Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy in Edinburgh

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is perhaps one of the least known of the alternative therapies. Most people who have heard of it have done so in the context of it being helpful for babies, especially for those who have experienced birth trauma for which CST can be very beneficial. CST can help people of all ages by supporting and enhancing their body’s own self-healing capacity.

Often the name ‘Craniosacral Therapy’ can be misleading as assumptions are made about how it works. Some people think that Craniosacral Therapy is only applied to the head, sacrum or nervous system. CST is a very gentle way of working with the body using light touch on the whole body. Changes may occur on a physical, emotional or psychological level. The Craniosacral therapist at Active Health in Edinburgh is trained to be able to get a sense of where there may be restrictions within the body on these different levels through touch.

By helping the body into a deeper state of relaxation, Craniosacral Therapy aims to facilitate a release of these restrictions. It can be very subtle and sometimes feel as if nothing is happening besides a deep sense of relaxation and the benefits become more obvious after a session. Sometimes one or two sessions are enough to get benefits and for longer standing problems, further sessions may be required. Many clients choose to visit Active Health in Edinburgh to continue Craniosacral treatments on a regular basis to help support their health and wellbeing.

At Active Health in Edinburgh, the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy approach is used. This technique of CST works with the rhythms that are subtly produced in the body that are expressions of the body’s vitality and health. The theory of the body’s matrix which developed as early as the embryotic stage of life contains the fundamental ability of cells and tissues to maintain the balance of this very form and function through our daily living. The practitioner feels the sensations of the different rhythms that are produced in a variety of cycles. Occasionally felt as a rocking, fluid balance focused on the cerebrospinal fluid and cells throughout the body and deeper breath cycles. The patient may have a subtle awareness of this affect but more obvious affects such as relaxation, a fuller respiratory function, increased energy and improved sleep patterns are experienced. By regulating the fluid balance and rhythms in the body, increasing the efficiency of oxygen, and enhancing the body-mind connection, craniosacral therapy is ideally used to resolve and balance the self-regulating processes and healing for each individual’s condition.

Craniosacral Therapy is often beneficial for acutely painful conditions, as well as during pregnancy, after surgery, an accident, fall or injury, and for young babies. It is also useful for anxiety, depression and sleep problems. By helping raise the vitality and supporting the body’s own self-healing processes, Craniosacral Therapy at Active Health in Edinburgh may aid people with almost any condition due to its gentle approach. Craniosacral Therapy is not something that would be used to make a medical diagnosis but rather as a way to help people feel calmer, more energized and help a person with an acute or chronic physical problem. With such a deep relaxation effect and wellbeing approach, you don’t have to be in pain or ill to benefit from Craniosacral Therapy.

One of the advantages of the craniosacral treatments at Active Health is our therapist, Nicky. As she is trained as a medical doctor, her comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the body assists her CST treatment approach. Also, Nicky’s training in Psychiatrics can be beneficial for the more emotional and psychological difficulties. Nicky’s sensitivity and skills with listening through touch, enhances the stillness that helps relax the body and mind which aims to guide towards a deep relaxation allowing the body to restore its natural balance.

Craniosacral Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered, or if you seek further information about our service/s please email us at info@active-h.co.uk or call us on 0131 229 4987.

What is Craniosacral Therapy and how does it work?

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle hands on therapy that allows the body to access its natural capacity for self repair. It works directly with the many levels of human functioning: physical, emotional and psychological.  Traumas and stresses, whether they are physical or emotional, can leave an impact on the body if they are not resolved. This can then create physical or emotional effects within us, which can affect our functioning on a day-to-day level.

A Craniosacral practitioner helps the body to access its own inner healing abilities and access a deep state of relaxation, which allows the body to let go of any restrictions, shock, or trauma it is holding. As these are released the body is able to access improved health and vitality and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Who can Craniosacral Therapy help?

Craniosacral Therapy is helpful for people of all ages from babies to the elderly and can aid people with almost any condition as it works to support and enhance your body’s own self-healing capacity. It is a helpful resource for the demands of a busy lifestyle, and a valuable support in the process of self development. Craniosacral Therapy can be effectively combined with other treatment you may be having. It is useful for the processing of the effects of ‘shock & trauma’, such as after a car crash, post surgery, or a period of emotional and psychological stress.

Can Craniosacral Therapy help Babies?

Yes, many people have heard of the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy for babies. Restrictions arising from birth trauma/birth process may result in colic, sucking problems, breathing difficulties, restlessness and irritability and Craniosacral Therapy can help to resolve these difficulties. Babies can be treated at home or in the clinic whilst your baby plays, feeds or sleeps. 

What can I expect during the Craniosacral treatment?

A session will usually start with a brief history being taken. Any questions you may have can be addressed before, during and after the session. Treatment takes place on a comfortable treatment table fully clothed and usually last 50 minutes. Different feelings might be experienced such as a sense of relaxation or awareness of different parts of the body. The number of sessions necessary can vary on the chronicity of the problem and how deeply you may wish to explore a pattern or difficulty. I am happy to discuss this at any stage.