CranioSacral Therapy
What is CranioSacral Therapy?  It is a unique and powerful bodywork technique that is growing in popularity throughout
the world.  Developed in the 1980's by Dr. John Upledger, it's a gentle method for enhancing the body's own healing
capabilities through the craniosacral rhythm (the cycle of the cerebrospinal fluid).  The goal of craniosacral therapy is to
enhance homeostasis in the body.

What are the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy?  It has proven to be an effective treatment for headaches, migraines,
release of tension patterns, anxiety, depression,  TMJD, inner ear, vertigo, Meniere's Disease, sciatica, fibromyalgia, scoliosis,
arthritis, low back tension, chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, depression, menstrual and more.  The gentle technique of
craniosacral therapy enables a practitioner to perceive and enhance the delicate movements of the craniosacral rhythm in the
bones of your head, spine and low back, and in fact almost anywhere on your body.  The interaction between the practitioner
and your body is as subtle as the craniosacral movement itself.  I begin each session by placing my hands on your body to
"listen" to the craniosacral rhythm.  Afterwards, I use a gentle touch, equivalent to or less than 5 grams (weight of a nickel) to
influence the craniosacral rhythm.  At any point tension patterns restricting the flow of the rhythm may spontaneously "let go"
or release.

Is it right for me?  It is good for all ages from infants to elderly.  It should be used with caution in cases of severe head
injuries, or recent strokes. It is especially good for those who have trouble letting go, are ticklish, do not like lying face down
for massage.  The touch is so gentle that it is unlikely your body will tighten up in  response to it, a benefit that can greatly
enhance your ability to relax and heal.  So far, my clients get in a really relaxed state and some even fall asleep.  My clients
have seen dramatic results in improving the symptoms of TMJD, Meniere's Disease, headaches and scoliosis, even after the
first treatment.

What can I expect during a session?  For a craniosacral session, you lie on a comfortably padded table fully clothed.  No
oil and no traditional massage strokes are used.  I begin by "listening" to the cerebrospinal fluid rhythm at your feet, thighs and
at your head.  Then I place my hands on your stomach, ribs, collar bone, and neck.  Then I begin work with your sacrum
(tailbone) under your sacrum to release any lower back restrictions.  Next I place my right hand under your sacrum and left
hand under your occipital (base of skull) to work with the whole spine at once.  The rest of the session, I work with gentle
pressure on various parts of the cranium.  

Sensations vary.  You may have a sense of dropping or deepening into the area your therapist is working and may notice a
heightened body awareness.  You may feel pulsing or a spreading warmth.  For many, craniosacral treatments are
experienced as deeply relaxing.  

Afterwards, you may feel energetic, 'spacey' or sleepy.  Even if you fall asleep or don't feel much of anything in your first few
sessions, be aware that profound shifts may be occuring on a subtle level.  Just the couple of sessions that I received while
getting my training relieved a chronic tension pattern in my left trapezoid (between the spine and shoulder blade).  I felt slight
movement in my teeth and relieved some lower back and neck pain.  It's also wonderful for helping sinus passages clear up
and breaking the cycle of TMJ Disorder.

What is Stacey's level of training in CranioSacral Therapy?  CST is an advanced skill with multiple levels of training
requiring many hours of education and practice.  My training is has been two, four-day workshops of CranioSacral Therapy.
CranioSacral Therapy