The Green Room CST

According to the College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy:

‘Cranio-Sacral Therapy is an exceptionally gentle yet extremely powerful form of treatment, which engages with the deepest inherent healing forces within the body in order to enable integration of the whole body-mind’.

The human body has a powerful inherent healing potential, but this potential can be compromised or depleted by injury, disease, trauma, and stress. The forces of nature, both within and outside the body, have a natural tendency to reintegrate and restore healthy function. Quantum science demonstrates that this potential arises from the electromagnetic and other forces which pervade the whole universe, which are the basis of physics, chemistry, and biology, which permeate all living beings, our environment and the whole matrix within which we exist, and which are responsible for generating life, growth, health and healing. These forces are expressed in the body as rhythmic motion.

CST engages with these forces in order to enhance the body’s natural healing ability and to restore health and integration of body, mind and spirit. It can enhance health in any circumstances – from new-born babies to the elderly, from birth patterns, injury, illness, severe trauma, and all the many stresses and strains of life, both physical and emotional, often resolving issues that are not helped by other means. It is a profoundly transformative process.

Cranio-Sacral treatment is most often carried out with the patient lying down, fully clothed, in a quiet and peaceful environment. Treatment involves a very gentle touch of the practitioner’s hands. This light contact may be taken up on the Cranium (head) the Sacrum (tailbone) the feet, the trunk, or any other part of the body as appropriate. Treatment is generally experienced as a profound relaxation and reintegration which may pervade the whole person, physically, mentally, and emotionally, often accompanied by a feeling of lightness and ease.

The cranial concept originates from the work of William Sutherland, who first identified the rhythmic motion of the cranio-sacral system and who devoted his life to developing a deeper understanding of the forces that govern our lives and our health. When we rest our hands very lightly on the body and engage on a subtle level, we can feel rhythmic motion being expressed throughout the body, as if the whole body were gently breathing – not just the usual breathing of the lungs, but a more gentle, subtle, rhythmic motion.

The body is a coherent living matrix (Oschman – Energy Medicine – the scientific explanation 2000) guided by biodynamic forces. The natural world is guided by forces and rhythms which surround us and permeate us. The rhythmic motion which we feel in the body is a reflection of a natural force (described by Sutherland as the Breath of Life) which is present throughout nature, and which perfuses all living things. It is an indication of our aliveness and a reflection of our vitality. The presence of this rhythmic motion has been clearly demonstrated on film (Seifriz 1954).

It is this natural force which determines the orderly progression of life, growth, development, health, and healing and which restores and maintains balance and integration – whether in an acorn, enabling it to grow into a magnificent oak tree, or in a human being, enabling our progress from embryological development and throughout life. Everything that happens to us – every injury, every illness, every tension, every trauma – influences this underlying vitality and its rhythmic motion, creating disturbances to its fluent expression.

When a Cranio-Sacral Therapist tunes in on a very subtle level, he or she can engage with these inherent forces, facilitating an interaction between the disturbed forces within the body and the integrative forces in the surrounding matrix. This interaction enables the patient’s system to respond to the therapist’s gentle contact through the Inherent Treatment Process (the body’s natural potential for healing) addressing and resolving any disturbances and resistances to the natural flow of health, thereby re-establishing a more settled, balanced, integrated state where the underlying vitality which maintains our health can be expressed freely, and where the body-mind can consequently function more smoothly and fluently on all levels.

There are various approaches to Cranio-Sacral Therapy. The terms Biodynamic and Biomechanical are sometimes used to describe them. Kathryn has trained within Cranio-Sacral Integration.Cranio-Sacral Integration appreciates and integrates the whole spectrum of approaches. It is firmly founded in Biodynamic principles – engaging with the most profound inherent healing forces within the body and with the deeper tides and rhythms of life – and incorporates other resources in order to maintain a thorough grounding in anatomical and physiological principles.

A Biodynamic approach can be very effective in appropriate circumstances. A Biomechanical approach can be very effective in appropriate circumstances. An integrated approach, incorporating both Biodynamic and Biomechanical principles as well as a wide range of other processes, provides a more comprehensive range of resources, enables a highly effective response to each individual according to their needs, and enables each practitioner to develop a broader perspective.

Suitable for all ages:
Cranio-sacral integration is suitable for anyone, new-born to elderly, whatever their condition – acute pain, chronic ill health, or simply maintaining wellbeing. Cranio-sacral integration is concerned with enhancing underlying vitality – and can therefore be of benefit to anyone. The profound process of overall integration of body and mind, and establishing underlying health, will tend to eliminate symptoms and underlying causes whatever the situation, and can enable profound changes. Cranio-sacral integration transforms lives.

An individual’s state of health is the accumulation of everything that has happened to them. The role of cranio-sacral integration is to re-integrate and re-establish the underlying health which has been distorted and depleted by this accumulation. The essential function of treatment is to provide the therapeutic space within which the system can express and release its accumulated traumas, tensions, and restrictions, thereby enabling the restoration of underlying mobility, integrity, health and vitality.

This is enabled by establishing the therapeutic presence within which engagement with the cranio-sacral system can develop, and allowing the spontaneous evolution of the inherent treatment process in accordance with the fundamental principles of cranio-sacral integration.

Cranio-sacral integration requires the development of a high degree of sensitivity. Through this sensitivity, the therapist can engage with subtle levels of being. The patient’s whole life story is held in their system ready to be read. Whatever the circumstances, the condition, or the symptoms, the cranio-sacral process simply involves engaging with the system on this subtle level and allowing the system to reveal its story. Through subtle variations in quality, symmetry and motion, the body will reveal whatever is relevant – injury, trauma, restriction, blockage, shock, disease, tension, emotion – thereby allowing the source of disturbance to be identified, allowing it to be expressed, to rise to the surface, to be released and resolved through the body’s natural, inherent potential for healing and balance.

Kathryn also offers fascial unwinding and if appropriate may offer this as part of your CS session. Fascial unwinding is a process in which you undergo a spontaneous reaction in response to the Craniosacral Therapist’s touch. Fascial unwinding can be induced/stimulated by your Craniosacral Therapist by using specific techniques which encourages your body to move into areas of ease.

The Fascial tissue needs about 120 seconds to start elongating and releasing restrictions and can be stimulated by your Craniosacral Therapist by either lifting or holding certain body parts to remove the influence of gravity (i.e. neck or arm) or by adding compression to a joint (i.e. hip). Once the fascial tissue starts undergoing changes the body starts to release it through the various layers of fascia as physical and emotional tension melt away.

Fascial unwinding can also start spontaneously as the system feels safe and without the Craniosacral Therapist’s initiating the suggestion. The body starts to let go and releases accumulated and deeply held tension and trauma.

It’s important to note that from the start of the Fascial Unwinding process the Craniosacral Therapist only follows your body’s movement without directing or forcing them. The Craniosacral Therapist is only a facilitator revering to the body’s self-corrective mechanism (homeostasis). The release of the fascial tissue can take several seconds to minutes and is continuously followed by the Craniosacral Therapist until the fascial unwinding process comes to a natural conclusion.

Fascial unwinding can help release fascia, muscle, bone, nerves, blood vessels, viscera, scars, cranial/sacral restrictions, and psychological & emotional blockage.

Fascial unwinding can bring about:
◦ Deep state of relaxation
◦ Physical improvement
◦ Significant decline of anxiety
◦ Release of stored trauma memory
◦ Reset a deregulated nervous system

Fascial unwinding allows a powerful mind-body connection integrating the unconscious level and the physical structure into balance. Fascial Unwinding is a deeply relaxing and freeing process and is often the most effective approach for specific conditions.

Fascia forms an interconnected sheath emanating from the membrane system to envelop every structure in the body – bones, muscles, organs, blood vessels, nerves – from the top of the head to the tips of the toes, providing structural continuity and interconnection throughout the body.

Fascia holds our physical structure together, penetrates deep into the internal structure of cells, provides an essential communication system throughout the body, with a vast sensory nerve supply and profound connections with the autonomic nervous system. It transmits forces, injuries, and restrictions throughout the body, retains memories of injury and trauma, and carries emotional tensions.

Craniosacral therapy works by helping your body release tension and imbalances, which invites your body to be in alignment, enabling optimal foetal positioning and alleviating painful pregnancy complications such as migraines, lower back pain, or sciatic pain to name a few. Craniosacral therapy also balances the autonomic nervous system (the part of us that regulates our very basic functions) which causes it to be exceptionally beneficial for anyone dealing with any type of stress.

While it would be ideal to receive treatment throughout your entire pregnancy, many women find exceptional benefits from even one treatment, though regular treatment can be a significant support for a healthy pregnancy. CST has virtually no negative side effects and because the therapy is so gentle, you’ll find yourself looking forward to your sessions and enjoying the gentle relaxation that comes along with healing treatment.

Craniosacral therapists are trained to tune into the connective tissue of the body. This can relax intrauterine pressures, making more space for the growing baby to get into an optimal position for birth. It can also help to release tensions on the spine while supporting the Central Nervous System (CNS) and letting the very important cranial nerves flow at ease. This is of great significance as soft muscle and tissue tone is essential for a smooth pregnancy and easy birth. A soft and connected CNS will help the mother and baby to feel spacious, connected, nourished, and essentially relaxed.

After a course of CST sessions, mothers to be often report feeling more in tune with their bodies and better prepared for the process of giving birth. The healing experience of CST sets them on the path for a calm, centred and relaxed approach to the birthing process. In this state of mind, the body is relaxed, in optimum health and full of energy and vitality.

If you are pregnant and booking in with Kathryn for CST treatment, please state this when booking your session.

‘We know it can be REALLY hard for new mums to take time for themselves especially if that is to get treatments. Kathryn wants to make this process as easy as possible. Please do get in contact if The Green Room mobile clinic coming to you means it is easier for you to receive the treatment you need.

Babies and young children

Craniosacral therapy is truly effective in helping the challenges young babies and children may face. CST is profoundly gentle with powerful results. Craniosacral Therapy can help your baby or child resolve any issues from their birth and access their optimal health and well-being.

Craniosacral therapy’s touch is so gentle there is no need for clothing to be removed which means a session can happen while the baby is asleep, nursing, while the parent is holding the child or even if they are alert and awake.

This gentle treatment is particularly effective in addressing:

• Birth trauma
• Ear infections
• Colic
• Sleeping difficulties
• As well as more severe symptoms and disabilities

Sessions are flexible with time and to each individual’s circumstances. Please let Kathryn know at the time of booking that the session in question is for a baby/child.

Many people find Cranio-Sacral Therapy hugely beneficial for a variety of conditions.

As well as helping with specific physical, neurological, emotional, or spiritual problems Cranio-Sacral Therapy is effective for the results of accidents, falls and strains, diseases, psychological conditions and may also assist to reduce stress and improve the functioning of the immune system.

CST can help with:

• Physical & Emotional Blocks
• Shock and Trauma
• Depression
• Endometriosis
• Arthritis
• Muscle Injuries
• Headaches and Migraines
• TMJ
• Dental Issues
• Head or Spinal Injuries
• Unresolved Chronic Pain
• Recent Surgery or Injury
• Tinnitus
• Hearing loss
• Sinus Infections
• Vertigo
• Digestive Disorders
• Reproductive/Hormone Imbalances
• Birth Trauma
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Concussion
• Vehicle Accidents
• Emotional based trauma
• Meningitis
• Brain Fog
• Grief
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Structural imbalances
• Whiplash
• Sciatica
• Stress
• IBS
• Chronic fatigue
• Asthma
• PTSD
• Frozen Shoulder
• Autism
• To name but a few

The non-intrusive nature of Cranio-Sacral Therapy can facilitate softening anywhere in the body and improve one’s general health and quality of life.

After a CST treatment session people have reported:

• Deep relaxation
• Better sleep
• Alleviation of symptoms
• More embodied and settled
• Increased mobility, flexibility, balance
• Profound relaxation
• Greater sense of well-being
• Increased body awareness
• Clarity of mind
• Improved posture
• Decreased frequency and occurrence of pain and headaches
• Improved digestion
• Feeling more energized and grounded
• Stress reduction
• Enhanced fluid exchange
• Improved self acceptance
• Improved immune response

The CST session takes place in a quiet, calm environment.

All treatments are strictly confidential.

In the initial treatment session, the practitioner will take a comprehensive written case history and assessment.

You will then be invited to take your shoes off and lie fully clothed on the treatment table. If you are unable to lie flat, you can be on your side, or in a chair.

The practitioner will then make light contact with your head, feet, the base of your spine, arms, neck, and other areas that feel relevant to your needs.

During the treatment the practitioner may stay at the same spot the whole session or may move several times to different locations on your body.

During a session there may be a lot of silence as you deeply relax, or there may be dialogue between you and the practitioner.

At the end of the session, you are encouraged to spend a few minutes returning back into the room. The practitioner will then sit and talk for a few minutes with you about the session.

Response to Cranio-Sacral Therapy varies from individual to individual and condition to condition and your experience of the work will be uniquely yours so, the frequency of treatments is up to you and the therapist.

Sometimes people report relief after only one or two sessions. For long-standing problems, you may need more than a couple of sessions.

Some people use sessions to resource and find they benefit from regular treatment over an extended period.

It is not uncommon for some people to choose to receive Cranio-Sacral Therapy regularly because it can be so pleasant to experience.

Responses to treatment different from person to person and individual circumstances.

Some patients report a deeply relaxed state and feel like sleeping for hours and others feel full of energy.

There are occasionally short periods of adjustment as part of the healing process. You may become more aware of symptoms or areas of discomfort. This may be brief, and often subsides within 24 hours.

The practitioner may suggest that in the hours after a treatment that you may keep things slow and introspective.

You may continue to notice shifts and changes in feelings and sensations on all levels, physical, emotional, and spiritual over the next few days/weeks as your body/mind complex releases previously held patterns and integrates.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is not a substitute for medical diagnosis.

If you have a particular concern about your health, it is always recommended that you consult your health physician since your CST practitioner does not diagnose or prescribe medication.

CST works well on its own as well as alongside other treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and yoga. If you are unsure, please talk to Kathryn about your concerns.