One thing about Manual Therapists is that we tend to do the type of work that we like to receive. Relieving neck pain-I know a great deal about based on personal experience.
For me, I ran into my own challenges with severe arm and neck pain about six years ago. It was excruciating. My right arm felt like a constant charlie horse and nothing I could do made it feel better. It took about a month before my doctor got me into the right place to have it taken care of properly. Once I finally saw a neurosurgeon, he ordered me into surgery the next day. In my circumstance, I had a huge bone spur in my neck pressing against my nerve. My disc was a mess and needed to be replaced. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. But more than that- I would rather hear that people be more proactive than I was and take better care of their necks as soon as they notice any restriction or problem. Healing hands can help wonders!
neck pain
Don’t wait too long! As you get older and continue to use unhealthy structural movement, the worst things can get.
What I do for people who are really in pain, is start with the sacrum. I want to make sure that the sacrum ( a triangular bone in the back between the hip bones) is moving well. I bet you didn’t know this, but all the bones in the body move in a constant flexion and extension motion based on the fluid circulating around the brain and the spine. Once a therapist learns how to listen this way, the rhythm can be felt anywhere in the body. The sacrum is connected through the spinal canal up to the cranium (the skull). The occiput which is on the bottom of the back of the head should be moving similarly to that of the sacrum. Once this motion is enhanced and moving nicely, we go to the neck.
A stiff neck or soreness can be approached either by gentle or deep work. Each person responds differently. What I suggest though is a series of work when clients are in a lot of pain. People might hope to get things resolved immediately, but that seldom happens in all honesty. It takes years to damage the body, and it takes time to heal in most cases. So while we can get a lot of great change on the first session, the client is actually looking at a real commitment to get better.
For me, this is one of my favorite types of work. Relieving Neck Pain. Today, one of my clients who has been coming in for years, felt really tight along the SCM muscle and Traps. I so enjoyed just holding and listening to the tissues. Feeling them softly let go layer by layer. The deep muscles began to feel more alive, and motion started to roll under my hands and fingers. I worked with both the muscles and the fascia. While also staying in contact with the Craniosacral Rhythm . She quietly made sounds of relief. There is nothing better than helping someone move out of pain for me anyway. It’s a great feeling being of service to another like that. A sacred experience of sorts.
If you have been feeling deep neck pain, and want to get better. Feel free to give me a 10 minute free phone consult. I have had much success helping me to restore their motion and rotation. And it is my pleasure to help where I can.
Today, I felt like writing an informal post about Hearts Meeting. A chat about how much I love my work. I am so fortunate that I get to wake up each day, loving my family, my home, and my interactions with life. It prepares me to be able to be in service in the work I chose. And I love working with people. Mostly because it opens my heart. And it opens other people’s hearts.
Hearts
In my work practice, I have clients come see me for a variety of reasons. Mostly people who are uncomfortable with something in life: their physical bodies, feelings, unclear thinking or relationships to the spiritual. I listen. I take in the story from a neutral place. And then I guide. My job is to facilitate the unfolding of my client’s own inner wisdom. For I am not actually the healer, but rather a facilitator of sorts. For over 25+ years, I have studied, worked and practiced healing techniques to help myself, those nearby whom I love, and my clients who want to connect with their Higher Purpose. People who want to feel at home in their bodies, their lives with heart and vitality. How I do that is by being Present with myself, my client and trusting the process of the energy dynamics. I center in my heart of hearts.
All of life has a stirring of energy. It lives throughout all of consciousness. I know this may sound a little far out for some. But I feel it in the presence of all living things. I feel it in myself, and especially when I connect from my heart to others. I may use energy healing, craniosacral therapy or Hakomi or such as tools, but what deeply matters is that we all are part of a sacred heart infinite web. Humanity is riding on just one small wave in the Universe, but everything is interconnected. We are interconnected. Yet we are also given this gift of discovering a sense of self. and while there may be many similarities between us, we each have a chance to write our own unique stories. In this, I find passion and heart. When I connect with my clients on the table, I love the brain and the body, but most of all-touching from my heart to another. It is so transformational and healing.
You don’t have to be a healer do this. We are all ordinary people, humble coming from the same Source. We all have the ability to heal the soul. It may appear otherwise, but the truth is that in the little things. we can make huge positive change. Choosing to love from your heart in any moment is a choice we can all make. Healing this planet, and all the people here is all about this and connecting to other hearts.
I finish now, with a heart full of gratitude for all my clients, as well as for the fullness in my life. And I wish you all the same.
A concussion is a traumatic type of brain injury that is impacted by some type of fall, blow or injury.
A concussion is not something to be taken lightly. I know. After treating many other people for concussions, I now am facing my own. I fell off my horse while landing on my buttocks and back, and also hit my head. Fortunately, I was wearing a good helmut. Since that time, I have rested quite a bit for the past two weeks, stopped most reading and writing, and took off even from the television for a bit. My doctor told me the best thing I could do is lay down in bed and close my eyes. I did the best I could, and it’s finally paying off. In the last few days, I have been applying some Craniosacral Therapy techniques to myself and have noticed an even better rate of improvement. Enough to think clearly and to write this short blog.
Fortunately, I did not lose consciousness, but I did lose my steadiness, and did get headaches for a while if I overdid it. I am so happy to be feeling better every day. Most people will fully recover from concussions, but others may not. Especially if there have been multiple incidents. So please take your health seriously. See a physician if you have any concerns that you have a concussion and make sure that self care is your priority.
Craniosaral with a focus on Glial Cells
Craniosaral with a focus on Glial Cells
Craniosaral for a Concussion with a focus on Glial Cells
I am in the process of setting up some appointment with a peer who does Craniosacral Therapy but also a therapist who knows how to focus on working with the glial cells. Why the glial cells? Lately, it has become increasingly better understood that the glial cells play a very important role in the functioning of the brain. In a class that I recently took from Tad Wanveer (an Upledger.com) therapist and teacher, I learned that through light biomechanics intention, dialogue and touch, that an experienced therapist can create wonderful improvements in how the brain works. The way that Tad explains this in his book, “Brain Stars, glia illuminating craniosacral therapy,” The Glia is more than glue. It is also plays an integral part in:
CNS development
Maintaining homeostasis
Supplying nutrients and oxygen
Synapse formation
healing injured neurons
sensory signaling
motor signaling
Cleansing of the CNS
Healing,
Production of the cerebrospinal fluid
Immune Response in the brain
Insulating
Flow regulation
Memory Processing
To destroy and Remove Waste
If the glia become over stressed or the environment in which they live- toxic, the CNS can be adversely toxic.
The good news is that the Glia can be touched and supported in a way that can repair and expedite the healing process.
As Tad says, ” Glial cells and neurons form and interdependent structural and functional system throughout the CNS that is fused with the Craniosacral System (CSS). This fusion ties place where glial cells attach to the pay matter membrane. The pain matter membrane in the innermost membrane layer of the CSS. It interconnects wit the other CSS membrane layers (meninges), and these layers connect to the bones of the cranium and spinal column. This bone to membrane to glial matrix is a dynamic biomechanical pathway CST practitioners cause use to help their clients correct nervous system dysfunction.”
In this class, I learned to touch into many parts of the brain and spinal cord. By listening and identifying through the different layers, one can come to appreciate the body’s innate ability to self-correct from a deep well of wisdom within. It is very possible to feel into structural and physiological restrictions and then to find a balance point for correction and to create better flow and drainage. In a more optimal environment, it is much easier for the brain and spine to heal.
It’s a bit ironic to me that my focus recently has been to work more and more with people who have concussions and TBI’s. And here I sit, healing with my own. But I feel very confident in the results I have had as a therapist with others, and also in my ability to work with myself, but also having incredible experiences from other therapists before. I know I am getting better, and this will resolve itself. I am back to working a light case load (craniosacral is not hard on the body or mind), and enjoying the miracles of interaction.
If you are feeling stressed about a concussion, please do take seriously that it is important to rest and heal. But I am here to tell you that there are some other integrative therapies that you docs may not know about. Craniosacral Therapy is an amazing hands on approach based on science, and experience that has helped countless others. At www.upledger.org you can see that the Upledger Institute has been helping football player to heal and feel better.
If you are local to the local Columbus area, and have a concussion, please give a call, and I am happy to offer a free 15 minute phone consult. Or look at www. upledger.com and find a Certified Therapist near you.
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.
