Craniosacral Therapy

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle light touch treatment that can have powerful results as it helps catalyse one’s physiology to reconnect to deep inherent healing forces within the body, supporting physical health, emotional well-being and mental clarity. The body has a powerful self-healing potential which can be encouraged to help counteract the effect of injury, disease, trauma or stress. Unresolved stressful or traumatic experiences may be retained in the body and so restrict our natural capacity to heal. Biodynamic craniosacral therapy helps provide the right conditions where these kinds of challenges can be processed and the body’s natural affinity towards health re-ignited.

Craniosacral Biodynamics is based on the insights and original work of Osteopath William Sutherland (1873-1954). He recognised that the design of the bones of the skull are purposed for a respiratory-type movement. This led to him notice that these bones of the cranium (skull) undergo a very subtle rhythmic motion. He also observed how cerebrospinal fluid, the clear body fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord has its own pulse or cranio-rhythmic impulse (CRI) and the expression of this fluid rhythmic motion is essential to maintaining our health.  From his starting point at the cranial bones and this rhythmic impulse, Sutherland soon perceived that the rhythmic motion is a property of all the body’s tissues and fluids. He termed this rhythmic motion or mechanism within the body, Primary Respiration.

This motion, when freely and harmoniously expressed, signifies a state of optimal health and vitality. A skilled practitioner can interact and tune into this rhythmic motion thereby noticing any areas of restriction or density.   Also, by attuning to this subtle motion, the inherent healing mechanism within the body works to resolve these patterns of conditioning and so allows normal function to return.   To start off with Sutherland treated his clients with more manual or mechanical techniques. However, towards the end of his career he noticed more significant results could be obtained working in a more energetic or biodynamic way.

The emphasis in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is to work with the underlying forces that govern how we function, rather than just the effects or symptoms of these forces. In other terms the biodynamic principle in this work recognises the innate wisdom and intelligence in the body and experiences this intelligence as an expression of a wider ordering principle in nature.

WORKING WITH TRAUMA

Unresolved physical or emotional trauma can impact both one’s body and mind.  Our nervous system may react to this by going into overdrive, overwhelm or shutdown.  This can leave us feeling as if we are not really inhabiting our bodies or feeling anxious, depressed and overwhelmed.  Through the safety created in a biodynamic craniosacral therapy session as well as resourcing a client effectively, a practitioner can help regulate your nervous system and allow one to come back into a mindful relationship with your body. In this way it can help process any unresolved trauma in a gentle and contained approach; honouring the need to go at your own pace.

WHO SEEKS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?

CST supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself as well as helping to reduce stress and build underlying energy. It is suitable for everyone, from newly-born babies to the elderly. I work with clients who come to me with conditions including (but not limited to):

• Autoimmune conditions
• Long covid and covid related conditions
• Anxiety, depression and stress
• Tinnitus
• Sciatica
• Back and neck pain
• Scoliosis
• Insomnia
• Babies - colic/reflux, constipation, torticollis, tongue-tie, irritability
• Difficult birth - mum and baby
• Post-natal anxiety, Pelvic floor recovery, Musculoskeletal changes
• Sporting strains and injuries
• Frozen shoulder or other joint pain
• Toothache, aches from dental surgery, tooth removal, etc.
• Digestive problems
• Fatigue
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Fertility issues
• Trauma
• Grief
• Post-operative recovery
• General aches and pains
• Headaches
• Accidents
• Lyme disease
• Endometriosis
• Blood pressure
• Chronic underlying conditions when "I just don't know what to do next"​

It's important to note that Craniosacral Therapy is a complementary therapy and not intended as primary healthcare but to work alongside the relationship you have with your doctor or other health professionals. 

Selecting a practitioner requires careful consideration. It's essential to choose a certified craniosacral therapist who has undergone comprehensive training in both theory and practice. To ensure credibility, you can verify their registration with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) through their online register at www.cnhc.org.uk. This guarantees that your chosen therapist is properly trained, qualified, and insured. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CRANIOSACRAL SESSION?

In your first session, we’ll have a detailed and sensitive discussion about your history and the reasons you’re seeking treatment. During the session, you’ll stay fully clothed and typically lie face-up or on your side on a treatment table (you’ll just need to remove your shoes).​

Using gentle hands-on contact, I’ll tune into various systems of your body (musculoskeletal, nervous, lymphatic, cardiovascular, fascia) as well as more subtle energetic qualities.​

With a clear understanding of anatomy and a careful, non-judgmental approach, we create an opportunity for your body to express its needs. Craniosacral therapists are trained to listen deeply to your body’s health through gentle touch.​

There are no manipulations or adjustments, though your body may naturally realign itself. I might ask you to describe any sensations you feel or to focus on specific areas. Some sessions are very quiet, generally feeling relaxing and sometimes experienced as warmth or tingling. Everyone’s experience is unique.​

We’ll discuss a treatment plan and how it might benefit you, reviewing it regularly. There’s no set number of sessions; some clients see quick results in a few visits, while chronic issues may require more time.​

People usually report feeling lighter, brighter, experiencing less pain, and sleeping better. Sometimes, a deep tiredness or emotional release occurs, especially if you’ve been stressed. We’ll talk about managing these responses and other ways to support your health. 

FAQ’S 

IS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY PAINFUL?

No, craniosacral therapy is not painful. The touch used during the sessions is very gentle. Most people find the experience to be relaxing and soothing. If you do feel any discomfort, you should let your therapist know right away so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.​

ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Most people experience positive effects from craniosacral therapy, such as feeling lighter, more relaxed and having less pain or better sleep. However, some individuals might experience temporary side effects, including:

• Deep tiredness, especially if you’ve been very stressed.
• Emotional release, as stored emotions may surface.
• Mild soreness or discomfort as your body adjusts.

These side effects are typically short-lived. We’ll discuss any reactions you may have and ways to manage them, ensuring you have the support you need.​

HOW LONG ARE THE SESSIONS?

The first session is 75mins to give us time to talk about your background and why you've come to craniosacral. Each following craniosacral therapy session typically lasts about 60 minutes. The exact duration can vary based on your specific needs and the treatment plan we discuss.  For children, sometimes they respond quickly so a session may be 45-60mins total depending.​

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S SUITABLE FOR ME?

To ensure craniosacral therapy is the right fit for you, I offer an initial 10-minute phone consultation - free of charge. During this call, we can discuss your specific concerns, brief medical history, and what you hope to achieve with treatment. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions and for me to explain how craniosacral therapy works and what you can expect. This helps to determine if this approach aligns with your needs and to ensure you feel comfortable and informed before proceeding with a full session.

How many sessions and how much DOES IT COST?

There are no set number of sessions. Sometimes people report relief from their symptoms after one or two treatments. For long-standing problems or chronic conditions further sessions may be needed, and I may recommend weekly treatments over a longer period, the course of which would be reviewed regularly between us.

My session fee is £65 for an hour, (including the initial 75min session). I am able to offer reductions to those in full-time education. I also offer discounts on packages of treatment: 5 sessions for the price of 4.5.