Craniosacral Therapy
The spinal cord is the mainframe of our central nervous systems, and any restriction along the cord can result in a wide range of serious problems, from structural misalignment to pain and inhibited organ function. Craniosacral therapy removes restrictions around the spinal cord and brain stem, releasing stiffness and rigidity to allow the nerves that run through our muscles and connective tissue to fully relax.
Craniosacral therapy (also sometimes called cranial sacral therapy, cranial therapy, or CST) works with the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. Like an ocean, this fluid is in constant motion, moving between the cranium and the tailbone in a wavelike pattern. Periodically when this wave pauses and for a few seconds or minutes, there is no action across the spinal cord. This causes the brainwave patterns to shift from high beta waves (an anxiety state) to theta waves (deep relaxation).
This powerful pause is what is known as the “still point.”
Craniosacral therapy helps put the nervous system into this still point state so the entire mind and body can deeply relax, unkink, and reboot, leaving the individual in a profound state of calm.
Craniosacral Therapy Offers Relief for Stress, Pain, Trauma, And Related Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Stress
Anxiety
Neck, jaw and shoulder pain
Chronic lower-back pain
Headaches and migraines
Insomnia and sleep difficulties
Depression
Fatigue
Post Concussive Syndrome
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues
TRAUMA AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
New research shows that traumatic experiences remain stored in the tissues of the body long after the event has passed. The sensations a person experiences as a result can include emotional and physical numbness, sleeplessness, hyper-vigilance, irritability, agitation, social isolation, and chronic physical pain. Somatic Interactional Therapy (SI) is a therapeutic process that guides the nervous system to recover and release emotional material held in the tissues of the body.
Annie integrates craniosacral therapy with SI to quiet the adrenal system, lowering the fight or flight response. Individuals with post-traumatic stress who receive regular craniosacral therapy sessions report feeling less reactivity, less disrupted sleep, and a greater sense of calm.
HEAD INJURIES AND POST-CONCUSSIVE SYNDROME
The cranium is not one bone, but rather many bones that fit together like puzzle pieces. Inside the cranium, the brain is supported by fibrous structures. When an individual suffers a head injury, these bones and supportive structures can be forced out of alignment, which causes pain, headaches, memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and visual and auditory distortions. Craniosacral therapy is very effective in alleviating these symptoms.
CHRONIC PAIN
Chronic pain alters brain function, mood, personality, and energy levels. And over the long term, chronic pain leads to memory loss and decreased cognitive function and accelerates aging.
By removing restrictions around the spinal cord to promote a still point in the nervous system, craniosacral therapy releases pain in the muscles and relieves stress and tension in the body and mind.
STRESS REDUCTION
Many of us routinely function with high levels of anxiety in our lives. Our complex, fast-paced world leaves most of us with nervous systems set in fight-or-flight mode. This kind of stress has been recognized by the medical community as being linked to both physical and mental disease.
Craniosacral therapy acts as a reset button, releasing tension in the muscles and relieving our nervous systems of the stress we constantly carry.
THERAPY FOR PREGNANCY
Craniosacral therapy assists a pregnant woman's journey into mothering by releasing restrictions in the body and pelvis, helping to resolve pain and tension in the back and hips and to promote optimal fetal positioning. This helps prepare for a healthy labor and a more easeful birthing experience for both mother and child.