Craniosacral Therapy is a Better Choice

Having completed Massage Therapy training 29 years ago, I continue to be fascinated by the human body and its uniqueness to each individual. It is always amazing to witness just how capable the body is of healing naturally, and the results that clients experience.
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While I’ve also practiced Craniosacral Therapy for 29 years, the past 5 years, plus more recent and ongoing advanced training, have shown me how much more clients can experience in their wellness journeys. How do I know? Client feedback and results.

While Massage is beneficial, it involves a lot of force. Through the techniques applied I am basically forcing my will upon your muscles in order to create a change or correction. That use of force into both surface and deeper muscle tissue, causes inflammation and small tears in the muscles. Something the muscles need time to recover from and the reason your Massage sessions cannot be booked closer than 5 days apart. The muscles need some time to recover from the work that has been done.

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​In stark contrast, with Craniosacral Therapy, there is initially a pause at the start of that session. The pause allows me time to check in with your body and have it show me (through shifts in your Cranial rhythm, fascial adhesions, etc.) the part of the body that is needing attention. The body knows where the source of the muscle tension or pain is located. When my hands are on that exact space, the body invites and welcomes the ease of tension and the creation of space and slack that Craniosacral Therapy provides. In many cases the body allows deeper work, without force.

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In paying attention to what your body is showing me it may lead to where the current discomfort is, or more often, it will lead to the exact source. It may be an older injury that is the original source of pain or mobility issues. If that is addressed the current discomfort is often eased, and the original injury begins to heal. Through assessment I can get close to or on the area when offering Massage, with Craniosacral Therapy your body will likely show me the exact location. And that is much more beneficial to you.

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Some clients remark that they can’t feel anything with a Craniosacral Therapy session, as they do with Massage, because it’s so light. Most though, notice a greater sense of body awareness when in a more relaxed state. I can tell you that I can feel the shifts and changes through your body as it responds to a lighter touch. 

Body awareness is a big factor in the holistic wellness journey, for mind, body and spirit. If you cling to the outmoded idea of no pain, no gain it may be time to quietly check in with just how body aware you are. Do you need to feel the deeper pressure of Massage in order to be in touch with your body? Are you one of many who doesn’t notice a muscle group is tight until I have my hands on it and am applying the force of massage? You’re not alone. But for your holistic wellness, it is time to shift.

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​With Body awareness you recognize where your body is in the space around you and how you move parts of your body in that space. Through body awareness you recognize cues such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, when your body has maxed out in a workout, etc. You are more likely to recognize sooner when a posture or movement you are making is causing pain or tension. With that awareness you can shift your body to a better choice and likely avoid chronic pain or injury. When you become more sensitive to your body’s cues you can better understand your physical and emotional needs from moment to moment.

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​In developing a more mindful approach to your body you may even come to notice that it doesn’t really respond that well to force. The body, mind and spirit intuitively know what they need in order to heal and function at optimal wellness. As a Craniosacral therapist I listen to what your body is telling me and then apply techniques accordingly. Honouring that your body knows exactly what support it needs from me, ensures a better outcome for you.

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During my 32+ years in the Holistic Health field it has always been my focus to provide clients with the best sessions I can to facilitate their healing journey, be it physical, emotional or spiritual. A client centred focus is what it’s all about in this field, from my perspective anyways. I recognize your uniqueness and honour your healing path. ​

In recent months, as I’ve continued with advanced Craniosacral Therapy training I’ve wondered about the role Massage will continue to play in my work and realize that, if I am going to continue to provide the best sessions for clients, I will eventually be giving it up. Not because of the physical effort required on my part. My path as a Holistic Practitioner is quickly coming to a divide, where one path is continuing to force my will upon the client’s body, and the other is having the body invite me into a gentler approach that brings greater and deeper healing. It’s a dilemma at this point because I’m not sure of how to explain all of the above to clients. ​

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