What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle form of bodywork that releases tension in the nervous system. It was developed in the 1900s by osteopath William G. Sutherland. Through his training, he observed for the central nervous system to function properly, the bones of the skull must have inherent movements. By the 1930s, he developed gentle techniques for manipulating the skull to treat musculoskeletal symptoms. In the 1970s, physician John Upledger continued and popularized Sutherland’s work. Craniosacral is a form of bodywork that incorporates both physical manipulation and energetic work and aims to create change between organs and emotions. Its foundation lies in quantum physics and a concept called, scale invariance, which describes repetitive patterns. Bones, connective tissue, and fascia are great examples of this. Craniosacral practitioners are trained to feel rhythms of the body from cells, nerves, organs, bones, etc. During a treatment session, the practitioner helps the organ and tissue systems to regain optimal motion and flow by releasing restrictions. In most sessions, patients will lie on their back, side, or stomach while the practitioner uses various gentle palpation techniques to create small movements in bones and joints, especially those of the skull and pelvis.
What conditions does Craniosacral Therapy treat?
- Acute injuries: neck pain, whiplash, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and sports injuries
- Digestive disorders: bloating, constipation, nausea, acid reflux
- Pelvic conditions: endometriosis, PMS, painful periods
- Post-surgical scars and adhesions
- Mental health disorders: anxiety, depression, stress
- Neurological concerns: headaches, migraines
- Chronic pain and orthopedic problems
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia and connective tissue disorders
- TMJ
- Insomnia and sleep challenges
How long does Craniosacral Therapy take to work?
Responses vary based on the person and conditions being treated. Each individual requires a different frequency and length of treatments. Some may feel the effects very quickly while others may require a few sessions before noticing improvements.
What are the side effects and contraindications of Craniosacral Therapy?
There are very few side effects, but patients may feel fatigue, mild soreness, or headaches after a session. Contraindications may include infections, open wounds, and severe bleeding disorders.
What does Craniosacral Therapy feel like?
Craniosacral Therapy feels like gentle compression with stretching. The practitioner may gently lie their hands on various aspects of your skull, sacrum, and extremities.
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What is Visceral Manipulation?
Similar to Craniosacral Therapy, the goal of Visceral Manipulation is to restore motion and release restrictions in the body. While Craniosacral focuses on the skull, sacrum, and central nervous system, Visceral Manipulation treats the “viscera” or internal organs. Through gentle manipulations, practitioners feel areas of restriction and release any tension in tissues and organs. Internal organs are surrounded and held in place by connective tissue. When healthy, this tissue should move easily to allow organs to move with your torso. When connective tissue becomes inflamed, your organs can become restricted, which can lead to poor respiration, constipation, abdominal pain, heartburn, period cramps, and much more.
What conditions can Visceral Manipulation treat?
- Acute injuries: neck pain, whiplash, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and sports injuries
- Digestive disorders: bloating, constipation, nausea, acid reflux
- Pelvic conditions: endometriosis, PMS, painful periods
- Post-surgical scars and adhesions
- Mental health disorders: anxiety, depression, stress
- Neurological concerns: fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines
How long does Visceral Manipulation take to work?
This varies for each person based on their conditions and needs, and everyone does respond to treatments differently. Many patients feel the benefits of Visceral Manipulation after just a few sessions.
What are the side effects and contraindications of Visceral Manipulation?
There are very few side effects, but patients may feel fatigue, mild soreness, or headaches after a session. Contraindications may include infections, open wounds, and severe bleeding disorders.
What does Visceral Manipulation feel like?
Visceral Manipulations feels like gentle stretching with some compression on the area that is being treated. It’s normal for patients to experience some warmth or even tingling at times.
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