CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY :  WHAT  IS  IT,  AND  HOW  DOES  IT  WORK?

Craniosacral Therapy is a very gentle, holistic approach to locating and treating sources of dysfunction. Alleviating dysfunction allows the body to become balanced, which promotes integrated healing. Craniosacral Therapy helps to normalize the environment around the brain and spinal cord, as well as the fascial network of the body, directly improving the performance of all the body's operating systems.

The Craniosacral system refers to the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround, support, and protect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).  Circulation of cerebrospinal fluid provides shock absorption for the brain/spinal cord complex, and transportation of neurochemicals, hormones, and immune cells. Cerebrospinal fluid also removes waste products/toxins, and supplies nourishment for the growth, development and overall health of the brain and spinal cord.

The distribution and exchange of cerebrospinal fluid is contained within three layers of membranes. These membranes attach to the inside of the skull and to the tailbone, forming a 'fluid circulation sac' around the brain and spinal cord. Hence, the name,  cranio = head, and sacral(sacrum) = tailbone.

The three membranes are composed of fascia (connective tissue) which holds everything in the body together. Fascia encompasses all anatomical structures including organs, muscles, nerves, bones, and blood vessels. The fascial tissue is one continuous piece that extends without interruption from the top of head to the tip of the toes, and superficial to deep.

Injury, inflammation, disease, surgery, and postural strain can cause fascial adhesions (sticking points in the tissue) . These may also develop from gestational and birth factors, chemical or environmental toxicity, and physical or emotional stress. The adhesions tighten and create areas of adverse tension which compromise motion throughout the body.

When structures cannot move, they cannot function properly. So, as a result, our bodies must adapt and compensate for these areas of restriction. This adaptation and compensation depletes the energy required for a healthy and balanced life.

The effects of adverse strain may remain local or reach distant regions of the body because of the interconnected fascial tissue. For example, if you pull on the bottom of your shirt, you will see and feel the pull transmitted up to your shoulder. Similarly, local restrictions in fascial tissue can transmit to other parts of the body.

All body systems interact with the central nervous system. We are constantly adapting to input from inside and outside of the body to maintain a steady state of balanced and healthy function. Every function of the body, conscious or unconscious, is affected by the condition of the central nervous system. This includes pain modulation, sleep, behavior, response to stress, sensory integration, postural tone,  motor control, digestion, elimination, breathing, and organ and immune function.

Each body system has palpable, inherent qualities. Some qualities are obvious and some are subtle. It is obvious that we can feel the rate and quality of our breath. Similarly, when we take our pulse, we are gathering information about our cardiovascular system.  As therapists, we evaluate and "listen" with our hands to the subtleties of the Craniosacral System, fascia, lymphatic, organs, muscles, bones, and energy systems. As we receive information about how these systems are relating to each other, we can address any functional challeges by facilitating the release of restrictions. We are trained to look beyond the obvious to find and help release the origins of dysfunction, which may not be found through other diagnostic means.

Craniosacral Therapy is an effective modality for preventative health, as well as for any range of health concerns. It has proven to be helpful in otherwise complicated conditions, and cases that have not responded well to other approaches. Craniosacral Therapy helps to shift the regulation of the body to a more optimal state, retoring the natural ability to function and heal.

                                                                
                                                    ENERGETIC COMMUNICATION:  A BRIEF EXPLANATION!

Because animals are instinctively in tune with their bodies, they are extremely receptive to bodywork modalities and energetic connections. Once a person has established rapport with another creature, an element of trust is created. Just as animals communicate, react, and respond to energy between each other, they also connect with humans in the same way. By listening to the animals' energetic communications,  Kevin follows their lead to resolve physical and emotional challenges.

An example of this energetic communication can be observed when meeting an animal for the first time. By watching the animal's body mechanics, you can judge whether or not the animal wants to be approached. The animal's energy and demeanor is being communicated through it's movement and temperament.

While facilitating the healing process in an animal, energetic communication is used as well. By forming a connection with the animal's energy, Kevin enhances the self- healing processes. It is like adding an additional battery to the immune system to "amp up" the existing energy. 

For example, if you are carrying a bag that weighs one hundred pounds, it may be difficult to negotiate. But if someone picks up the bag with you, the load is lighter and doesn't require the same amount of energy to carry. When an animal or human has a compromised immune system, or a physical/emotional challenge, Kevin supports the weight of that dysfuction. This support helps the body use its energy to regain balance and eliminate the challenge with ease.

Kevin's therapeutic approach is generally hands-on, but there are some situations that necessitate working remotely. Some of these situations may include working with captive-wild animals in a zoological or seaquarium setting, animals that are injured and protective-reactive to being touched, or sometimes when animals choose to take longer times to establish trust. In these situations, Kevin connects energetically from a comfortable distance and engages/enhances the animal's self-healing mechanisms.

Kevin integrates all of his knowledge of bodywork and energy modalities when engaging in a session. Depending on what the body requests, he calls on his extensive multi-discipline training to fulfill the needs of the client. Other massage approaches used in sessions may include: Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, and Visceral Manipultion. Combined, these approaches give Kevin the ability to resolve any challenge presented by the client's physical or emotional condition.

                                                               

                                                                                  BENEFITS  OF THERAPY


-  REMOVES PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESSORS FROM THE FUNCTIONING SYSTEMS OF THE BODY

-  RELIEVES MUSCLE AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE TENSION AND IMPROVES FLUID CIRCULATION.

-  DECREASES INFLAMMATION IN JOINTS FOR PAIN RELIEF  AND IMPROVED MOBILITY

-  ASSISTS IN BREAKING UP SCAR TISSUE AND MUSCLE ADHESIONS

-  ENHANCING CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION CREATES POSITIVE EFFECTS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BODY

-  RELAXING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM ENHANCES BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION TECHNIQUES

-  AS A RESULT OF THESE BENEFITS ANIMALS CAN LIVE MORE COMFORTABLE AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES