Craniosacral Therapy
Ormskirk
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a complementary treatment that releases tensions deep in the body to help reduce pain, relieve dysfunction, and improve health and performance of the whole body.
Founded, developed and advanced within the field of medical osteopathy, CST is a light touch, hands on method of listening to the body and enhancing the function of the Craniosacral system.
The Craniosacral System is the home of the nervous system. It includes the brain, spinal cord and cerebral spinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain, spine cord and surrounding membranes. The Craniosacral system connects to and integrates into the whole body. Equally the tissues of the body ‘feedback’ into the craniosacral system.
The techniques applied in CST aim to release restriction in the craniosacral system which has been shown to improve the functioning of the Central Nervous System as well as other systems of the body such as digestive, lymphatic, respiratory, circulatory and musculoskeletal amongst others.
People come for Craniosacral treatments with a wide range of issues such as back, neck and joint pain, digestive issues, TMJ (jaw) issues, anxiety, headaches, vertigo, and much more.
I decided to try the treatment in order to help relieve sciatica and lower back pain. Immediately after the treatment, I noticed that I felt ‘straighter and taller’. Normally I had the feeling that I was sinking down into my hips!
Throughout the following days, I experienced a loosening of my lower back and some relief of the leg pain – due to sciatica. After the second treatment, my confidence began to increase and I have been brave enough to walk short distances without my walking stick. I am still able to do so!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect during a treatment?
Firstly we’ll help you get comfortable on the couch with support from bolters and head blocks. Generally, a treatment is conducted with the client lying down on the back. The treatment couch can be raised so you are not completely flat.
Initially, I’ll assess the body by gently resting my hands or fingertips on areas of the body and head to assess where the body wants support. When this has been assessed we can begin the treatment at the area that the body drew us to. This may be at or away from the area of discomfort. Often the root causes of symptoms can originate away from the site of discomfort. We follow the body’s process of healing.
During the treatment, you may become aware of sensations such as heat and movement, a sense of relaxation in the areas being treated or shifts in perception during the treatment. You are welcome to share what you are experiencing with me if you wish. I may also ask you questions about the communication coming from the body.
At the end of the session we’ll have an opportunity to share our experiences of the session if you wish, have a drink and prepare to leave. It is best to allow yourself time after the appointment so that you don’t have to rush off.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing which allows you to relax and feel comfortable during your treatment.
It would be greatly appreciated if Jeans were avoided as they can be restrictive.
Do I need to remove any clothing?
It’s not necessary to remove any clothing when receiving a Craniosacral Therapy treatment.
Should I do anything after the treatment?
Following your treatment, we recommend that you:
- Drink plenty of water to help flush out impurities and detoxify the body.
- Try not to over exert yourself for the rest of the day to enhance the treatment and allow the body to heal.
- Take care whilst driving, you will be in relaxed state and your responses may be slower.
- Have light meals to allow your body to focus on healing, so you don’t overload the body.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these are toxins and stimulants and will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
When can I expect to feel the benefits?
At the end of the treatment clients often feel a difference either in a reduction of discomfort, improved movement and or within themselves.
Sometimes it’s challenging to be able to articulate the change just that something is different until that change has settled in which happens over the next couple of days.
How many treatments will I need?
The short answer is that I don’t know, as there are numerous factors that can affect how many treatments are needed to achieve the best possible health outcome.
Most clients begin to notice more consistent changes in their symptoms and improvements after about three treatments.
For some, this may be enough and they may opt for ongoing maintenance treatments.
For others, this is just the beginning of the healing process.
To start with 3 sessions would offer the opportunity to feel progress towards restoring health to the best it can be and decide upon continuation.
How long are the appointments?
Appointment durations are 60 or 90 minutes in duration. You will be notified of this before the sessions and will be discussed in the initial consultation.
There are times were the duration of the sessions may be shorter. This would be on an individual basis and discussed as part of your treatment plan.