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Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral is a non-invasive light touch therapy that releases restrictions in the deepest layers of fascia surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The therapist acts as a facilitator and witness, as the client’s body guides the healing. Gentle pressure is sustained over a long period of time, allowing congestion in the tissues to unwind naturally without eliciting a “guarding” response from the body’s central nervous system.
The chronic stress of modern life keeps many of us locked in a state of sympathetic nervous system response, commonly known as “fight or flight.” This keeps our muscles tight, our breathing shallow and our brain in a state of hypervigilance which leads to stress, anxiety and even digestive issues as all available energy is focused elsewhere until the crisis is over. This elevated nervous system state is meant to be temporary, but over time, our bodies have forgotten how to regulate themselves.
Through subtle manipulation of the bones in the pelvis, spine, and skull, blockages to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid—which supports the central nervous system—can be slowly and gently released. Craniosacral utilizes a technique called a “still point” which temporarily disrupts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain and spinal cord, giving this core body rhythm an opportunity to rebalance itself. The parasympathetic nervous system activates, allowing the body to drop into a state where “rest and digest” becomes possible.
It’s kind of like hitting the “reset” button on your central nervous system. Similar to rebooting a computer. The result is a deep state of relaxation, peace, and calm.
Craniosacral can be helpful to those experiencing neck, shoulder, and back pain, headaches, migraines, concussions, whiplash, TMJD, scoliosis, Bell’s palsy, neuralgia, tinnitus, vertigo, endocrine system dysfunction, digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ADHD/ASD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities.
Reiki
Reiki is light touch therapy that invites the body to release patterns of stuck energy and activates its natural ability to heal. The therapist’s hands are placed and held in a series of locations on the head and body. Warm, soothing energy pours from the therapist’s hands to promote deep relaxation, helping their client feel safe enough to drop their layers of armor and open to the healing potential that is already within them. The client may experience sensations of hot/cold, tingling, or pulsating as the therapist’s hands move from place to place. Gentle rocking is sometimes used to help soften resistance so the energy can flow more freely through each area of the body.
Reiki can assist the healing of any condition and has no contraindications, making it a good alternative for people who cannot receive traditional massage. It is especially beneficial for those experiencing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress and fatigue as it promotes an overall sense of emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Craniosacral and Reiki are done through comfortable, loose clothing (no jeans, please!) Both modalities can be received as stand-alone sessions or in combination with each other. They can also be integrated into a massage session.
To book a session, visit my Intuitive Bodywork page.