ABOUT
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) has its roots in osteopathy - its founder, William Garner Sutherland, an osteopathic physician in the early 20th century discovered & researched the presence of rhythmic tides expressed in our fluids, bones, organs and tissues and developed cranial osteopathy - but essentially it is a non-invasive therapy that works gently and deeply with the body, using light contact along with the practitioner's trained perception skills as well as study of the anatomy, physiology and the natural rhythmic motion of the craniosacral system.
How Does CST Work?
When a practitioner diagnostically places their hands lightly on the body and engages therapeutically on a deep subtle level, they can feel a rhythmic motion being expressed throughout the body system in a expansion-contraction pattern, that is very different from respiratory breath and heartbeat. The rhythmic tide-like motion expressed through the body is a reflection of a natural intelligent force which is present throughout nature and perfuses all living organisms and the universe. It is an indication of our life-force and key to our vitality and well-being. Our life story is contained and experienced in the body, but sometimes some experiences aren't fully processed and integrated. As a result the body can carry tension and subconscious protective patterns, contracting in response to unresolved injury, illness, trauma, anxiety or stress which influences the underlying vitality and its innate rhythmic motion, creating disturbances in the body, mind and emotions. When a practitioner engages with the craniosacral system and fascia of the body along with the clients present awareness, they connect with any disturbances and resistances to the natural flow of health. The body, mind and heart responds to the deep listening presence, along with diagnostic and therapeutic contact, by gently releasing imbalances and energetic blockages; allowing the body to find balance and wholeness, utilising its natural self-healing intelligence, that can assist the body at the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual level.
CST also assists the nervous system to remember a deeply embodied 'rest and digest' state, away from 'fight, flight, freeze, or fawn' responses, triggered by acute stress from perceived threats.
This shift enhances the ability to feel more ease and calm in the body, safely releasing any restrictions or trauma, thereby building capacity in the nervous system (which impacts the immune system) to fully engage with the wholeness of life and connect with an authentic sense of purpose, peace and vitality.
Experience CST at any stage of life
Due to its gentle approach, craniosacral therapy is suitable for individuals of all ages at every stage of life, from babies through to the elderly. It can to be deeply supportive during pregnancy and post-partum recovery, helping babies settle after birth trauma and beneficial for those healing from injuries or surgeries. Clients find this therapy is also beneficial for stress relief, managing chronic pain or musculoskeletal issues, and achieving energetic and emotional balance.
Craniosacral therapy is not intended as a primary healthcare but to work alongside the relationship with your GP.
What happens during a CST Session?
Infants can be treated lying on a pillow or in their parent's arms. Toddlers don't usually want to keep still, so play is often used! Older children may prefer to lie face down and read or play with a toy.
Each session is unique to each person and their inner landscape. Typically the initial appointment involves a brief written case-history which is confidential. You then lie on the treatment table, fully clothed and without shoes—typically on your back or sometimes on your side, or seated, with supports and cushions as needed.
The practitioner engages with light hands-on contact on the feet or shoulders and then moves to the tailbone, lumber spine, stomach, neck or head, for instance. Contact is communicated and with consent. The body functions as a whole system so the focus may not solely be on the areas where symptoms occur, but where the practitioner is reading diagnostic messages from the body to begin to make the balancing changes. A quiet state is the baseline presence while working together, but this is fluid and loose, with gentle mindful dialoguing; engaging and empowering the client in their own body awareness and process. Memories or emotions can gently surface to be discharged from the body as well as the sense of inner movement or heat for example can arise; but most people initially report a feeling of deep relaxation.
A craniosacral appointment is 1 hour for adults and 45 minutes for babies and children. Treatments are cumulative in effect. Some clients report relief after one or two sessions. For complex or long-standing issues, further sessions are usually recommended.
Get in Contact
07456 917 553
Goddess House Education & Healing Centre
Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9EJ
Warrenpoint
Co. Down, N. Ireland, BT34
(please email for availability in N. Ireland)
Locations:
Enquire or book a free 15 minute discovery call