What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapist, Liz Kalinowska explores how Craniosacral Therapy works.

(taken from Living in Barnes magazine)

Craniosacral Therapy, or CST for short, is not as perplexing as it sounds. It is, quite simply, a very gentle form of bodywork which suits people of all ages. Craniosacral Therapists believe that we all have an innate ability to balance and restore ourselves, but that this skill sometimes needs  some outside help, especially at those times when we are particularly vulnerable  to overloading ourselves. One example of this is the Christmas period, when physical and emotional tensions often run high.

CST is already well known for the treatment of babies and children, especially those who have symptoms resulting from a difficult birth such as colic, sleeping and feeding difficulties. What is perhaps less known is its suitability for those who are experiencing high levels of stress of any description. Although stress is unavoidable these days, and we are designed to cope with a certain amount, overwhelm is always a possibility, and symptoms can arise which may eventually lead to serious illness. The symptoms of stress might appear random and mysterious, and are often poorly understood. Worrying about health can only add to the burden of stress upon us and our body.

The balanced, natural approach of CST helps the body rest and recover from stress overload by addressing it at it’s core, and relief may be experienced on mental, physical and emotional levels. The light listening touch of CST awakens your body to a deeper awareness and recognition of where tension is held and how to safely release it. Although whilst you are receiving CST, you might find that the hand contact is almost imperceptible, your body may surprise you in the depth of its response.

A CST session typically lasts an hour, and you will remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on a couch. Babies can be fed on their mother’s lap during their treatment if necessary. Most therapists will have books and toys to entertain smaller children. The elderly are particularly suited to CST because of its gentle approach and  soft warming touch. Over a series of treatments many of your deep and long-held tensions, both physical and emotional could benefit from this  non-invasive approach. As a general rule, people who have experienced it report that CST brings about a better sense of well-being, balance and mental clarity, and the results are often much more profound than they had expected.

Liz Kalinowska FCSTA, RCST

(taken from Living in Barnes magazine)