SpiritNetwork Insights
by Andres Frame
Cranial Sacral therapy, what is it? How does it work? Currently, there is a heightened interest in natural, non-invasive approaches to healing and wellness both here and abroad that has been growing in momentum for the past 30 years. At the forefront of this holistic upsurge is the relatively recent development of Cranial Sacral Therapy - a subtle and profound healing form which assists the body in its own self-corrective ability. It consists of gentle hands-on techniques designed to improve the health and tone of the nervous sytem. The approach is a cooperative one between healer and client involving deep relaxation by the client on a massage table and gentle manipulative movements by the therapist's hands. These subtle movements, in addition to integreting and balancing the nervous system and structure of the body, allow the "unwinding" of stress and trauma.
Dr. William Sutherland, an American osteopath, discovered around the turn of the century, that there were intrinsic movements of the bones of the skull and rhythmic tidal motions in the body. These movements he found, are a direct expression of the health of the system. In 1970, another osteopath, Dr. John Upledger, further developed the scientific basis for Cranial Sacral Therapy. He found that by gently placing his hands on areas of restricted movement in the body, he could effectively find and treat brain and spinal cord dystunctions, and many other health problems.
The cranial sacral system includes all the bones and membranes of your head, connected through a system of hydraulics to the lower end of your spine, the sacrum. At the center of your brain are hollow spaces that empty and fill and fill and empty, day in and day out with fluid in a gentle rhythm which can be felt anywhere on the body -- the Cranial Sacral Rhythm. This fluid, called "Cerebral Spinal fluid" (CSF) moves through a dural membrane, nourishing and connecting the entire nevous system. A highly skilled, trained cranial sacral therapist can locate areas of trauma, stress or restriction virtually anywhere in the body by listening in with their hands to this fundamental rhythm and applying subtle movements to help the body self-correct itself. These movements encourage the flow of all fluids in your body, including blood and lymph as well as cerebral spinal fluid. This in turn, enhances the exchange of fluids within your brain and all your cells, promoting rejuvenation and health.
Cranial Sacral Therapy is extremely gentle, making it one of the safesest forms of healing available. The therapist simply removes obstacles, activates and empowers the client's own healing ability. It is suitable for all ages and a myriad of conditions. Cranial Sacral therapy is not just for those with pain and stress. Those who think they are well are often surprised at how much better they feel after a session. They notice that hours and days after their treatment, they feel different as their body integrates and continues to heal from the session. Many people experience for the first time, a level of relaxation and well-being they never felt before.
Andes Frame is a certified Polarity practitioner and Craniosacral Therapist at the Peaceful Dove Healing Center in Reston, Virginia. In practice since 1990, she has trained in many holistic healing forms including Reflexology, Reiki, Kahuna Helaing, Holographic Repatterning, Essential Oils, Spiritual Dowsing, and Light-Body Alignment. A sensitive-intuitive since childhood, she taylors sessions according to the unique needs of her clients, striving always for their highest potential. She enjoys teaching seminars in vibrational healing and offers Hawaiian Kahuna Healing Circles at her center in Reston. She can be reached at 703.295.0823 and on the web at www.peacefuldove.net.