What Is Craniosacral Therapy and How Has It Changed My Life?

Craniosacral Therapy is a form of self-correcting bodywork, that uses an anatomical approach, to facilitate the release of pain, tension, stress, and anxiety from the body. This manual therapy focuses on the central nervous system via the brain and spinal cord, as well as connective tissues, such as fascia. It reduces tension and can clear adverse tissue restrictions and patterns that are affecting other systems, such as your muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, etc, to enhance your body’s natural ability to heal.

I was first introduced to this modality back in 2001 at S.H.I. Integrative Medical Massage School. Unfortunately, as a newly licensed therapist in 2003, I didn't have the extra funds to continue my education in that direction. Fast forward to 2020, I was finally able to pursue it.

On a physical level, I have severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine), occasional headaches, hypothyroidism, a hiatal hernia, and diagnosed infertility. If I am not eating correctly, drinking enough water, getting enough quality sleep, and not in my full body awareness, my body can become inflamed and speak to me in related symptoms.

My body responds to craniosacral therapy by releasing fascial and muscular restrictions on that physical level. However, it goes much deeper in that, I also release mental and emotional aspects of those physical ailments, slowly uncovering the root causes!

I spent 20 years trying to "fix" people with massage therapy. They would come with an issue, like a sore neck or low back, or with a condition, like TMJ or carpal tunnel syndrome, and it was my job to figure out "what muscle" was causing the restriction and release it. However, I often found they would return again and again with the same problem.

Craniosacral and Somatoemotional Release therapies teach the therapist to remain "neutral," meaning we come to your session with no agendas, no judgements, no attachment to outcomes or expectations of "fixing" you! We offer space and an empowered opportunity to take responsibility to heal yourself.

For me, as a client on the table, I have experienced making connections to physical issues that relate to childhood experiences. For example, I had chronic digestive issues as child that ended up being related to difficulty processing my emotions. That awareness and permission to feel again in healthier ways have brought me much freedom and expansiveness!

As a therapist facilitating others, I have witnessed clients release stuck neck and shoulder muscles, TMJ issues, vertigo, find clarity to childhood traumas, and so much more!

I get a renewed sense of purpose every time a client gets off the table feeling better or I receive a text message sharing an "ah-ha" or "I just have to tell you it is gone", etc!

Do you want to learn more? ... Contact me to schedule an appointment or stay tuned as I share the history, how it works, what to expect during and after a session, and what ailments/conditions it can assist with!