How to Release Stress from Your Body: 10 Proven Techniques for Immediate Relief

Feel Better with Craniosacral Therapy

Finding Balance with the 10 step protocol: How Craniosacral Therapy Supports Nervous System Healing and give you Relief.

When healing from concussions, persistent headaches, migraines, or traumatic brain injuries, finding relief can feel like an endless journey. Craniosacral therapy offers a gentle yet powerful approach to supporting your nervous system’s natural healing process. Let me share how this subtle but effective technique may help you find the balance your body seeks.

Understanding Your Body’s Healing Rhythm

Your craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround your brain and spinal cord—has its own natural rhythm. After head trauma or neurological stress, this delicate system can become restricted, potentially contributing to ongoing symptoms and discomfort.

Craniosacral therapy works by using gentle touch—typically no more than the weight of a nickel—to detect and release these restrictions. By tuning into your body’s subtle rhythms, a skilled therapist helps restore flow and balance to your central nervous system.

Supporting Recovery from Head Injuries.

After a concussion or TBI, your brain needs optimal conditions to heal. The gentle nature of craniosacral therapy makes it particularly suitable for those with head injuries, where even slight pressure can sometimes trigger symptoms.

Many clients report improvements in several areas:

  • Reduced headache frequency and intensity
  • Decreased sensitivity to light and sound
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Enhanced mental clarity and focus
  • Reduced anxiety and stress responses

Breaking the Cycle of Migraines and Chronic Headaches

For those suffering from recurring migraines or tension headaches, craniosacral therapy addresses potential root causes rather than just managing symptoms. By releasing restrictions in the cranial bones, neck, and spine, this therapy helps reduce pressure on sensitive nerves and improves cerebrospinal fluid circulation.

The result? Many experience fewer headaches with less reliance on medication.

Creating Space for Healing to help you find Relief.

What makes craniosacral therapy unique is its respect for your body’s innate wisdom. Rather than forcing change, your therapist creates a safe environment where your nervous system can shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and repair” mode—essential for true healing to occur.

This gentle approach is particularly valuable for those whose systems are already overwhelmed by pain or trauma. The sessions themselves often provide immediate relief, with many clients reporting a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

Finding the Right Practitioner to help you have relief from pain and stress.

The effectiveness of craniosacral therapy depends significantly on your practitioner’s skill and experience, particularly when dealing with neurological conditions. Look for therapists with specialized training in treating concussions and neurological issues, and don’t hesitate to ask about their experience with your specific condition.

If you’re struggling with the effects of head trauma, persistent headaches, or migraines, consider adding craniosacral therapy to your recovery toolkit. This gentle approach might be the missing piece in your healing journey, helping your nervous system find its way back to balance and well-being.

How to find Pain Relief with Listening and Gentle Touch

How to find Pain Relief with Listening and Gentle Touch

gentle touch

The Profound Benefits of Safe and Gentle Touch: A Craniosacral Perspective

First, lets begin with the concept that your Body is always listening.  Touch is very informative and can be quite healing.

In a world that often moves too fast, where stress and disconnection have become the norm, the power of safe and gentle touch is profoundly healing. As a craniosacral therapist, I witness daily how subtle, nurturing touch can create profound positive shifts—not just in the body but in the mind and spirit as well.  

Why Safe and Gentle Touch Matters

Touch is one of the first ways we experience connection as human beings. From infancy, we seek comfort, warmth, and reassurance through the gentle embrace of a caregiver. As we grow, touch continues to shape our nervous system, influencing our ability to feel safe, balanced, and present in the world.

Safe and gentle touch—such as that used in craniosacral therapy—engages the body’s innate healing intelligence. Dr. John Upledger calls this the Inner Wisdom.  It communicates a sense of safety to the nervous system, helping to shift from states of stress and survival to deep relaxation and restoration.

The Science Behind Healing Touch

When we experience safe, non-invasive touch, several physiological responses occur:

  1. Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System – Gentle touch signals the body to shift from fight-or-flight mode into rest-and-digest mode, reducing cortisol levels and promoting deep relaxation.

  2. Release of Oxytocin – Sometimes called the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin fosters trust, emotional regulation, and feelings of security. Think of a mother holding her child with love.

  3. Pain Reduction – Light touch stimulates mechanoreceptors in the skin, which can decrease pain perception and enhance overall comfort. When touch is light, the body does not have to defend and the pain can just slip away.

  4. Enhanced Circulation and Lymphatic Flow – Gentle touch supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to reduce inflammation and improve immune function.

  5. Balancing the Craniosacral Rhythm – In craniosacral therapy, delicate hands-on techniques support the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct and heal.  This touch can be anywhere on the body as the rhythm can be felt globally through the fluids and the tissues.

Emotional and Spiritual Benefits of Gentle Touch

 

Beyond the physical benefits, safe touch fosters emotional well-being and deepens our connection to ourselves and others. Many people carry unprocessed emotions or trauma within the tissues and fluids of the body, often manifesting as tension, anxiety, or chronic pain. When touch is applied with intention, it can create a profound sense of being seen, held, and supported—sometimes in ways words cannot express.

This is especially important in a world where so many feel isolated. Safe touch reminds us that we are not alone, that we are worthy of care, and that healing happens in connection.

Bringing More Gentle Touch into Your Life

You don’t have to be a therapist to offer or receive the benefits of healing touch. Simple acts—like placing a hand on your heart, offering a mindful hug, or resting a hand on a loved one’s shoulder—can have a powerful impact.  Also breathing slowly and deeply with mindful gentle touch can be soothing as well.

If you’re seeking a deeper experience of healing through touch, craniosacral therapy provides a safe, non-invasive approach that honors the body’s wisdom and innate ability to heal.

Your body is always listening. How will you speak to it today?


How Can We Manifest a Great Health Care System Together?

How Can We Manifest a Great Health Care System Together?

Health Care

What kind of Health Care Model Would you like to see in the United States?

Reimagining Healthcare: A Vision for a System That Truly Cares

What would the perfect health care system look like for you? Imagine a world where health care is truly about healing, prevention, and well-being—not just treating symptoms. Let’s manifest this together!

Today, I’m reflecting on healthcare reform, especially with new discussions happening at the national level. What would an ideal health care system offer? What do people truly need to live healthier, happier lives?

Here are some key ideas to consider:

1. Doctors Who Listen & Treat the Whole Person

Health care should be patient-centered, not profit-driven. Imagine doctors who have time to sit with you, listen to your story, and treat the root cause of illness—not just prescribe medications. Functional medicine doctors already do this, but what if they were affordable and covered by insurance? The more proactive we are with our health, the better outcomes (and lower costs) we’ll have in the long run.

2. Holistic Wellness & Preventative Care

Chronic stress is at the root of many illnesses. Every person should have access to nutritionists, naturopaths, homeopaths, and osteopaths—because prevention is more effective than waiting until things spiral out of control.

3. Pay Health care Workers for Keeping Us Healthy

Right now, the system profits from illness, not wellness. What if doctors and healthcare workers were rewarded for keeping people healthy instead of for expensive treatments? Imagine a system where the better we feel, the higher they are paid—flipping the current profit-driven model on its head.

4. Manual Therapies for Stress Relief & Well-Being

Chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, massage, physical therapy, and structural integration should all be included in health care plans. These therapies help with alignment, relaxation, and overall wellness. Even just one session a week could reduce stress and prevent future health issues.

5. Alternative & Energy Healing Options

Energy healing, health retreats, and mind-body practices like yoga, Pilates, and Gyrotonics should be part of a well-rounded healthcare system. Programs that support joy and emotional well-being are just as vital as traditional medicine.

6. Clean, Transparent Food Supply

It’s time to eliminate harmful chemicals in our food. Transparency in labeling should be a standard, and access to nutritious, whole foods should be easier and more affordable for everyone.

7. Prioritizing Rest & Vacation

True health includes balance, downtime, and joy. Anyone working full-time should have access to paid time off to recharge and spend time with loved ones—because burnout isn’t healthy.

8. Mental Health Support for All

Imagine a world where therapy and mental health care are covered for everyone. People struggling with depression, anxiety, isolation, or trauma should have access to therapists, social workers, and healers—without worrying about the cost.

9. Accessible & Compassionate Senior Care

Hospitals, clinics, and telehealth services should be well-staffed, especially in rural areas. Elderly individuals should be able to stay in their homes affordably, without being forced out due to real estate taxes or lack of care. Younger generations could even volunteer to support seniors, fostering a sense of community.

10. Treating Every Person as a Valued Human Being

Above all, a great health care system treats people as whole, worthy individuals. When people are truly seen, heard, and cared for, humanity transforms.

What would your ideal healthcare system look like? Let’s start the conversation and manifest a healthier future together.  You can also find out more about Craniosacral Treatments at www.upledger.com.

Tell me what matters to you?

💛 Sharon Hartnett CST-D
📞 703-509-1792
🌐 www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

The Great and Undervalued Skill of Listening

The Great and Undervalued Skill of Listening

Craniosacral and Energy healing

The Power of Listening

Transform Your Relationships 

Embrace the skill of Listening. In our fast-paced world, where distractions are everywhere, truly bringing your attention  to someone else has become a rare gift. Yet, mastering the art of good listening can enhance every area of your life—from personal relationships to professional success.  Although honestly, good communication skills begins with you.  It takes intentionality and practice to be a good listener.  Let’s dive into why becoming a better listener is one of the most valuable skills you can develop.

1. Builds Stronger Relationships

Good listening fosters deeper connections.  Not only does listening help you gather information that can teach you, but it also includes the other person/people in the relationship.  It builds connection.  It builds a sense of wellbeing within yourself and with others.

2. Boosts Career and Business Success

Want to stand out in your career? Be a great listener.  Good listening skills put you at the head of the game. In addition, it helps you build work teams and achieve business goals creatively and with success.

3. Enhances Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

When you listen well, you gather accurate and clear information, leading to better decision-making. Many problems arise from misunderstandings, but active listening helps you identify core issues and find effective solutions faster.

4. Improves Emotional Intelligence

Listening is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence (EQ). When you learn to take in another without judgment, you become more empathetic and aware of others’ emotions. This improves social interactions and makes you a more compassionate and respected individual.

5. Reduces Stress and Miscommunication

Poor listening leads to misunderstandings, stress, and unnecessary conflicts. By fully focusing on conversations, you ensure clear communication, reducing confusion and tension in both personal and professional settings.

How to Become a Better Listener

  • Be Present – Put away distractions and give the speaker your full attention.

  • Use Active Listening Techniques – Nod, maintain eye contact, and reflect back what you hear.

  • Ask Thoughtful Questions – Show genuine curiosity and seek to understand before responding.

  • Avoid Interrupting – Let the other person finish before sharing your thoughts.

Final Thoughts

 

If you are finding that you are missing out in conversations, or have developed your listening skills on a deep level, you can develop it and practice through self-awareness and tracking.  Sharon Hartnett CST-D is Diplomate Certified Craniosacral Therapist, and also practices energy healing and transformation, along with Hakomi.  With close to 30 years of working in her private practice, she offers sessions that focus on listening on different levels.  Call for a free 15 free consultation  to find out more.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

 

How to Feel Awesome? Releasing the barriers to Healing

How to Feel Awesome? Releasing the barriers to Healing

Creating an Awesome Life from Within

Unlocking the Awsome in Your Life!

“Be Still and Know”.  A quote by Dr. William Sutherland sums it up best.

Right now in the world, there is so much chaos and a push to divide. I have clients who are cancelling because they are breaking away from those whom they love, and they don’t want to drive back up here because it’s too emotionally painful.  Families and friends are fighting because they are so involved with the outer conflicts in the world, but don’t remember how to find peace inside.

If you want to re-discover your awesome Self, it may take some quieting down and mindfulness.  Healer- you must learn to heal yourself before you can mend breaks that you don’t understand.

As a Wellness guide and a Craniosacral Therapist, I would recommend acknowledging  releasing and transforming any obstacles that are in the way of feeling your awesome self.  Bring awareness to your breath and breathe,  connect with your body, and deeper wisdom. Some tools you can use are:  self-inquiry (check out www.thework.com ), connect to nature and grounding. Most importantly, remember compassion over judgment and the power of community and service connection!

When the world is feeling loud, it’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed, fearful, angry or lost. If you are feeling that way, know that your emotions are valid. They are your understanding about how you feel.  However if they are keeping you get stuck move forward with some help.

Take some time to breathe, and to slow down.  It’s there that you can anchor it to your inner resources.

If you are having a difficult time doing this by yourself, an ally can help.  Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle manual approach to working with the body to alleviate chronic stress.  It’s great in helping to release physical barriers to deeper healing, but also with Somato-Emotional Release, it can help move that energy that is keeping you feeling stuck and upset.  

Your inner wisdom knows how to ground and release. It’s just sometimes easeir to have someone help facilitate the process.

To learn more about Craniosacral Therapy, check out www.Upledger.com.  It’s a fantastic way to awaken your awesome self again.

If you are local to the Columbus, Ohio area, give me a call, and I offer free 15 minute phone for any Craniosacral Therapy questions you may have.

Move from overwhelm into the Best Verstion of yourself.  You can Do it!

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

For google reviews: https://g.co/kgs/v2UxQEt

 

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Grounding Techniques: Simple Ways to Connect with Earth’s Healing Energy”

Grounding Techniques: Simple Ways to Connect with Earth’s Healing Energy”

Grounding for your Wellbeing

The earth is a bundle of grounding energy. It can nourish you from the bottom up!  If you take  the time to stand outside and feel the ground below your feet, the earth will open up your life flow. Whether you stand out in the sunshine or lie in the snow, feel the healthy grounding of your physical wellbeing.

 

How Grounding can help you.  For:

  1. Empaths & Highly Sensitive People – If you absorb others’ emotions or energy easily, grounding helps you stay balanced and not get overwhelmed.
  2. Healers & Energy Workers – When working with energy, grounding prevents depletion and keeps the flow stable.
  3. People Going Through Spiritual Awakenings – Awakening can make you feel unsteady or disconnected; grounding keeps you anchored in your body and the present moment.
  4. Those Experiencing Anxiety or Overthinking – Grounding shifts your focus from racing thoughts to the stability of the earth, bringing calm and clarity.
  5. Anyone Going Through Major Life Changes – Transitions can make you feel uprooted; grounding helps create a sense of stability and trust in the process.
  6. People Working in High-Stress Environments – Stress can scatter your energy; grounding helps you stay centered and focused.
  7. Individuals Feeling Disconnected from Nature or Their Bodies – If you’re stuck in technology, overanalyzing, or feeling out of touch with yourself, grounding reconnects you.

A good exercise to start grounding with is to imagine roots coming down your feet into the earth bringing you calm and centeredness. Allow yourself to absorb the strength and power of the Earth.  If you are more of a touch person,  reach out and touch a tree.  I know that sounds a bit “out there, but you might be amazed, and what you can sense and feel.  Lastly, just looking around and connecting with your eyes can help you to connect.  Especially if you start by notice how beautiful the earth is!

Lastly, trying a session in Craniosacral Therapy can help you to feel more embodied and grounded.  It’s gentle and very centering as well.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

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