Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a deep healing modality that acknowledges deep forces in the human body called Primary Respiration. Primary respiration is expressed in the body as a series of stable and palpable tidal rhythms that inform healing decisions in the body. To put it more simply, BCST helps your body bring its healing intentions front and center, where they can do the most good.

As a RCST® Registered Biodynamic Craniosaral therapist, I understand that within each human being there is a subtle tide-like force called primary respiration that manifests as a biodynamic potency and organizing force within the human system.

My role is to perceive the subtle rhythmic pulsations and motions that primary respiration generates, and to respond to the healing intentions of your body. During each session, I orient myself to your history, which is expressed in the dynamics of the fluids, cells, and tissues of your body. In addition, I relate clinically to patterns of trauma, distress, and illness within the context of intrinsic health. My intention is to encourage new levels of order and balance in both your mind and body.

Each session is comprised of a gentle listening touch, which is both diagnostic and therapeutic. You may feel deep relaxation and become aware of alterations in fluid pressures, tissue motions, heat, tingling, feeling-states, and energy movement. Your awareness of such personal processes is an integral part of this work, as BCST is an experiential exploration that encompasses not only physical sensations, but also our mental processes, feelings, and emotions. Tension anywhere in your body can restrict the flow of the craniosacral rhythm. Practitioners use gentle touch, often less than a nickel’s weight, to allow the system to correct itself. In the process, tension can release, allowing for positive change to occur throughout your body.

Craniosacral therapy works directly with the all the body’s tissues and systems, but can also have a positive effect on the energy systems that connect the body, mind and emotions. It can help reduce pain, decrease anxiety, improve sleep and aid recovery from injury and surgery. For you, too, the healing and gentle balancing properties of craniosacral therapy can offer relaxation, increased energy and a heightened sense of physical and emotional well-being.

Former Aetna CEO talks about CranioSacral Therapy

Until November 2018, Mark Bertolini was the CEO of Aetna. In this MSNBC video, he talks about his own personal experiences with Craniosacral Therapy and how it helped him reassume his duties after a very serious accident.

I share Mr. Bertolini’s comments not as an implied endorsement of my practice, but rather for his highly educated comments regarding the limitations of our traditional healthcare industry.

BENEFITS

Nervous system: Releasing tension that blocks the craniosacral rhythm can deeply calm the nervous system and often provide effect relief for:

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Digestive problems

• Depression

• Menstrual irregularities

• Breathing difficulties

• Headaches

• Visual problems

• Hearing difficulties

• Injuries to the head or spinal cord can improve

• Children with birth trauma, learning difficulties, chronic ear problems, or hyperactivity

Circulatory system: As the body relaxes, circulation improves, resulting in a host of beneficial effects. These include:

• Increased energy

• Reduced pain

• Improved immune system function

• Faster recovery from surgery

Musculoskeletal system: Craniosacral therapy provides relief for many painful musculoskeletal conditions. Even complex problems often respond well to this gentle but profound therapy, such as:

• TMJD

• TBI

• Concussions

• Neck and Back pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Arthritis

• Sciatica

• Scoliosis

The emotional component

Physical tension in the body may be connected to strong feelings. When your body relaxes, feelings can surface. Becoming aware of your emotions can be a very effective aid in relieving tension and pain, and can lead to long-lasting improvements. Your therapist understands this process.

A versatile approach

Craniosacral therapy is suitable for all ages from infants to the elderly. Because it works with a system that most techniques don’t address, it can be an effective alternative where other therapies have not provided relief. The gentle touch of craniosacral therapy may also be a good choice for you if you have trouble relaxing, are ticklish or if massage therapy sometimes leaves you sore.

What to expect during a session

For a craniosacral session, you lie fully-clothed on a comfortably padded table. Your therapist begins by placing the hands at your feet and simply feeling or “listening” to the primary respiration and the craniosacral rhythm.

She may also place the hands on your ribs, shoulders, thighs or feet, and may hold a position for some time according to your needs. We sometimes use craniosacral therapy along with other forms of bodywork—such as reflexology and reiki—in the same session to powerfully reinforce each other.

Craniosacral treatments are most often deeply relaxing. You may have a sense of dropping or deepening into the area your therapist is working. You may feel pulsing or a spreading warmth. Some people notice a heightened body awareness.

After a session, you might feel energetic, sleepy or a little scattered. Even if you fall asleep or don’t feel much of anything at first, subtle but profound changes may be occurring that will help you heal over time.