Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
The Craniosacral system, nestled within the nervous system from conception,
as the oldest, deepest and most primitive system in the body
-Etienne Peirsman
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy comes from Osteopathy - especially through the work of Dr. William Sutherland in the early 1900’s. He began his study of osteopathy in the cranial field when he took apart the bones of a skull and was struck by the resemblance of the bones and how they were designed for both motion and respiration. Sutherland discovered that primary respiration, as the tide, is a totally stable rhythmic phenomenon, maintaining and supporting life even in the most challenging conditions. He observed that these movements of the tide and the potency in the body can become stuck in areas of inertia and become restricted in function, that can happen by the many stresses we face in our life, overwhelm, past experiences, whether they are emotional, physical or mental our natural state of motion can become bound up and disconnected from the whole causing our whole system to be compromised often leading to a range of symptoms.
As a Craniosacral therapists I engage with this history of the client using gentle hands-on touch to listen to the subtle rhythmic motions and intrinsic motion of the body, noticing areas of stasis, compression and restriction. I assist in supporting stillness within the body and a state of balance from which areas of holding and restriction can resolve, restoring equilibrium, vitality and a sense of health and wholeness.
CST creates a space for deep stillness and settling to occur within the body. Listening to the body in this way, being held in presence invites time and space for the body to be with itself in a unique way and allow the nervous system and tissues to slow down and rest. Within this our innate healing capabilities have the opportunity to come into play and be guided into their natural orientation towards health.
“Many people can hold the parts, many people can hold the whole,
but very few people can hold the parts and the whole”
- Richard Stratman
What does a session look like?
In a typical craniosacral session, you will usually lie fully-clothed on a treatment couch. If lying is difficult, alternative positions such as sitting or side-lying can be arranged.
I will place my hands using a light touch over any part of the body as required by your system, always negotiated and client-led.
People often experience a profound sense of relaxation and calm during or after treatment.
Sensations such as heat or tingling may also be experienced, or you may not feel anything at all which is also fine.
There will be a time of integration after the treatment where by effects may be felt during the days following treatment as your body is adjusting.
How many sessions would you recommend?
This will vary between each individual. For some people, a few sessions may resolve symptoms. For more chronic/deeply ingrained issues, a longer period of treatment is often advised.
