614 653-8111 Sharhartnett@aol.com
Explain How Is Craniosacral Therapy Different than Energy Work?

Explain How Is Craniosacral Therapy Different than Energy Work?

Craniosacral compared to Energy Work

Craniosacral Therapy has been around for a long-time, and while people across the globe have been receiving it, CST is not as widespread as I would hope.  So, I love that when potential clients call, they are so excited to learn. This work is terrific and I do my best to let people know that!  I have also studied Energy Work for a long time.  That has probably been undestood for even longer.  I’ll address that too.

Mostly, people have heard about Craniosacral Therapy from a friend, colleage or family member who has experienced great results with this soft touch therapy.  Often they are referred to the Upledger Institute.   With urging they give me a call full of questions.  I give a basic informative talk and  offer a free 10 minute phone consulation to help them to understand how Craniosacral Therapy work and can help them!

One of the main questions is “Is this energy work”?  It’s important for me to make this easy to understand because there is a big Difference.  Yet there are also some similarities.  First of all, Craniosacral Therapy is focused on the Craniosacral System.  This is a system where craniosacral fluid is created in the vetricles of the brain, circulated there and around the spine and is then reabsorbed back into the venous system.  So it is an actual physiological process.  This fluid nourishes, helps protect and clears the Central Nervous System (CNS).  When there are restrictions in the CNS, this fluid can release tension and help it to optimally support healthy functioning.  This is important because the CNS connects to basically everything in the body.  It is the Superhighway of communication for all the things that our body does.  Craniosacral Therapy also works with the fascia which is a three dimension web of connective tissue.   Working with fascia is quite transformative for posture and the whole body as well.

Energy Work is based on working with the vibrations of differet levels of consciousness.  Energy runs through all things. It’s universal.  When we kiss our children, we are running energy through our systems and then touching the other.  Sometimes that energy causes a response in the other person.  When an athlete football player runs across a football field, he/she is using his/her body’s energy to do so.  Lasers use energy and are now in our medical system in so many ways.  Each energy has it’s own unique way that it manifests.  It can be used for healing and awakening too.

In the last 15 years, I have focused much of my pracice on Craniosacral Therapy as taught at the Upledger Institute.  Before that I studied at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing of 8 years. I taught there as well, and Supervise students still.  So I know a lot about both of these modalities.  What is in common is that everything is made out energy.  Whether someone believes in hands on energy healing or not, science shows us that relational interaction does create change between two organic beings. Faith healing and even intention does affect others.  Same thing with prayers and medidation.  So when a Craniosacral Therapist is working, of course energy is going to be running through both the systems of the therapist and the client- just as with any two people connecting and melding.  If a Craniosacral Therapist has an interest with working with energy too, this can be incorporated into the session.  But the intention between these two fields of healing are different: one of the Craniosacral System, and the other on working with energy.

Craniosacral Therapy is based in science, and was brought to many people through the work and education of Dr. John Upledger.  The best energy work system that I know was taught at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, created by Dr. Barbara Brennan.  While Reiki is more well know- it is a much more basic energy model. These two modalities of CST and energy work go hand in hand, but the focus is very different.

I hope that I have answered any questions you may have had on this topic.  If you are interested in finding out more, I do offer a free 10 minute phone consult at 703 509-1792

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

 

 

 

Craniosacral Columbus

Craniosacral Columbus

Craniosacral Columbus

During the last 20 years, I have thrown myself into Craniosacral Columbus work.  Why? Because I have seen so many positive results for my clients without having to dig in. I don’t have to create pain for the gentle release of pain to happen.  It’s much easier for my clients.

For many years, I focused on deep connective tissue work. I thought that by leaning my body weight in that I could get great results. Often I did. But that type of work can be quite uncomfortable. So, I decided to go for the more light touch work that worked with the body rather than pushing through,  to see if I could get as impressive results for pain relief and integration.  I do!

When a Craniosacral Therapist listens, your body tells us where there are restrictions throught the rhytym of the functioning of the cerebral spinal fluid, and also the fascia.  This “inner guidance” directs us where to go and how to support the Central Nervous (Brain & Spine Connection) system to function at its best.

The more I practiced Craniosacral Columbus therapy, I began to see my clients go deeper inside, releasing tensions and often stuck emotions. Their bodies relaxed. Their stressed disappeared. Many times, I have had clients falls deep into sleep after not being able to sleep for weeks. The fascia began to melt so easily, excess energy released, and people woke up with no pain, feeling clearer and happier.

This was an easy decision.  If I could help clients… people in pain from car accidents, those dealing with concussions, and neck and back pain, those with high anxiety-  the  picture was clear. I found my way to serve.

If you would like to find out more about Craniosacral Columbus therapy work,  contact Sharon Hartnett CST-D for information.  She is an accomplished Certified Diplomate CST therapist who has reached the highest certification through the Upledger Institute.  She has close to 30  years of experience in bodywork, massage, Hakomi and other healing techniques.

Craniosacral Columbus

Located in Johnstown, right outside of New Albany on a beautiful horse farm.  On Fridays, bringing Craniosacral Therapy at its highest level to Worthington, Ohio!

If you haven’t found stress relief or for your body pains, please call for a free 15 minute consultation at 703 509-1792!  Looking forward to meeting and serving.

Warmly,  Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacralatherapistcolumbus.com

#craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral Therapy Session

Craniosacral Therapy Session

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

 

 

What is a Stillpoint?

The Benefits of a Stillpoint

As taught by the Upledger Institute,  the Craniosacral System is a semi-closed hydraulic system that is held within the membrane of the Dura, which contains the brain and the spinal cord.   The functioning aspect of this system that contributes to human life is the circulation and reabsorption of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF).

When a Craniosacral Therapist is working with clients, we are listening to the continuous rise and fall of this fluid rhythm by its subtly felt expansion and contraction throughout the whole body.   We pay attention to the ways the bones and membrane dance with the CSF through symmetry, quality, amplitude and rate.  The intention is to use our listening and help the body to self-balance through gentle melding by touch.

When Craniosacral Therapists use the term, “Stillpoint” what we are expressing is the gradual stopping of the system through a gentle manual technique.  In particular, one way that is often used is the CV4 by using cupped hands to bring the occiput and surrounding tissues into a therapeutic stop.  The Craniosacral Therapist induces the Stillpoint by creating a barrier at the end of either the flexion or extension movement.  As the fluid quiets down, pressure is built back up, and when the tissues are released, a gentle cleansing flow can move through the body, releasing restrictions and adhesions.  This is very healthy for the Central Nervous System. Stillpoint can be applied anywhere on the body for positive therapeutic results.

For clients who have experienced Stillpoint, many have stated that they felt much less stressed, and some have had the experience of feeling a re-organizing type of sensation in their bodies.   Headaches can disappear, aches and pain go away .  Stillpoint is a wonderful technique that can have profound life effects. The Upledger Institute sells Stillpoint Inducers that can be used everyday from about 30 seconds to 10 minutes to create more freedom and flexibility in the body.  Yet the experienced hands of a Craniosacral Therapist can take you to la la land.

If you would like to learn more about Craniosacral Therapy in the Columbus, Ohio area,  call Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111.  Cell: 703 509-1792

www.craniosacralatherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

Craniosacral Massage:  Listening is the Key to Success!

Craniosacral Massage: Listening is the Key to Success!

How can a Craniosacral Therapist treat you effectively with good listening skills?

It’s not enough for a therapist to go through a routine with you during a session.  

If your body is in pain or feeling out of alignment, it’s necessary to look and feel where the dysfunction, rotations, or twists are occuring.

Belief it or not- your body has the information it needs to reconnect to healing.  You may need external help too, but by accessing your internal environment,  the body gives you cues what needs to be done to get you moving toward health again.

In Craniosacral Therapy,  the session begins with Listening.

As Craniosacral Therapists, we go to the Listening Stations to get an idea what is going on with the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF).  This clear and  colorless liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord is primary to cushioning the brain within the skull and also serves as a shock absorber for the central nervous system.  The CSF also allows for the circulation of nutrients and the chemicals filtered from the blood and rids the waste products away from the brain.  Thus, the CSF is responsible for keeping the brain and surrounding membranes and spine healthy.  So when Craniosacral Therapist using mindful curiosity to gather information about flow and circulation- rich information is collected that will aid in balancing and removing restrictions that may be causing pain and other ill effects.  A healthy spine and brain are key for overall health and wellness.

Craniosacral Massage Columbus

Craniosacral Therapy Listening

 

The above picture is a good anatomy representation of how the fluid moves and bathes the nervous system.  It doesn’t show much about how the semi-hydraulic system operates, but it does give you a useful model to see the proximity to the brain and the basics of the CNS.  It’s enough to know that by using the bones as fulcrums or just listening quietly to the rhythm anywhere on the body that by following and making small adjustments, that better balance is established,  restrictions are released, and enhanced circulation and communication in the human body can take place.

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle and non-invasive practice that creates positive changes in your life on many levels.  When pain and dysfunction begin to dissolve on a physical level,  the emotional and belief systems begin to shift too.  As flow is increased,  often clients walk away with more energy, feeling healthier, and more flexible in movement and in life as a whole.

 

Craniosacral Therapy works well with the following conditions:

  • Back and Neck Pain
  • Brain Trauma
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Fibromyalgia
  • MS
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Colic
  • Autism
  • TMJ
  • Post Surgical Conditions
  • Scoliosis
  • Central Nervous System Disorders

 

For more information on Craniosacral Therapy in Columbus Ohio,  please give Sharon Hartnett CST a call for a free 15 minute consultation.

Sharon Hartnett CST-d

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

www.upledger.com