CRANIALSACRAL
THERAPY by Linda Marshall
Craniosacral therapy addresses
the craniosacral system, which specifically includes the fascia
and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain
and spinal cord, as well as the bones of the skull, face and
mouth (cranium) and lower spine (sacrum). The inherent movement
of the cerebrospinal fluid within the craniosacral system
is called the craniosacral rhythm. This rhythm is subtle,
but with practice is easily palpable. Basically, the head
expands and narrows, while the body also expands/rotates outward
and narrows/rotates inward. A balanced rhythm throughout the
body is beneficial (equal expansion and narrowing, equal rotation)
and promotes optimal function of the nervous system. An imbalance
indicates a block to this rhythm, often caused by fascial
restrictions.
Fascia is a connective tissue
that surrounds every nerve, organ, blood vessel, muscle, bone
and even each cell. Healthy fascia is highly elastic and fluid.
Fascia is also very pain sensitive. The filmy tissue under
the skin of poultry is an example of fascia. With injury,
inflammation and trauma (emotional and physical), fascia shortens
and solidifies. This fascial restriction limits movement,
function and comfort immediately or perhaps not noticeably
until years later. Repressed and suppressed emotions, even
a negative self-image, restrict fascia as effectively as a
physical injury.
Because the fascia in the body
is basically one large, continuous three-dimensional sheath,
a restriction in one area can “pull” to another
area causing pain, symptoms and limitation at a distant location.
Think of wearing a body suit. If someone pulls your suit at
the ankle, you will feel it up your leg to your hip and low
back. Besides low back pain, a fall on the tailbone could
eventually lead to migraines, changes in vision, dizziness,
and TMJ dysfunction. An abdominal surgical scar (this is a
fascial restriction) can affect the back, intestines, neck,
shoulders, or possibly even the heart.
Fascia is living tissue and
always responds to treatment. The older the restriction, the
more therapy required. I rarely say to a client, “It’s
an old injury. You have to live with it.” Fascia responds
to a slow and maintained stretch. It is similar to stretching
cold taffy. First the tissue warms and softens, and then begins
to unwind as fluidity is restored. Fascia does not stretch
like an elastic because its fibers are arranged in various
directions. The fascia may move left, clockwise, then up and
to the right before it releases. As the layers of fascia release,
pain and other symptoms resolve.
How does the craniosacral therapist
know which direction to move the fascia in order to release
a restriction? The answer varies according to the therapist’s
experience, presence and philosophy. I don’t move the
fascia. It moves me. With sensitive hands and an open heart,
I follow the movement that wants to happen. I feel this movement
as a magnetic force guiding me. I believe this movement is
directed by the infinite intelligence of life within my client.
Remember that grade school exercise with the magnet and the
metal filings? The energy of this life force is the magnet
and my hands are the filings. This intelligence always moves
towards health and wholeness. It knows what needs to happen
in each session.
I may be treating a client with
several problem areas. Where should I begin? Is it a particular
cranial bone causing the headache? Or is it the result of
a back injury? Maybe it’s related to unresolved grief.
I don’t have to know. I let go of any agenda or intention
and allow my hands to be invited onto the body. I am guided
to a place and a level of connection. In situations of acute
trauma or with a sensitive client, I am often only guided
to subtle levels of connection. I then follow the movement
and stay present to whatever happens. I may intuitively guide
my client in visualization or dialogue, but often sessions
are quiet.
A craniosacral therapy treatment
is performed with the client fully clothed (shoes off), usually
lying down. Loose, comfortable clothing is best. Ideally,
the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. The therapist is centered.
Her touch is light and gentle. The client is invited to relax
and receive. Sessions can last five minutes or up to two hours.
Craniosacral therapy relieves
headaches, migraines, back and neck pain, TMJ dysfunction,
chronic fatigue and symptoms of stress. It enhances the immune
system, improves posture, balances trauma from birth and eases
emotional distress. Central nervous system disorders and orthopedic
problems improve as well. Some people have regular appointments
as part of a wellness plan. Clients have also reported feeling
deeply peaceful, finding an answer to a difficult question,
releasing old resentments, finding forgiveness and/or feeling
at one with the Divine. Craniosacral therapy has the potential
to facilitate profound change in your life and health because
Life’s intelligence is infinite. Ultimately, I am not
doing the healing. Life is.
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