The craniosacral system is the term Dr John Upledger coined to describe the structures that produce and maintain the subtle rhythm he observes while assisting in a spinal surgery.

This system includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, as well as the bones of the skull and spine to which they attach.

Dr Upledger identified this inherent motion as the craniosacral rhythm — a continuous, gentle wave that reflects the body’s underlying vitality.  This rhythm can be palpated throughout the body, providing the therapist with information about areas of restriction or imbalance within the system.

In CranioSacral Therapy, light touch is used with purpose.  Gentle contact allows the therapist to receive information from the body’s tissues without triggering defensive responses.  Deeper pressure can cause soft tissues to “guard”, masking the underlying tension patterns.  By using refined, sensitive touch, we can meet the body’s needs more accurately and support lasting release at its source.

Fascia is the continuous connective tissue that envelops and supports every structure in the body — muscles, organs, bones, and even the brain and spinal cord.  When fascia becomes tight or restricted, it can create strain patterns that affect movement, posture, and fluid exchange.  Because fascia is everywhere, even small areas of restriction can influence the whole system,.

Each CranioSacral Therapy session begins with an assessment to understand where the body is holding restriction or imbalance.  Because the body is highly adaptive, the area of pain or dysfunction is not always the source of the problem.  Treatment techniques vary according to individual needs — relieving compression, easing tension, or supporting the movement of fluids — always with the same principle in mind: gentle, respectful contact that supports the body’s inherent intelligence.

SomatoEmotional Release® provides us with a framework and set of skills for working with the body tissues (‘somata’) at the same time as working with the emotions.  This is important as body and mind are interrelated and as we work with both simultaneously we are able to work towards a ‘release’ or ‘integration’ of any retained trauma.

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