Biodynamic craniosacral therapy

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a subtle, yet profound approach that encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms, promoting balance, health, and wellbeing.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a gentle, non-invasive and light form of bodywork that focuses on the body's natural ability to heal and self-regulate. It is based on the principles of craniosacral therapy—a system that includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is suitable for all ages and is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment for various conditions, including stress, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.

Faqs about Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy:

  • BCST is rooted in both classical craniosacral therapy and biodynamic principles. It draws from osteopathy, embryology, and modern neuroscience, emphasizing the body's inherent ability to heal itself. BCST practitioners believe that the craniosacral system holds vital information about the body's health, and by tuning into the subtle rhythms and movements within this system, they can identify areas of restriction or imbalance. Research has shown that craniosacral therapy can positively impact the autonomic nervous system, promoting a state of equilibrium and facilitating emotional and physical healing.

  • During a session, the client lies fully clothed on a massage table while I gently palpate the craniosacral system. This light touch allows me to assess the rhythm of the fluids (blood circulation, lymph, cerebrospinal fluids, fascia, bone and cells) in the body and identify areas of tension or blockage. During a session there are various touch techniques utilized to release restrictions, enhance fluid motion and rhythm and restore balance within the craniosacral system. In general, touch begins at the feet, and then continues in the sacrum, thoracic area and cranium. Other areas of touch can be the belly, lumbar spine, ovaries and kidneys, diaphragm, sternum and upper chest area, below the ear, forehead, temples and crown of the head. This process encourages the body to enter a deep state of relaxation, promoting self-regulation and healing.

  • A typical BCST session lasts between 30 to 90 minutes. Clients can expect a serene and calming environment. Mostlikely I will weave some SE work prior to craniosacral work. We always begin with a brief consultation to understand your specific concerns and needs. Throughout the session, you may experience sensations of warmth, tingling, a sense of expansion, discharge, motion and spiraling, or deep relaxation, but also touch can trigger post-traumatic responses, flashbacks, defensive responses like fight, flight and freeze, dissociation, altered states of consciousness and prenatal or preverbal memories to rise up. It is essential to communicate any discomfort or sensations felt during the treatment, and also we might engage in some dialogue and do some SE regulating work while in the massage table, tailoring the session to your specific needs and history.

  • The timeline for feeling more regulated and experiencing improvements varies for each person, depending on the nature and duration of their symptoms, as well as their overall health. Many clients report feeling a sense of relaxation and relief immediately after their first session, while others may notice gradual changes over several weeks. For optimal results, a series of sessions is often recommended, allowing the body to integrate and process the therapeutic effects fully.

  • The session focus is to support the inherent health of the whole being, especially the nervous system (NS). The NS dictates all of the body’s functioning, constantly sending and receiving information. As a practitioner I can identify the parts of the nervous system that are not functioning optimally and their awareness of the “always available health” in the body to assist the system in bringing itself back into balance. This supports greater ease and helps the body decrease symptoms.

  • BCST stands out as a gentle and respectful approach to healing. Unlike more invasive practices, it honors the body's rhythms and encourages self-regulation. Clients often choose BCST for its holistic nature, addressing physical, emotional, and deep aspects of health. With its focus on creating a safe and supportive environment, BCST fosters a deep sense of trust and connection between the practitioner and client, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a compassionate and effective therapeutic experience.

    In conclusion, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy offers a unique and powerful avenue for healing and self-discovery. Whether you are dealing with specific health concerns or simply seeking to enhance your overall well-being, BCST can help you reconnect with your body's innate wisdom and embark on a journey toward health and harmony. Explore the transformative potential of BCST today!

  • Here are some resources that provide more information about Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST):

    The Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America (BCTA/NA):
       - Website: [BCTA/NA] https://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/
       - This site provides information about BCST, practitioner directories, and educational resources.

    Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust (CSTET)**:
       - Website: [CSTET] https://www.cranio.co.uk/
       - Based in the UK, this organization offers courses and information about craniosacral therapy, including the biodynamic approach.

    Michael Kern's Book "Wisdom in the Body”:
       - Information: This book is a comprehensive guide to craniosacral therapy, written by Michael Kern, a leading practitioner and teacher in the field. https://www.amazon.com/

    Franklyn Sills' Books:
       - Books: "Foundations in Craniosacral Biodynamics" Volumes 1 and 2
       - Information: Franklyn Sills is a pioneer in the development of BCST, and his books offer in-depth insights into the theory and practice of the therapy. https://www.amazon.com/

BENEFITS OF BCST SESSIONS

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy offers a myriad of benefits, including:

- Stress Reduction: BCST can help promote a deep state of relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety levels. The calming effects may also improve sleep quality and overall mental well-being.

- Pain Relief: Many people find relief from chronic pain conditions, including headaches, migraines, neck pain, and back pain, through BCST. The therapy helps release tension and improve body alignment.

- Enhanced Emotional Well-being: BCST can support emotional processing and release, helping individuals manage trauma, depression, and emotional imbalances. It encourages a sense of emotional stability and resilience.

- Improved Nervous System Function: By gently influencing the craniosacral system, BCST can enhance the functioning of the nervous system, promoting better communication between the brain and body.

- Increased Energy Levels: Many clients report feeling more energized and revitalized after sessions, as the therapy encourages the body's natural healing processes and energy flow.

- Support for Trauma Recovery: BCST is particularly effective for those recovering from physical or emotional trauma. Its gentle approach allows the body to release trauma at its own pace, facilitating healing without re-traumatization.

- Boosted Immune Function: By supporting overall body balance and reducing stress, BCST may contribute to a stronger immune response, helping the body fend off illnesses more effectively.

- Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: The therapy promotes awareness of the body's internal states and processes, fostering a deeper connection and understanding between the mind and body.

- Support During Pregnancy and Postpartum: BCST can be beneficial for pregnant individuals, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation. It can also support postpartum recovery and bonding with the newborn.

- Aid in Sleep Disorders: The relaxation and stress-reduction aspects of BCST can help improve sleep patterns and address insomnia or other sleep-related issues.

It's important to note that while many people experience these benefits, individual responses to BCST can vary. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside other medical treatments, and you should consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

THe BCST APPROACH:

  • This approach recognizes the body's inherent health and its capacity to heal itself. Practitioners aim to support and facilitate this natural process rather than impose external adjustments.

  • As a BCST practitioner, I use my hands to "listen" to the subtle rhythms and movements within the body. These rhythms are believed to reflect the body's health and vitality and are sometimes referred to as the "breath of life."

  • The touch used in biodynamic craniosacral therapy is extremely gentle, passive and non-directive. Practitioners do not manipulate the body but rather provide a supportive still touch presence that encourages the body to release tension and find its own balance.

  • This therapy considers the person as a whole, integrating physical, emotional, and energetic aspects. It aims to address not just symptoms but also the underlying causes of discomfort or imbalance.

  • There is emphasis in creating a space of stillness and presence, allowing the client to enter a state of deep relaxation. This state can facilitate profound healing and transformation.

  • Each session is tailored to the client's unique needs and experiences. In BCST we work with the client's body to support whatever healing process is most needed at that time.

Disclaimer:

As I begin my third year of training in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, it is important to maintain transparency with my clients regarding my training status. I am not a fully trained BCST, and I require regular supervision and mentorship during this phase, but I am very happy to accept new clients that need biodynamic craniosacral support that is weaved with Somatic Experiencing and other modalities I use in the treatment of trauma, traumatic stress, and chronic conditions. I am very appreciative of my BCST teacher, assistants, and peers during this learning journey.