing to shift.  But with a holistic approach, I have seen people get better, and heal.  Looking at the foods you eat, your exercise schedule, how you think and act, along with your meditation practice can truly help.  Finding a person to journey with you and support you through modalities like SomatoEmotional Release can be life changing.

Remember,  that chronic pain can be a lonely place.  Don’t leave yourself in that position.  Get some help because your life is important.

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

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Serving The Columbus Area

www.upledger.com

Getting Clear about What You Want in Life

by | Dec 30, 2017 | barbara brennan, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, healing

You CAN get clear about what you want in life.

How?

What you need to do first is start by getting clear about your commitment to Clarity.  Set certain times aside for yourself to explore.  This can be done alone, or with a friend, healer or a therapist.  Self-discovery is a very interesting process. It begins by bringing your awareness to your thinking and how it affects you.  Cause and Effect.

Most of our thinking comes from our history and projections into the future.  What we believe about our stories can become very important to us.  And the filters that we now see the world through can be dimmed by repetitive belief systems.  By realizing how we identify with certain thinking patterns, we can change how we experience and create in the world.  Three keys to getting clearer about what matters to you:

  • Mindfulness is key for bringing awareness to thoughts that confuse and that block us from finding optimal value in our lives.  And it is in the quiet listening to our thoughts as they pass through, that we can navigate into the deeper silence.  Without the clutter, things are much closer to the heart and easier to navigate.  Into the “Now” place, life springs forth and life is more simple.
  • Being Curious makes space for new ideas and perspectives.  It’s like opening a door to see what’s next.
  • Experiencing means being with what is here right now in the moment.

Once the mind starts to quiet down.  Awareness can be experienced as more expansive.  We can step out of our normal living box. Perspective opens.  The bigger picture gives us an advantage to seeing things differently and with more clarity.  Experience and centeredness helps us to know what feels right for us.  It helps to define our relationship to the moment.

The mind and its consciousness is a larger field than just one person alone.

There are infinite possibilities.  But with healing relationships, we can investigate truth, and get more clear about who we are.  Our false identities dissolve and life feels more simple, and more restful.  Believe it-  when the mind opens, clarity is a relief.

Getting Clear by reaching outside of “normal” thinking patterns.Reach for the sky!

clarity

clarity

 

 

My job as a Barbara Brennan Healer is to work with your energy. To create a space where we work together to create an exchange that supports your movement into clarity.  A conversation that will set you free from illusion, and direct you into clarity.

Something deep inside of you knows the TRUTH.  And it will set you free to direct your life with more ease.

Getting clear,  that is my goal in helping you.  To help you connect to the authentic value you are here to live.

If you are looking for help,  I work locally and on Skype long distance.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D, Barbara Brennan Healer, SI, Reiki, Hakomi, Upledger

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

703 509-1792 Ohio

Worthington Ohio Craniosacral Therapy CST

by | Dec 26, 2017 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing

Announcing my move to Worthington for CST work!

Are you looking for Craniosacral Therapy (CST) in the Worthington Ohio Area?

I am newly open for CST two days a week at:  6797 N. High St. #333 Worthington, Ohio.

This is my new travel day into the city.  Mostly, I have been working in Johnstown, Ohio.  However- my friend has offered to let me use her office and the space has great energy, and is very convenient for my clients who often drive far.

I have had a CST practice for close to 20 years.  Manual Work, close to 30! The reason I have been specializing in Craniosacral Therapy in the last 20 years is because the work is very gentle, yet truly helps people in the long run to get well, and more active in their lives.  I have seen many of my clients find pain relief, lose their stress, and integrate into a more relaxed balanced people.  More happy, and healthy holistically.

The areas where I have seen the best changes are with:  headaches, neck and back pain, emotional stress related to the body, and concussions.   But CST is helpful really for anyone.  That is because it works primarily with the brain and the spine and how it supports the rest of the body.  The work is profound, and as the sessions continue- people change their lives.  They turn things around.

To see some of my reviews, go to:    Lighten Up Therapies

The best way to find a Massage Therapist is by word of mouth.  If someone takes the time to write a review, that means a lot! I am very grateful for all the positive reviews!

If you would like a free 10 minute phone conversation to discuss or ask questions about Craniosacral Therapy, please give me a call at 703 509-1792

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST-D, SI, BHSP

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

CST

CST-D

www.upledger.com

Serving the Columbus, Ohio Area.

 

 

 

 

Craniosacral Therapy Upledger

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

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.

Craniosacral Therapy Upledger

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.

 

 

Craniosacral Therapy Session

by | Nov 18, 2017 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy

What will you feel during a Craniosacral Therapy Session?

Well, that really depends on the person.   Because each person has a different sense of awareness of his or her body.  In most cases, where people do mindfulness practice, yoga, some athletes, or massage often,  they tend to have more of an idea of the subtle movements and structure of their bodies.  But many people, don’t think to listen to their bodies honestly.  This is probably  just a cultural thing.  In the US, it has not been a common practice to meditate and close our eyes with awareness to what is happening to us in a sensory proactive way.  That is just the way it has been until more recently.

Craniosacral Therapy Session

Craniosacral Therapy Session

In the last few decades, there  have been more Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine training, and teaching lay people and other healthcare practitioners gentle ways to approach and listen to the body’s own inner healing abilities.  Fortunately, one of them, a Dr. John Upledger  decided that he wanted to get the very helpful and healing modality of Craniosacral Therapy (CST)  out to as many people as possible.  As such,  there has been a big influence in promoting massage therapists to use what I consider to be a more mindful CST approach.  Because when A Craniosacral Therapist listens to the body,  we attune to the body’s intelligence response with a very light touch.  With that, we also use intention and techniques that are able to bypass the body’s own defense system.   Thus allowing us to have a conversation with the fundamental wisdom of the body.  This is very different than effleurage, deep tissue, or swedish.  And believe it or not the effects go deep and create long term healing.  That is all because the body knows what to do, it just needs gentle support and encouragement.

In your Craniosacral Therapy Session, you will be fully clothed.  And you will most likely feel held. Most clients gradually notice quiet changes going on throughout the body.  Fascial restrictions will let go, and the energy flows better, circulation improves, and the Central Nervous System balances out.  Often people who are high strung will start to relax.  Many of my clients fall sleep.  On the flip side, people who are lethargic or low energy, do the opposite- and pick up energy. Initially, most people feel more when they get the work done closer to the neck and the head, mainly because that is where their awareness is often.  But it is also possible to feel the craniosacral rhythm in the feet as well. Over continual sessions, many people gain more insights into how their whole body works.  That sense of body amnesia disappears. With awareness comes self-empowerment and the ability to make healthy choices.   In the whole picture, clients feel more vital, alive, and pain free.

Sessions usually last between 45 -60 minutes on the table.  But there are also 5 day intensives with organizations like Integrative Intentions.   That group travels around the world and uses multiple hands on therapy with clients.  I have been a primary therapist at these and have seen miraculous changes and shifts occur.  Having a few therapists working on a client with others in a large room all day is quite transformational.

Craniosacral Therapy Sessions are for pretty much everyone.  There are a few patients with contraindications who should talk to their physicians if they have medical issues.

If you have any questions, please call for a free 10 minute phone consultation.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D, LMT, SI

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

Upledger Craniosacral Therapist Columbus

by | Nov 10, 2017 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, upledger institute

Looking for an Upledger Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus Ohio?

Well, you have come to the best place.  I love Craniosacral Therapy.  And I love to talk about it.

To begin with, education is key when you are looking for a manual therapist to support you.  Why?  Because your time is important, and so is how you spend your money.  And my hope is that you find the best Upledger Craniosacral Therapist to take you on a journey of healing into wellbeing.

Upledger Craniosacral Therapist

Upledger Certified

I took my first class from the Upledger Institute in 2002.   Since then I have been drawn to learning everything I can in regards to Craniosacral Therapy.  And I am so grateful that Dr. John Upledger moved from Michigan to Florida one day many years ago to open up the Upledger Institute.  At that time, he decided to take his medical background and shared an innovate approach for hands on work that could be used by Massage Therapists, physicians, dentists,  bodyworkers of all types of people, including lay people.  The amount of therapists who attend classes at the school continues to grow, and expand around the globe.  My opinion of why this so is the quality found in the integrity of the work, and the profound results that often occur.  When a therapist is well trained through the Upledger Institute, and has much experience, they will tell you that they have seen incredible things happen.  People who could once not find any helpful treatment heal.  They grow and begin to look forward to life in a whole new way.

The techniques are also very gentle.  Sometimes clients wonder at first if such a soft touch can do anything.  Sometimes, with new clients, they don’t feel very much at the beginning.  Because they are not tuned in to listening and feeling the subtle changes that occur.  But the more time they give to receiving treatment, they always notice that they are feeling better.  They may not be able to say that one stroke which may be found in a deep tissue massage was the shift, but they know that when they wake up everyday that their body feels better, and that their outlook is clearer and more upbeat.   I can tell you why I think gentle work generates so much great change:

  1. The touch is light, so that the body does not fight against the touch.
  2. The Upledger Craniosacral Therapist is trained to listen to your Inner Wisdom, and allow that to run the session.
  3. Trust-  while Craniosacral Therapy can support SomatoEmotional Work, an experienced Therapist will never tell you what to do, what to think or how to feel.  We are trained to support your process to be organic and heard from a neutral place.
  4. For those of us who train up to the Diplomate Level, we are tested thoroughly on our knowledge and our practice.  We have learned our anatomy, how to deepen our presence, and how to be available with techniques for our clients.  Our tool box is at your disposal.
  5. There is something magical on so many levels between the gentle interchange between an Upledger Craniosacral Therapist and client.  There are no words, just a loving and healing conversation that expands and heals.

I could go on an on.  But if you are in the Columbus, Ohio area, and would like to find out more, please call me for a free 10 minute phone consultation.  I would love to hear from you and see if we are a good match.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D, LMT, SI, BHSP, Hakomi Graduate, SPI Level 1

703 509 1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com