Craniosacral Therapy at Alternatives
Maria Osbourne RCST is our Craniosacral Therapist at Alternatives, Northwood and is a member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association.What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a hands-on therapy which assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair. (Osteopaths, who sometimes offer it as an additional treatment call it Cranial Osteopathy, it is basically the same thing, but Maria specialises in the one discipline ).
You will usually lie on a treatment table while the therapist's hands make a light contact.This gentle approach does not use manipulation.The therapist listens,via the hands, to what is going on in your body,and identifies and helps to relieve pain or tensionheld there. You may feel a deep sense of relaxation and become aware of heat, tingling, pulsations or other sensations.
Craniosacral Therapy is client-led. Your body will set the pace of work, so you will remain comfortable, in control and able to integrate the changes that occur. Since it is your body (rather than your mind) that sets the priorities, you may find that the reason you came for treatment is not what changes first. Some people find that it can take a few sessions to get used to what they are feeling. For these reasons, you may need to consider having a series of treatments to gain the full benefit of Craniosacral Therapy and its cumulative effects.
Craniosacral Therapy owes its increasing popularity to the effectiveness of its gentle approach. It has been developed from discoveries about the body's subtle physiology, made by osteopaths in the US around 100 years ago. These findings show that all cells in the body express a rhythmic movement which is fundamental to life - and which has been called Craniosacral motion.
At the core of the body the cere-brospinal fluid, which bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord, expresses this motion in a tide-like ebb and flow; while bones, organs and other structures in the body follow their own particular patterns of movement. This motion is so subtle that it is barely measurable with instruments, but a trained therapist is able to perceive it.
Development of these discoveries has evolved and refined the therapy into the unique style of deep listening which it is today.
How does Craniosacral Therapy work?
In response to physical knocks or emotional stress, the body's tissues can react. Sometimes, particularly when the shock is severe or accompanied by strong emotions, the tissues stay effected.
Any trauma, stresses, strains, or tensions which remain in the body restrict the body's functioning and may give rise to problems over the years. The effects may be both physical (such as back pain, headaches or digestive disorders) and emotional (such as anxiety or depression).
Restrictions in the body's functioning show up in the way that Craniosacral motion is expressed. Craniosacral therapists are trained to feel this subtle motion in the body, and can use it to find where there is congestion or restriction.
Then, using the hands to amplify the pattern the body is holding, the therapist provides an opportunity for the body to let go of its restriction and return to an easier way of functioning. This frees the energy which the body was previously using to hold itself in contraction. So one of the benefits of the therapy can be an increase in the level of energy available. The resulting changes can bring greater ease on a mental or emotional level as well as to the body.
Can Craniosacral Therapy help me?
Craniosacral Therapy is suitable for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly.
Craniosacral Therapy has been known to be beneficial for fragile or acutely painful conditions, as well as during pregnancy, after an operation, accident, fall or injury, and for young babies. By helping raise vitality and supporting the body's own self-healing processes Craniosacral Therapy may aid people with almost any condition.
But you don't have to be ill or have any particular symptoms to possibly benefit from Craniosacral Therapy. The easing of life's stresses, and the increased sense of vitality and well-being that Craniosacral Therapy can bring are welcome at any time.
Craniosacral Therapy for Babies
Many people have heard of the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy for babies and children. Restrictions arising during birth may result in colic, sucking problems, breathing difficulties, restlessness and irritability.
Babies and small children appreciate the way that Craniosacral Therapy speaks to them. It is a non-verbal language which they respond to particularly well.
People have found Craniosacral Therapy helpful for the following conditions:
List being revised !!!.
Craniosacral Therapy Association
Maria is a member of this association. Registered therapists are graduates of a training course accredited by the Association, and undertake continuing professional development. They are entitled to use the letters RCST (Registered Craniosacral Therapist) after their names.
The preceding information is taken from one of their leaflets. You can obtain further information or advice about Craniosacral Therapy from:
The Secretary
Craniosacral Therapy Association
Monomark House,
27 Old Gloucester Street
London WC1N 3XX
Telephone: 07000 784735
www.craniosacral.co.uk
info@craniosacral.co.uk
Treatment length and charges at Alternatives vary depending on the age of the client and what Maria suggests is necessary, basically as follows :-
Adults (17+) Ist Appt, up to 1hr 15mins £45, Follow ups, up to 1hr £40
Babies and children ( to 16 inc ) 1st Appt, up to 1hr £40, Follow ups, up to 45 mins, £25-£35 as necessary.
Maria has an Enhanced Disclosure/Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate for her work with infants and children although this is not compulsory for Craniosacral Therapy. A parent or responsible adult will always be required to be present when she treats infants or children.
Maria has also completed an "Appointed Person" First Aid Course in Emergency First Aid.
For an appointment at Alternatives, Northwood or further information please call 01923 828832.