Beth Clarke CST MCSS

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on therapy with a light but highly focused touch, which can help the whole body work more efficiently by releasing tensions and restrictions that are preventing it from functioning at its best. This can lead to not only physical improvements, such as better flexibility, faster healing and less pain, but also greater psychological strength and resilience and increased vitality. In some cases, Craniosacral Therapy can provide the gentle impetus the body needs to self-correct long-term or acute issues.

Delicate and precise techniques are used to rebalance the craniosacral system, which consists of the fluid, bones and soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system. This settles the nervous system by giving it a better environment to work in, and can reduce anxiety and nervous tension. The techniques are designed to work in harmony with the body’s own natural healing mechanisms.

In a Craniosacral Therapy session, the client lies fully clothed on a therapy couch.  People often feel extremely relaxed during the treatment and can drop down into a semi-sleep state.

The holistic nature of this therapy and the lightness of the touch make it suitable for a wide range of conditions and for people of all ages. Because it settles the nervous system, it can be especially helpful for anxiety and stress. The focus on releasing physical tension in the head and spine means it can also help with headaches and migraine, facial and dental trauma, back pain, neck and shoulder problems, and jaw issues. The rebalancing of the craniosacral system radiates out to other body systems such as the hormonal system, so people sometimes find it helps with menstrual and menopausal issues. It can also support the healing process during or after medical treatment – after surgery, for example, as it can help to very gently ease out post-operative adhesions.

After one or a series of sessions, many people have reported that they feel lighter, brighter, clearer, more optimistic and more at home in their body and in the world. You may also feel stronger and less anxious and enjoy better sleep. These effects often go hand-in-hand with feeling able to move more comfortably and flexibly with less pain and tension, feeling empowered to make healthy choices and changes in your life, and a sense that your body is working more efficiently.*¹

The aim of this therapy is to boost your body’s innate healing mechanisms by releasing tensions and restrictions that are impeding it from functioning at its full capacity. Therefore, it may help with any condition that your body is able to self-heal. For serious conditions requiring medical intervention, it can support your healing process alongside your medical treatment – after surgery, for example, as it can help to very gently ease out post-operative adhesions.

I am a fully qualified Techniques Certified Upledger CranioSacral Therapist. This means that I have completed an extensive training with the Upledger Institute and passed written and practical exams. I am a member of the CranioSacral Society, which is my governing body. I regularly complete Continuous Professional Development. Therefore, you can be confident that you will be treated professionally, supportively and with respect.

CranioSacral Therapy works in harmony with the body’s own flow and pace. It gives the body time and space to release what it needs to let go of, and this can be as beneficial psychologically as it is physically.

CranioSacral Therapy can be deeply relaxing, and during treatment you may drop down into semi-sleep. This dream-like state, held and supported by the therapist, is one that we have often found very conducive to healing.

Long-held tensions may take time to release, and though you may not notice much after your first treatment, the effects tend to be cumulative. Your body will gradually let go in its own time, supported by the therapist.

“The secret something that is shared by all effective healing methods is the process of leading the patient to an honest and truthful self-discovery… It is only through self-healing – in contrast to curing – that patients can experience both permanent recovery and spiritual growth.” Dr. John E. Upledger, founder of Upledger CranioSacral Therapy

*¹ As with any complementary therapy, there are no guaranteed outcomes, but these are effects that are commonly reported

*² Medical advice should always be sought from a qualified medical practitioner, especially for serious and/or chronic conditions. By supporting and facilitating the body’s own healing processes, CranioSacral Therapy can be an ideal complement to medical treatment.

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