Who can benefit from Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy?
Everyone can benefit from Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. The results, however, may be more dramatic and apparent for some. Since this is a therapy that supports and promotes general health in the body, and particularly in the nervous system, it works in the prevention and relief of many chronic and acute symptoms arising from stress and trauma. These include birth trauma, emotional trauma, and trauma from dental work, falls, accidents and surgeries. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy can also greatly support the aging process by assisting in the prevention and relief of stiffness, dryness, memory loss, inflammation and immune imbalances.
What symptoms respond best to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy?
Migraines, tension headaches, head injuries, chronic and acute pains, mobility impairments, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual cramps and other unexplained pains
Insomnia and sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression, anomie, emotional trauma, learning difficulties, autism, dyslexia, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Circulatory problems, sinus problems, asthma
Neuroendocrine imbalances, organ dysfunctions, irritable bowel syndrome
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) and other dental problems, tinnitus, etc.
What are some of the positive effects of receiving Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy?
• Overall relaxed feeling
• Better sleep quality
• Increase in energy
• Reduction of stress and anxiety
• Reduction of chronic or acute pains
• Increased body awareness
• Sense of general well-being
• Sense of spiritual well-being
• Greater connection to others
• Increased capacity for dealing with life’s vicissitudes
• Connection with one’s life force
• Equanimity, contentment, joy
How many sessions will I need?
This depends entirely on your intention for receiving work. If you come to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy with the intention of relieving symptoms, then it would depend on what the symptoms are and how readily your system responds to the work. In general, clients often report a felt difference even with one session, and significant shifts in five or more. Some, however, receive work on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to maintain physical, emotional and spiritual health while others look to the work as a resource for coping with the inevitable stresses of modern life.
Can children benefit?
Children usually respond well to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy as it is gentle and non-invasive. Perhaps because children are still relatively less conditioned, their systems tend to respond very readily to contact. Therapy can also feel comforting and reassuring as they develop trust in the therapist.
Is Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy safe during pregnancy?
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is not only safe but recommended during pregnancy, childbirth and after birth for both mother and child as it helps to calm the nervous system of both, thus encouraging bonding to occur. Work on infants can also help to resolve birth stresses and trauma, which can remain in the system into adulthood if left unsupported.
How are the various types of craniosacral therapies different, and how do I know which is right for me?
Craniosacral therapy, due to its evolution over the years, can range from being very mechanical and manipulative to completely non-manipulative. Various schools have also started to name the work slightly differently to distinguish themselves from other institutions, thus adding to the confusion about what exactly craniosacral therapy is, and within that, what Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is. Nevertheless, not only can the different flavors of craniosacral therapy feel different, the experience can also vary significantly from therapist to therapist who practice the same type of craniosacral therapy. Each person is unique and a particular approach to the work may speak more to us at a given point in time than others. Ultimately, though, it is probably the relationship with the therapist that would determine if a particular therapy is right for you.
For more information on the history of the work, see A Brief History of Craniosacral Therapy.