614 653-8111 Sharhartnett@aol.com
Why Self-Care Matters—Now More Than Ever

Why Self-Care Matters—Now More Than Ever

by | Jul 20, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, healing, Healthy Body, mindfulness, upledger institute

self care

Self-Care with Cranosacral Therapy by Sharon Hartnett CST-D in Columbus, Ohio

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are more prevalent than ever. The constant demands of work, family, and digital life can leave us emotionally drained and physically exhausted. For individuals in chronic pain, this cycle can become especially punishing—where pain fuels stress, and stress fuels pain.

Cultivating a self-care routine isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential care. For those juggling stress, anxiety, or chronic pain, self-care can:

  • Break the stress-pain cycle, calming the nervous and working with the fascial and musculoskeletal systems.  

  • Improve mood, sleep, and resilience through regular relaxation and mindfulness practices. HealthWikipedia

  • Boost quality of life—especially critical for those managing long-term health challenges. 

Key Self‑Care Practices for Stress, Anxiety & Pain

1. Mindfulness & Meditation

  • What it does: Lowers anxiety, enhances emotional regulation, reduces chronic pain signaling. HealthTIME

  • Try this: Five minutes of mindful breathing daily, or guided meditations via apps.  Or take a mindful walk outside!

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

  • What it does: Reduces muscle tension, anxiety, insomnia, even chronic pain.

  • Try this: Tense and release muscle groups from head to toe, with deep breathing.  Take your time!

3. Gentle Movement (Yoga, Walks, Stretching)

  • Encourages physical ease, mental clarity, and helps interrupt chronic pain patterns.

4. Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

There are Craniosacral Therapists across the world who work with people to deeply relax and to heal.  Check out the Upledger Institute for a therapist near you.

5.  Journal, Express Yourself in Safe Places, and Be Social

 

✨ Spotlight: Craniosacral Therapy

What it is
A gentle, hands-on approach where a trained therapist uses soft touch along your skull, spine, and sacrum to ease tension in the fascia and support the body’s self‑healing mechanisms. Byrdie+3Cleveland Clinic+3Verywell Health+3

How it helps

What to expect

A balanced view

Craniosacral Therapy is a unique experience for each person.  The body holds the wisdom to heal and that Inner Physician is what leads the session.  As such, you can depend that your sessions are different than other peoples.  However, most people walk away feeling very calm, centered and relaxed in their mind, body and spirit.

Building Your Self‑Care Toolbox

Here’s how to create a well-rounded routine:

Practice What It Does Frequency
Deep breathing or meditation Calms nervous system, reduces anxiety Daily, 5–15 min
PMR stretch session Eases muscle tension, pain, insomnia 3–5× per week
Gentle movement Improves circulation, mental health Daily or most days
Craniosacral therapy Releases chronic tension; resets pain/stress Weekly or biweekly
Journaling/social connection Processes emotions; strengthens support Weekly

Final Thoughts

Self-care isn’t about indulgence—it’s about repairing and protecting your system.   Be Proactive !When you feel your stress or pain rising, lean on these practices before symptoms spiral. Over time, small, consistent habits build a powerful buffer against the daily overload.

If you’re struggling, especially with chronic pain or anxiety, consider adding craniosacral therapy to your routine. Consult your healthcare provider and seek out a trained practitioner. Combined with mindfulness, relaxation, and movement, CST can become a gentle yet potent path toward relief and resilience.

Reminder

Everyone’s journey is different—take time to explore what resonates with you. Consistency beats intensity. Start small, stay curious, and let your routine grow alongside your needs.

Take care of yourself—you’re worth the effort. 💛

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

What is Patience?

What is Patience?

by | Jul 20, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, healing

🌾 The Beauty in Waiting

Not all things bloom at once.
Some wait for the hush after the storm,
for the soil to soften,
for the sun to find the right angle
to kiss them awake.

We are no different.

There is a rhythm beneath the rush,
a wisdom in the slow turn of seasons
that no clock can measure.

Patience is not passive.
It is presence.
It is the art of listening
to what the body knows
but the world forgets—
that becoming takes time.

A seed does not doubt its path
just because no one can see it yet.
It rests.
It breathes.
It trusts.

And one day, quietly,
without needing to prove anything—
it rises.

Not because it was forced.
But because it was ready.
Because it belonged to the light
all along.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Deep Healing Shifts That Unfold Gradually with Craniosacral Therapy in Columbus

Deep Healing Shifts That Unfold Gradually with Craniosacral Therapy in Columbus

by | Jun 22, 2025 | change, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, healthy

Being Real with Sharon

Healing is an Inside Job that expands over time and usually through slow change.

Don’t Rush Healing. It won’t work. Healing Takes Time.

Do you expect immediate healng results?  Welcome to the club. I have seen so many people come into my office and they expect a lot in the first session. Often they have tried so many healing modalities and nothing worked.  Understandably, they are disappointed and they learn to give up rather quickly.

The thing is- healing does work.  The body has it’s own ability to self-correct, and often comes back to equilibrium. The best time to begin a healing process  is when something goes awry-act immediately.  This can mean rest. Going to a physician. Seeing a Craniosacral Therapist, and/or eating healthy.  Whatever is needed to balance the body and move it closer to health and wellbeing.

The longer a person procrastinates, the mind-body-spirit begins to place band-aids on the experience. Compensations begin.  The intricate webbing of life, and the fascia, along with all the other internal systems re-organized in a more sporadic challenging fashion.

With Craniosacral Therapy, the work is so subtle.  Some people may not feel much in the first session.  A reason for this is that the pain or the past experiences keeps the mind from feeling deep into the pain of an old habit and experience.  It takes time for a relationship to develop and for healing to unfold.  Often many sessions.

The gentleness and the listening of the body may be a new experience for someone.  They may need to open to being held and supported. This seems like it should be so easy, but for many people it is not.  So many people live with anxiety for example.  They don’t feel centered, safe, or secure with new sensations and feelings.  What many of us need is to slow down, be heard, to have our bodies supported compassionately and with skill.  This is the key doorway into discovering our own healing abilities.

I like to remind people, often it took time or a severe accident to go into chronic or acute pain or suffering.  It takes time for healing too. Be patient with yourself.  Breathe through it all.  Be kind to you, and be patient with the healing work you choose.  It takes time to shift gears and wind down into healing mode.

I recommend at least 4 sessions just to see how your process shows itself.  Remember too- it doesn’t have to be painful aggressive work that changes you.  Sometimes it’t the opposite of anything you have ever experienced before.

As a Craniosacral Therapist, Somatic Healer and Energy Healer for over 30 years, I can honestly say that there is an easier path.  But it is never always easy to navigate until your surrender into your own intention to heal.  Your commitment is needed to change.  You must allow the greater good to direct your process.  Like I said, “it’s an inside job.”  But not meant to be done in isolation.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Working in Worthington, and surrounding Columbus area.

614 653-8111 Business

703 509-1792 Cell

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brain Healing Through Craniosacral Therapy: Manual Biomechanics for Individual Recovery

Brain Healing Through Craniosacral Therapy: Manual Biomechanics for Individual Recovery

by | Jun 21, 2025 | concussion, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, Healthy Body

craniosacral

Craniosacral Therapy for Brain Health: Gentle Healing Through Mindful Touch

Discover how Upledger craniosacral therapy uses gentle manual techniques and biomechanical listening to support natural brain healing and nervous system wellness.

In our fast-paced world, many of us are drawn to gentler, more nurturing approaches to health and healing. Craniosacral therapy (CST) offers a beautiful pathway to brain wellness through the profound power of mindful touch and biomechanical awareness. This manual therapy embraces the craniosacral system—the delicate membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect our brain and spinal cord.

What is Craniosacral Therapy? Understanding the Craniosacral System

The craniosacral system operates on its own natural rhythm, distinct from heartbeat and breathing patterns. This intricate system includes the bones of the skull, face, and mouth, extending down to the sacrum at the base of the spine. Cerebrospinal fluid flows within this system, nourishing and protecting the central nervous system while removing waste products.

Craniosacral therapists are trained to detect the subtle movements and rhythms of this system through light touch, typically using pressure no greater than the weight of a nickel. This sensitive palpation allows practitioners to “listen” to the body’s inherent wisdom and identify areas where natural movement may be restricted.

Manual Biomechanical Listening: The Heart of Craniosacral Therapy

Central to craniosacral therapy is the concept of biomechanical listening—a practice that requires practitioners to develop extraordinary sensitivity in their hands and awareness in their touch. This listening involves:

Tuning into Subtle Body Rhythms

Practitioners learn to feel the gentle expansion and contraction of cranial bones, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and the movement of fascial tissues throughout the body.

Following Natural Movement Patterns

Instead of imposing corrections, skilled craniosacral therapists follow the body’s natural movements and allow the system to find its own path toward balance.

Whole-Body Awareness Integration

While focusing on the head and spine, practitioners maintain awareness of how restrictions in one area may affect the entire body system.  They can also touch anywhere on the body and feel the rhythm.  In the Upledger protocol, there are 10 basic steps to listen from a whole body perspective.

Mindful Cranial Sensitivity: The Therapeutic Power of Presence

The therapeutic power of craniosacral work lies not just in technique, but in the quality of presence and intention that practitioners bring to their touch. This mindful cranial sensitivity involves:

Present-Moment Therapeutic Awareness

Practitioners cultivate a state of calm, focused attention that allows them to detect the most subtle changes in tissue quality and movement.

Non-Invasive Healing Touch

Rather than manipulating or adjusting, therapists often simply hold space for the body’s natural healing processes to unfold. This gentle holding can create a sense of safety that allows deep relaxation and self-correction.  This is different than energy work though, because CST is based in science and working with the anatomy and physiology of the body.

Therapeutic Stillness and Deep Listening

Sometimes the most powerful moments in a craniosacral therapy session occur in stillness, where both practitioner and client experience a profound sense of peace and connection.

Craniosacral Therapy Benefits for Brain Health and Healing

Improved Brain Circulation and Fluid Flow

By addressing restrictions in the craniosacral system, therapy helps optimize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and blood circulation to the brain, supporting optimal brain health.

Natural Stress Reduction and Nervous System Regulation

The deeply relaxing nature of craniosacral work activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting the body’s natural healing responses and reducing the harmful effects of chronic stress on brain function.

Enhanced Sleep Quality for Brain Recovery

Many clients report improved sleep patterns following craniosacral therapy sessions, which is crucial for brain detoxification and memory consolidation.

Emotional Release and Mental Well-being

The gentle, supportive environment of craniosacral therapy can facilitate the release of stored emotional tension, supporting mental and emotional well-being.

Central Nervous System Support

By working with the central nervous system directly, craniosacral therapy helps improve overall nervous system function and resilience.

The Healing Power of Therapeutic Relationship in Craniosacral Work

One of the most profound aspects of craniosacral therapy is the quality of therapeutic relationship it fosters. The practitioner’s mindful presence and gentle touch create a safe space where the client’s nervous system can shift out of protective, high-alert states and into modes that support healing and regeneration.

This therapeutic holding—both physical and energetic—can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, chronic stress, or neurological challenges. The non-invasive nature of craniosacral work makes it accessible to people of all ages, from newborns to elderly individuals.

The Individual Journey: Unique Healing Experiences

One of the most powerful aspects of craniosacral therapy is that it honors the deeply personal nature of healing. Each person’s experience with craniosacral work is entirely unique, reflecting their individual body wisdom, life experiences, and healing needs. What emerges during a session—whether it’s deep relaxation, emotional release, physical relief, or subtle energetic shifts—is completely individual to each person.

Some clients feel profound changes immediately, while others notice gradual shifts over time. Some experience physical sensations like warmth or tingling, while others feel emotional releases or simply a deep sense of peace. This subjective healing experience is not only normal but celebrated in craniosacral work, as it reflects the body’s own intelligence guiding the healing process.

Real-World Results: Case Studies and Individual Benefits

While each person’s journey with craniosacral therapy is unique, individual case studies consistently show remarkable benefits for people dealing with various health challenges:

Chronic Pain Relief: Individual case studies document significant improvements in people suffering from chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, and persistent musculoskeletal pain. Many clients report not just pain reduction, but an improved relationship with their body and enhanced quality of life.

Stress and Anxiety Support: Personal accounts reveal how craniosacral therapy helps individuals manage chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma responses. Case studies show improvements in sleep quality, emotional regulation, and overall nervous system resilience.

Concussion and Brain Injury Recovery: Individual case studies highlight the potential of craniosacral work in supporting people recovering from concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries. Clients often report improvements in symptoms like headaches, dizziness, cognitive fog, and emotional instability that can persist after head injuries.

These individual success stories remind us that while healing is deeply personal, the gentle power of craniosacral therapy consistently creates space for the body’s natural recovery processes to unfold in their own perfect timing.

A Holistic Path to Brain Wellness

Craniosacral therapy offers a beautiful integration with your overall wellness journey. The gentle nature of this work creates space for deep healing while honoring your body’s innate wisdom. Many people find that craniosacral sessionsenhance their overall sense of well-being and support their body’s natural capacity for self-healing.

Finding Qualified Craniosacral Therapists

For those interested in exploring craniosacral therapy, it’s essential to seek out properly trained practitioners. Look for certified craniosacral therapists who have completed comprehensive training programs and maintain continuing education in this specialized field. Many practitioners are also licensed healthcare providers such as massage therapists, physical therapists, or osteopathic physicians.

What to Look for in a Craniosacral Practitioner:

  • Craniosacral therapy certification from recognized training institutes
  • Ongoing continuing education in craniosacral techniques
  • Experience with manual biomechanical listening
  • Training in mindful touch and therapeutic presence
  • Understanding of the craniosacral system and nervous system function

Conclusion: Embracing Gentle Brain Healing Through Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy opens a doorway to the body’s remarkable healing wisdom through the practice of mindful, sensitive touch. By learning to listen deeply to the subtle rhythms of the craniosacral system and offering gentle, supportive presence, practitioners create sacred space where the brain’s natural healing processes can flourish.

The practice reminds us that healing often happens not through force or intervention, but through the simple yet profound act of being truly present with another person’s experience. In our increasingly busy world, the gentle power of mindful healing touch offers us a pathway back to our innate wholeness and the remarkable healing capacity that lives within each of us.

Whether you’re navigating stress, seeking to nurture your brain health, or simply feeling called to explore gentle approaches to wellness, craniosacral therapy offers an invitation to slow down, tune in deeply, and trust in the profound healing capacity that flows through us all.

Ready to experience the gentle healing power of craniosacral therapy? Find a qualified craniosacral therapist near you and discover how this mindful approach to brain health can support your wellness journey.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

For more question and answers about the Craniosacral Therapy Sessions go to FAQ page.

How Pain and Fear Can Lead to Healing and Wholeness

How Pain and Fear Can Lead to Healing and Wholeness

by | Jun 15, 2025 | change, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, healthy, Healthy Body, Spiritual Healing, trauma, upledger institute

healing emotional pain and fair

It’s easy to push pain and fear aside—but when we turn toward them with compassion, we open the door to true healing.

Pain gets a bad rap. Truly, it does. But so does fear.
Who wants to voluntarily feel either of those?

The truth is, both are messengers—part of our inner guidance system—and they play an important role in healing emotional pain and fear. These sensations are not signs of weakness. They are invitations into deeper awareness, vulnerability, and ultimately, transformation.

Pain: More Than Just “Ouch”

Most people think of pain as an unpleasant experience—and it is. It’s the nervous system’s way of saying, “Something isn’t right.” Whether the wound is physical, emotional, or even energetic, the message is the same: pay attention.

Pain is also deeply personal. No two people experience it the same way. But when we stop resisting it and begin to listen, pain becomes something more—it becomes a doorway. A chance to come home to the places in us that have been neglected or pushed away.

Fear: A Powerful Instinct That Can Be Healed

Fear often gets lumped in with weakness, but it’s actually one of our most ancient protectors. It’s rooted in survival. For humans—who are social animals—fear helps us detect danger, avoid harm, and stay connected.

But here’s the twist: when fear becomes chronic, it holds us hostage. Instead of protecting us, it keeps us stuck. That’s where emotional healing comes in—not by overriding fear, but by slowly and gently meeting it.

Healing Emotional Pain and Fear: A Path Through the Body

In my practice, I often support clients through craniosacral therapy and somatic healing—both gentle methods that invite the body to relax, unwind, and return to its natural rhythm.

When the body feels safe, it stops defending.
When it stops defending, it starts integrating.
And when integration happens, the healing begins.

Through this process, people begin to heal emotional pain and fear not by numbing or avoiding, but by allowing themselves to feel. Over time, they become more grounded, more whole, and more connected to their true selves.

You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone

Healing fear and pain isn’t linear. It unfolds in layers. Sometimes, it’s messy. Often, it’s uncomfortable. But it’s also real—and freeing.

If you’re in Columbus and you’re ready to explore what healing can feel like in a safe, nurturing environment, I’d be honored to walk with you.

Your body holds the wisdom.
Your fear holds the key.
Your pain holds the map.
Let’s listen together.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Located in Worthington, Ohio-Centrally located in the Columbus area.

How to Free Yourself through Breath

How to Free Yourself through Breath

by | Jun 7, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, fear, grounding, healing, healthy, mindfulness

A picture of the book Breath

The Breath: A Path to Healing and Inner Calm

By Sharon Hartnett CST-D | Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio

?️ The Sacred Breath of Life

Why do so many of us hold our breath—or barely breathe at all? As a Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio, I’ve asked this question for years. I see it daily in my clients… and I’ve seen it in myself too.

Shallow breathing has become the norm in our fast-paced world. But our breath holds the key to a more relaxed, resilient, and nourished life.

? My Journey to Breathing Better

Years ago, I enrolled in a yoga teacher training course, partly to deepen my understanding of breathwork. I enjoyed it, but honestly—I didn’t keep up with the practices. They didn’t quite stick.

Later, I read Breath by James Nestor, and it sparked something deeper in me. I tried mouth taping at night (as he suggests), and noticed my jaw relaxed, and I breathed through my nose more often. But again… I fell off the routine.

Creating new habits takes effort, and I’ll admit—like many of us—I didn’t always make it a priority.

✨ A Turning Point: Breath & Awareness

Eventually, I discovered a breathwork teacher who helped me realize something important:
My exhale was restricted, and the pause after exhaling was even harder. But through consistent practice, I noticed improvement. My breath began to shift, my awareness deepened.

More recently, I took a five-hour course on The Breath and Digestion with Nikki Kenward and another brilliant teacher. This time, it landed differently. The experience was informative and embodied—helping me understand how deeply the breath is connected to our digestive health and nervous system regulation.

With mindful breathing, gentle touch, and a calm presence, I could feel my body soften and re-energize.

?‍♀️ Breathing in My Craniosacral Practice

I’ve shared simple breathing techniques with clients for years, but this workshop gave me new insight. Breathing—especially with awareness—can support digestion, emotional healing, and a balanced nervous system.

Now, I’m weaving breathwork more intentionally into my Craniosacral Therapy sessions. When clients tune in to their breath, it opens the door to inner wisdom, subtle motion, and profound relaxation.

? Why Breathing Efficiently Matters

Efficient breathing means slow, intentional, and diaphragmatic breathing. Here’s why it’s so powerful:

? Physical Benefits

  • Better oxygen flow: Nourishes tissues and supports healing

  • Improved posture: Strengthens the diaphragm and core

  • Lower blood pressure & heart rate: Activates the parasympathetic response

  • Enhanced digestion: Calms gut tension and supports regularity

  • More energy: Oxygen supports every cell in the body

? Mental & Emotional Benefits

  • Reduces anxiety: Signals safety to the nervous system

  • Increases focus and clarity: Breath calms the mental chatter

  • Supports emotional balance: Builds capacity to respond, not react

? Nervous System & Sleep Support

  • Moves you from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”

  • Improves sleep quality and supports gentle recovery

? A Simple Practice to Begin: The 4-6 Breath

This is one of my favorite practices to return to—especially when feeling anxious or disconnected.

The 4-6 Breath

When to use: Morning, bedtime, or anytime you need calm.

  1. Sit comfortably or lie down

  2. Inhale gently through your nose for 4 seconds

  3. Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose for 6 seconds

  4. Repeat for 2–5 minutes (or longer if you’d like)

Optional: Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly. Let the belly rise more than the chest. This signals the nervous system to soften.

? Closing Reflections

I still return to this truth: Breath is medicine.

Breathing mindfully—especially with longer exhales—helps us release fear, calm anxiety, and reset the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our system. I can feel it shift my mindset and open space for healing.

If you’re on a healing journey, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, try reconnecting with your breath. And if you need support, I’m here.

Let’s explore how Craniosacral Therapy and mindful breathing can help you feel more whole, more connected, and more at ease in your body.

With breath and presence,
Sharon Hartnett CST-D
Craniosacral Therapist Columbus Ohio
? Worthington, Ohio
? 614-653-8111
? www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com