5 minute read
What Is Craniosacral Therapy?
By GEORGE RICKARD, Craniosacral & Massage Therapist.
“IN 2005, I was a qualified Holistic Massage and Sports Massage therapist. I was set to go down the route of becoming a physical therapist, but I realised I wanted to work with clients on a deeper level, working with more aspects of the person besides just physical issues. It is these other issues, such as emotional stress stored in the body, that often cause problematic physical symptoms.
I was lucky to have craniosacral therapists among my massage clients, and they opened my eyes to other, more holistic ways of working with the body.
In 2008, I took my first course in CST. I also did other bodywork courses including shiatsu, Indian head massage, and sound healing, but CST is the one that I have always resonated with the most.
After taking time out from the training to have a family, I returned to complete my CST qualification last year with Upledger Ireland and am now a fully registered member of IACST (Irish association Craniosacral therapy)
What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a hands-on, light touch therapy that enhances the body’s natural capacity for healing. It uses the weight of a 5-cent coin (5 grams) on the head and lower back to assess and treat the craniosacral system.
The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and fluid that surround and support the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the head (cranium) down to the bones at the base of the spine (sacrum), hence its name. The system is intricately connected with the rest of the body. Therefore, by gently creating changes in the craniosacral system, the entire body can selfcorrect.
Craniosacral work is frequently used in the treatment of the following conditions:
• Chronic pain
• Neck and back trauma and pain
• Whiplash and head Injuries
• Post-concussion syndrome
• Post-surgical recovery
• Headaches and migraines
• TMJ and chronic facial pain
• Ear and sinus problems
• Sciatica
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Post-viral syndromes/long covid
• Problems with breathing and swallowing
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
• Chronic stress
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Emotional trauma and prolonged grief
• Acute stress, injury, and trauma
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• CNS/Neurological disorders
• Learning disabilities and ADHD
• Birth trauma
• Infant/paediatric conditions
• Fibromyalgia and rheumatic pain
What to expect from a treatment?
Treatments last for 50 minutes, and for the first session, a questionnaire with health considerations is completed.
The session is performed with the client lying on a treatment table with shoes off while the Craniosacral Therapist sits working at the client’s head, middle torso, and/or feet.
Experiences during a CST session are as individual as the clients and therapists themselves. Experiences may vary from session to session. At times, a client may fall asleep, may recall memories, will experience sensations within the body such as tingling, hot/cold, pins and needles, pulsations, a stretching of tissues in particular parts of the body, increased fluid flow, or energy flow.
At various times, the client may need to move arms or legs as a normal part of the process. This can be facilitated by the therapist.
Clients may also experience an emotional release, tears, or even laughter.
The treatment is deeply relaxing and promotes improved functioning of the craniosacral system and, by extension, related systems in the body, including musculoskeletal, immune, respiratory and endocrine systems.
Contraindications for CST:
• Recent Head Trauma
• Skull Fracture
• Acute Stroke
• Cerebral Aneurysm
• Or any other condition in which fluid pressure changes within the skull could prove detrimental.
These will all be covered in the Medical History Section with your first session. I will refer you back to your Medical Practitioner should there be any cause for concern.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required depends entirely on the condition being treated. Acute injury and disease states can benefit enormously from 2 - 6 sessions; with chronic debilitating disease or severe injury, it is usually necessary to work for longer. The recommended interval between sessions are usually a week to a fortnight apart.
For further information or to book an appointment, contact George on +353 87 2643542 or email: grcranio@gmail.com
Testimonials
I received a wonderful Craniosacral session from George recently and felt the weight of an old headache lift and be relieved. George has a wonderful caring and compassionate way. I am glad to have found him on my healing journey.
Fiona 52, Blarney, Co. Cork
Having had some problems with my hip, knee, and lower back recently, I decided to contact George. I had several craniosacral sessions, and I must say, I found them extremely beneficial, and a very relaxing experience. Overall, a very satisfactory experience.
Diarmuid, 79, Kanturk, Co. Cork
