Cranio-what? Session Overview and Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

Cranio-what?

A Cranio-what? What is that? I get this question a lot when people ask what I do, and I tell them I am a Craniosacral Therapist. Upledger Institute International, defines Craniosacral Therapy (CST) as “a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord,” (Upledger Institute International).

What Does a Craniosacral Therapy Session Look Like?

When you come in for a CST session, you will stay clothed (best to wear comfortable clothing) and lay face up on a massage table. In my sessions, I do my best to create a calm and warm atmosphere, so you can relax, unwind and take a much needed moment for you.

Before I begin a session, I will center myself with a meditation to focus in on being able to be a tool for you to get the care you need in that moment. I do not “fix” anyone, but I am here as a guide and support.

Some sessions will begin with a meditation or breathwork if I feel that will be beneficial for the client. I will then start with an assessment to see where there are holding patterns in your body. I will then work on the cranial bones and down the body to the sacrum.

When getting CST work, it is common to feel different things as fascia unwinds and cerebrospinal fluid flows more freely. Amongst other things, it may feel cold or warm, tingly, like tiny stretches or zaps, itchy, it can be audible, such as a gurgle from the digestive system kicking into gear, or it can be emotional if something needs to move or be released. The goal in every session is to allow your body to guide the work of what you are in need of in a safe and honoring space.

Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

The craniosacral system ties into the functioning of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows through the CNS and in turn helps optimize many other systems in the body such as digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, endocrine, circulatory, and the musculoskeletal systems. As an example, the regeneration of the brain during sleep relies on CSF circulation (Fluids and Barriers of the CNS).

Craniosacral Therapy helps to optimize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by unwinding restrictions that may be limiting flow and, according to the Upledger Institute, it can help with the following conditions, amongst other things:

·        Migraines, Headaches

·        Chronic Pain

·        Scoliosis

·        Conception, Pregnancy, Birth

·        Learning Differences, ADD, ADHD

·        Sensory Processing

·        Chronic Fatigue and Sleep Challenges

·        Stress and Tension-Related Problems

·        Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

·        Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) and Dental Challenges

·        Immune Disorders

·        Post-Traumatic Stress, Anxiety and Depression

A CST Practitioner’s Purpose

I first learned about Craniosacral Therapy (CST) when I took my now 11 year-old to see a CST practitioner at 3-months old due to latching issues. We had been to lactation consultants, a midwife, pediatricians, and a few La Leche League meetings in search of assistance all to no avail. In a last ditch effort at the suggestion of a lactation consultant, we went to a CST practitioner. After struggling for months – unfortunately, I don’t need to tell many of you that torn nipples, clogged ducts, extreme anxiety, sleep deprivation, and a hungry baby make for a very long and hard 3 months – we saw a shift. 3 CST sessions later (this varies for everyone) my daughter was latching, and I was pain free. I cannot tell you the relief that came over me due to my struggles with feelings of what was wrong with me and failure because I could not provide essential nutrition for my baby like other moms.

Fast forward 11 years, and I had all but forgotten about CST until an INNATE Postpartum Care class where the teacher said that CST is a great bodywork practice for new moms and babies. When I heard Craniosacral Therapy again, everything in my body said, yes, I need to go do that for me. And, being a busy mom of two with a demanding job and other obligations, I ignored that resonating thought - who has time for magical nurturing time for themselves? The Universe answered loudly in the form of pelvic floor prolapse - tricky Universe. At this point, I set up a CST session amongst other things. (I love that life leads you to where you need to go - though at times I wish I could learn the easy way - haha!).

As with anything, some things resonate and some things don’t, and when we are ready life is full of surprises - for me CST was a beautiful surprise. The amount of release and regulation in my body was wonderous, and I knew at this point, that I needed to learn more.

This first CST session was the beginning of my second career (goodbye operations and MBA and hello moms and CST - okay, so I still get to use my MBA) and my life’s purpose as a Craniosacral Therapy practitioner. Craniosacral Therapy is more than bodywork. It is a healing modality that tunes into exactly what the body needs and what a person is ready for. It is the connection of the physical and energetic. Doing this work brings me complete bliss. I feel like something is working through me at a higher level, and it is beautiful and an honor to be connected in this way.

I would love to connect with you and answer any questions you have or invite you in for a session if you are interested. Please reach out for more information: connect@motheringlife.com or https://motheringlife.com/craniosacral. Have a beautiful day!

Danielle Hughes is the Founder of Mothering Life, a Craniosacral Therapist and an INNATE Postpartum Care practitioner. She focuses on supporting moms, so motherhood can be the celebration that it is meant to be.