Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Catherine Williams (BSC Hons) MCSP SRP RCST
Catherine is a registered Cranio-Sacral Therapist and Physiotherapist. She is a tutor at the London College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy and secretary for the Association of Cranio-Sacral Therapy for Chartered Physiotherapists. She is also qualified in acupuncture for pain relief and is a member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
What Is Cranio-Sacral Therapy and how does it work?
Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a very gentle yet profound form of hands-on treatment and is very effective in treating a wide range of conditions, both physical and emotional. The principles of cranio-sacral therapy were first recognised 100 years ago by the research of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland. His research showed that every cell in the body expresses its own rhythmic motion, that the cranial bones had their own intrinsic movement and that the cerebro-spinal fluid that serves to cushion and support the brain and spine had its own rhythmic motion. This is now more commonly known as the cranio-sacral motion and this is expressed throughout the whole body.
In response to everyday physical knocks, bumps and emotional stress the body's tissues contract and tighten up. Every accident and traumatic event is associated with some degree of shock and this can manifest itself in the body and cause further tensions and restrictions in the body. If not addressed, these stresses, strains and tensions within the body can accumulate and cause physical and/or emotional symptoms such as back pain, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, stress and anxiety.
Restrictions in the body affect the flow and rhythmic motion of the cells, bones and fluids within the body. By very subtle palpation, trained therapists can detect this motion and determine its strength and health; as a result the therapist can identify restrictions in the body that need releasing to restore the body's vitality.
How Can CST Help Me?
Encompassing every cell of the body is a connective tissue called fascia. Fascia covers every cell, vessel, muscle, nerve and organ of the body and it is laid out in such a way that it provides a support network throughout the whole body and is completely continuous throughout the whole body. In some ways the fascia is like the 'cling film' of the body holding everything together. Because it is continuous, a pull on one end (restriction caused from injury, disease or poor posture) will be transmitted throughout the system to the opposite end and for this reason pulls and twists on fascia caused from injury and trauma in one specific area can have effects on the whole system (distortion in areas other than the site of injury). The benefit of CST is that this treatment can access the fascia directly and help release restrictions in this tissue, ultimately having profound effects throughout the whole system.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy is 'recognized for the depth of its influence, the comprehensive range of its therapeutic effects, and its ability to resolve issues that are not helped by other means' (Thomas Attlee, founder of the College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy).
Because fascia covers everything in the body the cranio-sacral system affects all body systems; musculoskeletal, nervous, vascular, endocrine and respiratory and the therefore has the ability to restore health and vitality to all these systems for whole body health.
What Can I Expect In A Session?
Treatment can be a very deeply relaxing experience and clients often feel grounded and well balanced after their session.
In the first session a full case history will be taken. Treatment will be performed with the client lying down and fully clothed. Treatment is usually very peaceful and it is encouraged that clients close their eyes and relax as much as they can during treatment. Sensations felt during treatment will be of the clinician's hands - a very light contact. Other sensations felt during treatment may include, warmth, tingling, pulsations, heaviness or lightness and a sense of deep relaxation and 'letting go'. Clients can usually feel very grounded and relaxed after treatment and the majority report they sleep very deeply the evening of their treatment.
It is recommended that clients book in 3-4 treatments initially to get the full benefits of cranio-sacral treatment. Each session is 45 minutes long and appointments are normally recommended every 1 to 2 weeks to allow the body to process and integrate the changes that occur between treatments.
If you are unsure whether Cranio-Sacral Therapy can help you then please contact Catherine Williams at ReCentre on 020 8672 4455
For more information on Cranio-Sacral Therapy please see the links below:
