614 653-8111 Sharhartnett@aol.com

Postpartum Craniosacral Therapy For New Moms: Nourishment and Integration

by | May 6, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, Healthy Body, mind body & spirit, upledger institute

Craniosacral Therapy Postpartum Moms

Some of the benefits of receiving Craniosacral Therapy Postpartum.

Our bodies as Women go through so much change during pregnancy and through the whole birthing process. Postpartum Nurturing and Nourisment can Support and shift us into a much better place.

Here are some points I’d like to share that might interest you about how Craniosacral Sessions can help you to recover and feel better:

Gentle Craniosacral Therapy Touch (CST) eases tension in the head, neck, pelvis and the whole body.

It calms both the mind and the body.

CST can help you to relax and often sleep better.

Can Help with Apetite and Digestion.

It will support your integration into A Healthy Mother’s Body.

When Mom feels better, there is more clairity and balance.  Mom and Baby are both happier and healthier.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D Columbus, Ohio 614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Upledger Trained and Certified

Also trained in visceral manipuation to help with pelvic issues.

Postpartum Blues…. Go Away!

 

 

What to Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session

What to Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session

by | May 1, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, upledger institute

What to Expect During Your First  Craniosacral Therapy Session in Columbus, Ohio

When you step into Lighten Up Therapies, a  columbus ohio craniosacral therapy studio for the first time, you’re embarking on a gentle, profoundly relaxing journey toward better health and balance. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, headaches, stress, or simply craving a deeper mind-body connection, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Here’s an in-depth guide to your first Craniosacral Therapy (CST) session in Columbus, OH, packed with local insights and keywords to help you find the best craniosacral therapist in Columbus Ohio.

1. Warm Welcome and Initial Consultation

A Columbus craniosacral therapy session always begin with a friendly intake:

  • Personal Health History
    Your therapist, Sharon Hartnett CST-D, will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle habits, and goals. This helps tailor the session to your unique needs—whether you live near the Short North Arts District or out by Polaris.

  • Discussion of Concerns
    Mention any headaches, neck pain, TMJ issues, stress, or sleep disturbances you’ve experienced. Craniosacral therapy in Worthington, Franklin County is renowned for addressing everything from fibromyalgia to post-concussion symptoms.

  • Setting Intentions
    You’ll collaborate on session goals, such as reducing tension, improving cranial rhythm, or enhancing emotional resilience.

2. Comfortable Treatment Environment

A hallmark of CST in Columbus Ohio is a serene, spa-like environment:

  • Quiet, Cozy Studio
    Many Columbus therapists design treatment rooms with soft lighting, a calming  atmosphere.

  • Gentle Aromatherapy
    Optional essential oils—like lavender or chamomile—may be diffused to enhance relaxation.

  • Soft Music or Silence
    Your craniosacral therapist in Columbus will offer either gentle ambient music or hushed quiet to support deeper rest.

3. Clothing and Positioning

One of the perks of a craniosacral therapy session is that you remain fully clothed:

  1. Loose, Comfortable Clothing
    Wear stretchy pants, a soft top, or yoga attire. If you’re coming from the University District or German Village, avoid restrictive jeans.

  2. Table Setup
    You’ll lie on a padded massage table, cushioned with extra support under your head and knees.

  3. Upledger-Inspired Touch
    The therapist will use light, skin-on-skin contact—often no more than the weight of a nickel—to assess and gently release tension in your craniosacral system.

4. The Gentle Touch of Upledger  Craniosacral Therapy

During your first craniosacral session in Columbus:

  • Palpation of Cranial Rhythm
    The therapist senses the subtle ebb-and-flow of cerebrospinal fluid around your brain and spine.

  • Releasing Restrictions
    Through precise, delicate holds—often at the sacrum (tailbone) or cranium—the therapist helps free areas where motion is restricted, allowing natural healing to occur.

  • Whole-Body Integration
    Though it’s called “craniosacral,” practitioners often work on the neck, back, feet, and other landmarks to encourage overall system balance.

5. Physical and Emotional Responses

Most clients leave saying, “That was unlike any treatment I’ve ever had!” Common experiences in Columbus, Ohio include:

  • Deep Relaxation
    Many drift into a light sleep or enter a meditative state, similar to a peaceful nap near the Scioto River.

  • Emotional Release
    Feelings of calm, gratitude, or even a gentle tear may surface as stored tension melts away.

  • After-Session Soreness
    It’s normal to feel slightly achy or tender for 24–48 hours, especially if you’ve released longstanding restrictions.

6. Post-Session Care and Recommendations

To maximize benefits from your Craniosacral Therapy session Columbus OH, your therapist may suggest:

  • Hydration
    Drink plenty of water to help flush out released toxins.

  • Gentle Movement
    A leisurely walk through Goodale Park or some light yoga can support integration.

  • Rest and Reflection
    Allow yourself downtime to absorb the shifts. Journaling your sensations and insights can deepen the mind-body connection.

7. Booking Your Next Visit

Most clients see noticeable improvements after 2–4 sessions. To continue your healing journey with the top Columbus Ohio craniosacral therapist:

  1. Schedule Online
    Soon nyou will be able to look for a “Book Now” button on your local therapist’s website or on your Google Business Profile.

  2. Package Discounts
    In Columbus,  my practice offers savings on 5- or 10-session packages—ideal if you live in Clintonville, Bexley, or beyond.

  3. Ask About Integrative Options
    Combine CST with massage therapy, nutrition counseling, or Reiki to amplify results.

Why Choose Craniosacral Therapy in Columbus, OH?

  • Holistic – Addresses the nervous system, fascia, and emotional well-being.

  • Non-Invasive – Perfect for all ages, from newborns in Upper Arlington to seniors in Westerville.

  • Personalized – Each session is uniquely crafted for your body’s rhythms and needs.

Ready to experience the transformative power of craniosacral therapy in Columbus, Ohio? Contact Sharon Hartnett CST-D, Columbus craniosacral therapist today and take the first step toward deep, lasting balance.

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to find Pain Relief with Listening and Gentle Touch

by | Mar 22, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, healing, healthy, upledger institute

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?

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

 

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps you Feel Relaxed and Connected

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps you Feel Relaxed and Connected

by | Mar 5, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy

Relax Craniosacral Therapist Columbus

Melt Away Stress & Reconnect: How Craniosacral Therapy Helps Your Body to feel Relaxed

In our fast-paced world, stress, tension, and overwhelm can take a serious toll on our bodies and minds. Many of us long for a way to release tension, feel deeply connected to ourselves, and experience true relaxation. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle yet profound healing modality that offers just that—a doorway to deep relaxation, embodiment, and balance.

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a light-touch therapy that works with the body’s natural rhythms to release tension and restore balance. Rooted in osteopathic medicine, CST focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. By gently manipulating this system, CST practitioners help encourage the body’s self-healing abilities, leading to profound feelings of being relaxed  and realignment.

The Power of Embodiment and Stress Relief

One of the most powerful aspects of craniosacral therapy is its ability to guide you back into your body. In our modern lives, we often operate from a state of disconnection—living in our minds, caught up in stress, and unaware of the subtle signals our bodies are sending us. CST brings you back into a state of embodiment, where you can fully inhabit your body with ease and presence.

Through this gentle therapy, deep-seated stress patterns begin to dissolve. The nervous system shifts out of the fight-or-flight response and into a state of rest and healing. This allows the body to unwind, releasing stored tension and facilitating deep relaxation. Many clients report feeling lighter, calmer, relaxed,  and more at peace after a session—like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps You Feel Connected and Relaxed

Craniosacral therapy doesn’t just relax the body—it helps restore a deep sense of connection. This connection manifests in multiple ways:

  • Relaxed Connection to Self: By quieting the mind and relaxing the body, CST helps you tune into your own needs, emotions, and sensations. Many people report a deepened awareness of their inner world, leading to greater self-understanding and clarity.
  • Connection to the Present Moment: The subtle, meditative nature of CST brings you into the now. Instead of being caught in the past or future, you can fully experience the present moment—where healing and transformation occur.
  • Connection to the Flow of Life: Many people describe CST as an experience of deep surrender—letting go of control and trusting the innate wisdom of the body. This often translates into a greater sense of ease and flow in everyday life.

What to Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session

A typical session takes place in a quiet, soothing environment. You remain fully clothed while the practitioner uses gentle, hands-on techniques to assess and release restrictions in your craniosacral system. The experience is deeply relaxing, and many people feel a profound sense of well-being both during and after the session.

Is Craniosacral Therapy Right for You?

CST is beneficial for a wide range of people, from those dealing with chronic stress and anxiety to individuals recovering from injuries or trauma. It is especially effective for headaches, neck and back pain, sleep disturbances, and nervous system imbalances.

If you’re looking for a holistic way to relieve stress, feel more embodied, and reconnect with yourself, craniosacral therapy may be the perfect solution. A single session can leave you feeling lighter, more aligned, and deeply relaxed—ready to move through life with greater ease and presence.

Ready to experience the profound benefits of craniosacral therapy? Book a session today and step into a more relaxed, connected, and balanced version of yourself!

For a Free 15 minute Phone Consultation, call Sharon Hartnett CST-D:

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Find out more about the Upledger Institute at www.upledger.com

 

 

How to Best Express Your Emotions Effectively

by | Feb 9, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, fear, grounding, healing, Healthy Body

Emotional Intelligence<br />

The Transformation of Raw Emotions Into Emotional Intelligence

Speaking to Neurodivergence

Living with a neurodivergent mind can come with a range of emotions and challenges. As each individual is unique, this can show up in many ways. When I speak of neurodivergence, I am referring to those of us who cognitively process information differently than neurotypical thinkers.  This can include:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Unique social communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors.  I recommend the Telepathy Tapes to learn more about this.
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Features of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
  • Dyslexia: Difficulty with language skills, especially reading.
  • Dyscalculia: Difficulty with performing basic arithmetic.
  • Dyspraxia: Issues related to physical coordination.
  • Tourette’s Syndrome: Involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations.
  • Down’s Syndrome: Genetic disorder causing developmental and intellectual delays.

Stress, in particular, among neurodivert people may play a big part in keeping neurodivergent thinkers feeling isolated and alone. Our feelings, emotions,  and expressions can easily be misunderstood or misinterpreted. However, as we learn to understand our raw and vulnerable selves better, and also as more people learn to understand and accept people who seem different, for the whole, it allows for more diversity and creativity. We each have our gifts as well.  Neurodivergent thinkers can actually be super creative out of the box thinkers, and help come up with innovate ideas to help resolve problems.

Common issues with Emotions with Neurodivergence:

Social Anxiety

I know that sometimes just being in the same space as other people alerts the nervous system into hypersensitivity. A neurodivergent person could end up feeling sensory overload when they detect conflict or too much energy around them. Maybe it is pressure to perform or to look like everyone else.  Maybe coming up with words to communicate is hard.  In this case,  the healing response might be to ground or to limit overstimulation so that we can feel safe in our emotions.

Time Management

It may be difficult to keep focused or on schedule. People may become impatient or uncomfortable if they don’t understand or feel at ease with the boundaries and patterns  which are unfamiliar.  Especially with procrastination. It’s easy for people to think we are lazy or that we don’t want to partipate, or do the work. For healing, it’s important to realize that everyone is organized differently and healthy processing time for some may be to do nothing until ready to make the next move.

    Self Blame

    It’s easy to blame oneself when others who are neurotypical don’t understand why we don’t have the same social cues or regulation. Many neurodivergent people might believe they are the problem, when actually they are not. They are just different. It’s vital they they are reflected back as valuable in their authenticity and contributions.  They should not have to “mask” in order to be accepted or valued.  Once we all see the light in each other, the more the Whole can evolve.

      Emotional Woundings

      Neurodivergent individuals can feel emotionally chaotic at time. Their experiences may feel more hightened, and they don’t know the best way to respond.  It’s important that they find supportive people to help them to understand.  In today’s world, sometime emotions get a bad wrap.  I’d suggest that many neurodivergent thinkers are actually more emotionally mature if they decide to work through what comes up for them.  They have to work and move through so much more.  It’s an art and a skill to relate when it doesn’t come easily.

        Physically

         

        They may need more rest and down time to integrate with introspection.

         

        Unique Communication Styles

        While neurodivergent people may not always communicate in ways that others expect, their style can bring fresh insights or directness. For example, individuals on the autism spectrum might be incredibly honest and straightforward, offering clarity in situations where others might shy away from being so direct.

         

        Being good at understanding and managing emotions can be a challenge for neurotypical thinkers. However, with healthy support, they can learn how to deal with life and make better decisions based on their unique perspectives in life.  Being mindful, as we learn to stay more in the moment, and get to know ourselves, moving from stress to emotional intelligence moves us and humanity forward.   We are all in this thing called humanity together.

         

         

         

         

         

        If you are interested in a body centered therapy to help you to ground, feel more embodied and integrated, check out the Upledger Institute for a therapist near you.

        Sharon Hartnett CST-D

        614 653-8111
        www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com