Where will my CranioSacral session take place?
Must I be undressed for CranioSacral therapy?
Will my active child have to sit still for CranioSacral therapy?
What will the CranioSacral therapy session feel like?
What should I do during the CranioSacral session?
How will I feel after the CranioSacral session?
What are the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy?
Are there any medical conditions that would make CranioSacral Therapy inadvisable?
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on therapy that enhances the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can help improve the function of the central nervous system and is safe for all ages, beginning at birth. It aids the body's own healing action and is often used for a wide variety of issues from stress to traumatic brain injury. For more on the benefits and conditions treated, see Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy
Where will my CranioSacral session take place?
Your CranioSacral session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table with a comfortable, warm air mattress especially designed for your comfort. Your child may be on this table or playing at a small table or on the floor with the therapist. You may be with your child in the room and involved in the session as you wish.
Must I be undressed?
No. You will remain completely clothed
Will my active child have to sit still?
No. The therapist will provide toys or activities to assist in staying in one place and it is helpful if the child brings a favorite item they find calming, but many pediatric sessions find the child and therapist all over the room. This is not only okay; it is normal and can be fun for all while still having therapeutic value! If your child cannot tolerate an hour of therapy or is having an exceptionally tough day, the fee will be adjusted according to the different session length, but no less than half the normal fee.
What will the session feel like?
Most teen and adult sessions will have you lying on a comfortable air mattress on top of a table. Your therapist will use extremely light touch to "listen" to your body and where it needs hand placement. Therapists hands may rest beneath and/or over any appropriate part of your body and may stay there awhile waiting for your system to respond. There is no pain involved as the touch used is extremely light. During some sessions, because we are working with the nervous system, clients may feel cold or hot spots, tingling or other odd sensations. It is also common for clients to fall asleep, have dreams or go into a relaxing zone.
In children's sessions, it may take some time for the child to warm up to the therapist enough to allow the touch while they are playing or being held. Generally, they are comfortable and will occasionally pause when they feel a change in their body then go right back to what they were doing.
What should I do during the therapy session?
Prior to your treatment, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the therapy, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need a blanket, or want to share something relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask and if talking makes you more comfortable, talk away!
How will I feel after the CranioSacral session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term tension, emotional discomfort, aches, and pains. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy and clarity following their session. Because the nervous system may continue to process the corrections/healing it initiated during the treatment for up to 48 hours, it is not uncommon to feel "different" for a day or two. This may include anything from tiredness to elation, feeling cranky to very content. it is recommended you generally take good care of yourself following your session. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy food, get your rest.
What are the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy?
Please see the list on our benefits page.
Are there any medical conditions that would make CranioSacral therapy inadvisable?
Rarely. CranioSacral Therapy can cause changes in the flow of cerebral spinal fluid and pressure around the brain during treatment. There are only very rare conditions in which this could be dangerous. If in doubt, check with your medical provider regarding whether intra-cranial pressure changes would be a problem.
How long will I need therapy?
This is as individual as can be. Children, especially infants, tend to respond quicker than adults, thus minor issues may be resolved in as few as two sessions. For most, however, the number of treatments is unpredictable. A good rule of thumb is that after three or four sessions, you should see some improvement, even if it doesn't last long. If you don't see any results after four sessions, CranioSacral therapy may not be the answer for you. If you are seeing progress at that point, your therapist may have a better idea as to frequency and length of treatment.