Craniosacral Therapy's Benefits

A few weeks ago I was treated to a craniosacral therapy session by Danny Euchs, a friend I met through a function at Life Success Seminars in West Chester. I've experienced this noninvasive hands-on modality a few times and have always enjoyed its effects.

Craniosacral work addresses the functions of the autonomic nervous system, the part in humans and other vertebrates that controls involuntary activity like the action of the heart, glands, breathing and digestive processes. It's a form of energy work that uses light touch to restore the natural rhythmic movement of the cerebrospinal fluid throughout the central nervous system, the body's superhighway between the cranium and the sacral bone.

Craniosacral bodywork is done with the client fully clothed and elicits a restorative experience that relaxes the body to its core. There's an experience of well-being due to the free flow of the cerebrospinal fluid unobstructed by stress or compressions in the craniosacral system.

The time spent on the table is meditative and calming. It has a timeless quality, and the "now moment" is fully engaged. Thoughts and concerns are suspended, and the feeling of simply being is foremost.

The body/mind connection is obvious after a craniosacral session. The realization that the mental and emotional aspects of our lives can't be separated from our bodies and that one affects the other allows us to see how profound a healing system craniosacral therapy can be. The human system is a unified whole and functions as such.

Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopath, discovered the subtle rhythm of the craniosacral system more than 100 years ago and referred to it as the "Breath of Life." Eastern systems of medicine such as acupuncture and Ayurveda have long appreciated the subtle movements that occur throughout the body caused by the flow of life energy.

Furthermore, the 18th century philosopher and scientist Emmanuel Swedenborg described a rhythmic motion of the brain stating that it moves with regular cycles of expansion and contraction. Craniosacral therapy is one of my favorite modalities for renewal.