Craniosacral Therapy

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy, founded by Dr. John Upledger, D.O., is a light-touch approach to balancing the nervous system from the inside-out. This therapy is non-invasive and aims to balance the craniosacral system and release tension and energy cysts throughout the body, guiding the body towards homeostasis. This work is great for everyone; from adults to newborns.

The work is based on the understanding that cerebrospinal fluid ebbs and flows in a semi-closed hydraulic system, which in turn can be recognized as the craniosacral rhythm. This rhythm can be monitored anywhere in the body and can guide a therapist to dis-ease in the body as well as various forms of restrictions and compression in the cranial vault.

At any age, Craniosacral Therapy is one of the most gentle approaches to healing. The slow and gentle pace provides the body the mode to actually ‘hold’ the adjustments and modifications without rapidly returning to its previous state.

Craniosacral Therapy provides opportunities for deep reflection and a full range of sensations. It is very common to feel waves of calm as well as images or thoughts throughout the session. This is all part of the gift of experiencing your body. For me, this work is a blend of the medical and the mystical.

Life will always have ups and downs, this work trains the body to release the stress response faster and go back to balance. Essentially, we are shortening the distance between fear and love as a biological response. All things are aimed at creating safety in the body and reestablishing a relationship with self.

In addition, your body will continue to move and adjust for couple days after your session – the benefits never seem to end!

COMMON ADULT USES FOR CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Migraines & Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Stress and Tension-related
Disorders Emotional
Imbalances or Feelings of Instability
Sensory Processing Disorders
Digestive Concerns
Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Chronic Fatigue
TMJ Syndrome
Sleep Disorders
Scoliosis Incoordination
Impaired Immune System
Seizures

Cerebral Palsy, Erb’s Palsy
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Fibromyalgia
Autoimmune Conditions
Fertility Concerns
Postpartum Recovery
Birth Trauma
Deepen Intuition / Personal Growth
Recent Trauma
Depression & Anxiety
Desire for Balanced Nervous System
Chemo/Radiation Preparation for Body
Support During Major Life
Transitions
Personal Development

Quality of Touch

Craniosacral Therapy palpation is one of the lightest, non-invasive forms of palpation that varies in its level of active/passive connection. With the use of only five grams of pressure, the force needed to move a nickel, a therapist can feel deep into the body as well as tune into current patterns and rhythms that the body holds. There is deep significance in that the practitioner is not a force acting upon the body. The therapist is observing, listening and feeling. Thoughts, emotions, and processing all come from the client. In this safe space the client can go deeper into themselves and their body without interruption.

While some therapists come into a session with an agenda, Craniosacral therapists simply follow. Guided by the client’s Inner Physician, the therapist follows the priority being presented in a trusting manner. For example, when working with the cranial bones, therapists are aware of the ideal way in which a bone will release as well as the direction. Yet, every client’s body unwinds and decompresses in a different way. The therapist’s role is to be with each movement, without trying to change the direction, speed, or rate that the body needs to move.

What To Expect After Your Session

Immediately after your session you are most likely to feel as though you are floating on a cloud. The peace and calm after Craniosacral is nourishing and rich. It is also likely that you may have been given many things to think about concerning your life. When this is the case, I offer a few things. One is to be gentle with yourself for the next couple days. Take part in writing or drawing that will help you release energy and get towards the core of your feelings. It is important to note that this experience is not meant to help you create a masterpiece – it is about the journey and the path towards wholeness. Do not judge what comes through, thank it for moving out. For others, the path to releasing ideas and patterns that no longer serves, is to move their body – swim, yoga, tai chi, surf, etc. Something that can be slow, methodical, nourishing and connecting you to the Earth and Yourself.

On another aspect, you may feel a little lightheaded or notice you are walking differently after a session. Many times this is due to the release of compression of the temporal bones, which has nine cranial nerves that run through it. Your body may need some time to get re-educated with the new space that was created. So I request that you go for a walk and drink some water.

COMMOM ADULT USES FOR CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Preparation for the Body/Spirit Pre-Ceremony
Integration and ‘Landing’ back into the Body Post-Ceremony
Tuning the Body
Cutting Chords from the Past Traumas, Past Life, Past Partners
Dissecting at the Root, a moment in time
Illuminating & Creating Space for Clearing
Generational Patterns
Releasing/Balancing Emotional & Energetic
Patterns from Hospitalization
Making Space for Your Spirit to Get Bigger In and Beyond Your Body
Closing ‘Leaks’ in the Body
Meeting your Highest, Wisest Self

“We are here to expand our capacity to hold joy. If we are tight in our body, we can only hold it for so long before the old programming and behavior steps in. The noise from the outside world takes over, and again we slip from our state. As we clear our bodies and loosen our minds and hearts, we expand our ability to hold and generate joy and abundance.”

Testimonials

"Alison's hands are magic. She is a true healer in every sense of the word. She has done Craniosacral on my son whose benefits were immediately noticeable."

"Feeling lighter and centered after yesterday’s craniosacral therapy session. This technique has helped me immensely on my journey. I have tried to put my experience into words and have been unable to. I just know the difference I feel. The power I feel. The peace I feel. As I have said before, healing and growth are not linear and it’s always evolving. Do the Work! You are worth it!"

"Personally, I highly recommend Alison for craniosacral. And I know many people highly recommend her for her other services as well."

"Craniosacral work From Alison cured my chronic bronchitis!"

"I have been seeing Alison for Craniosacral Therapy . She’s helped me so much with the pain in my body, just after three sessions. I feel so much better, lighter, aligned with who I am."

"She helped me clear so many blockages and balanced my nervous system through Craniosacral Therapy."

"Today was my first Craniosacral Therapy session with Alison. She blew me away with her knowledge, compassionate heart and healing hands. Alison created such a safe space for me to uncover, sit-with, and move trauma stored in my body."