Simon Baker (RCST)
How I got into Cranio-Sacral Therapy
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Working in music as a Producer, Audio Engineer and DJ, I have been surrounded by loud music for years and as a result I developed severe tinnitus, which I assumed was from the continual noise. After having my ears checked, a friend of mine recommended Cranio-Sacral Therapy, explaining that it can help with calming the central nervous system which is directly related to the cranial nerves of the ears. Not only did it reduce the ringing in my ears, but I felt like I could breathe again. The tinnitus didn't disappear completely, but it subsided enough for me to feel calmer, more balanced and in control. After a few treatments, I started feeling different in other ways. I felt more peaceful, more in-tune and more relaxed.. I hadn’t realised how stressed and anxious my system was - not just from the tinnitus - but from everything in life that I was storing up. It became clear that emotions and physical tensions were triggering this ringing in my head. I continued on this path and learned how to meditate, as well as practicing yoga and mindfulness. I began to see life with more clarity and through this new perspective; I found the link that was missing. I wanted to share my knowledge and help others feel good, so began training as a Cranio-Sacral Therapist. I can safely say that this has, by far, been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience of my life to-date. I don’t hear the tinnitus anymore.
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What is Cranio-Sacral Therapy?
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Originating from Osteopathy, Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a’ light-touch’ method of releasing tensions and conditions in and around the central nervous system to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve the whole of a person’s health and performance. Due to its name, many mistakenly think this therapy only refers to the head, but Cranio-Sacral Therapy works with the whole person and changes may occur in body, mind and spirit during and after sessions. Applying a gentle, knowing touch along with a healing intention helps stimulate the energy and rhythmical flow of the cerebrospinal fluid within membranes and ventricles of the body. In mobilising the central nervous system and soft tissue, Cranio-Sacral Therapy triggers an individual’s natural self-healing mechanism to help reunite the mind and body, and to restore harmony, vitality and balance. It works on a very profound and subtle level, influencing the core of the system, penetrating and releasing deep rooted causes as well as surface issues, and often leaving you in a very deep and relaxed state. It treats many conditions including physical and emotional pain, trauma, chronic illness and the general stresses of life. It's a very gentle, effective and non-invasive therapy that will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed. What will I experience during a session?
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People report a wide variety of experiences, including the following:
• Relaxation and sense of ease
• Warmth, and tingling sensations
• Feeling accepted
• A sense of harmony and peace
• A feeling of letting go
• Feeling balanced
• Increased energy
• Feeling more fully alive
• Seeing different colours and patterns
• Remembering past events.
• Getting in touch with emotions
• Connecting with a sense of spirit
• Deepening self- and body- awareness
What does a Cranial session involve?
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Your practitioner will take a written case history, listening with care to the reasons for your visit. This part of the session is important, both for gathering information, and to establish a good understanding with your practitioner. You then lie fully clothed on a treatment couch. If you are unable to lie flat, you can lay on your side, or in a chair. Typically during the session you relax quietly while the practitioner uses a number of gentle hand contacts on the head, base of the spine, and other areas. How many sessions will I need?
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This will vary for each individual. For some people, a few sessions may resolve symptoms. For more chronic/deeply ingrained issues, a longer period of treatment may be required. Possible reasons people may come for treatment
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• To help connect mind with body
• Engaged in stressful and demanding careers
• Experiencing loss or grief
• Experiencing unexplained pain such as neck and shoulder tension
and headaches
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress
• Appreciative that body work can be used to help develop a personal
mindfulness practice
Some conditions Cranio-Sacral Therapy can treat
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• Stress
• Chronic fatigue
• Neck pain
• Anxiety
• Fibromyalgia
• Back pain
• Depression
• Immune issues
• Pain anywhere in body- explained or unexplained
• Emotional trauma
• Post-pregnancy (post-partum) difficulties
• Post-accident trauma and healing
• Sexual trauma
• Autism
• Tinnitus
• Loneliness
• Sleep difficulties / insomnia
• Ear problems
• Hopelessness
• Eye problems
• Menstrual cramps
• TMJ
• Fear
• Sinus problems
• Migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Headaches
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
