Craniosacral Therapy FAQs


What happens during a craniosacral therapy treatment?

Lorena, your therapist, will talk to you, take a case history and ask about the specific ailment(s) you would like to address. She will answer any questions you may have about the treatment and explain what will happen. You will be asked to lie on a treatment couch or, if that’s not possible, sit comfortably only removing your shoes and glasses (if worn). Lorena will then take up a light touch on the body, usually starting at the head, shoulders, back of your neck or feet.

The first session will last up to 1 ½ hours with follow-up sessions lasting up to 1 hour for adults and 30 to 45 minutes for babies and children.

You do not have to be ill or have suffered an injury to benefit from a Craniosacral Therapy treatment. People find that their energy levels improve and they find it easier to cope with every day stresses as well as being better able to fight off minor infections.

At the end of a session most people feel very relaxed.

How many Craniosacral Therapy sessions will I need?

This depends entirely on the person and condition being treated. Acute injury or illness can benefit quite quickly, say, from 2 to 6 sessions, whereas, chronic illness or severe injury will usually need longer treatment runs, say, 10 or more. Most people will notice substantial benefits after 6 to 10 treatment sessions.

How often will I need to have Craniosacral Therapy treatment?

Initially sessions can be a week to a fortnight apart but, with longer term treatment the frequency can be reduced. A treatment plan will be discussed with you and reviewed regularly.

Are there any reasons why I shouldn't have Craniosacral Therapy?

Serious head conditions such as bleeding inside the head and raised pressure or an aneurism within the skull, or indeed any recent head injury are reasons not to have a treatment.

Another contraindication is if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. Craniosacral Therapy may result in a miscarriage if for any reason the pregnancy may not be viable.

For these reasons it would be best to postpone treatment until head injuries are healed or you have moved into the second trimester of the pregnancy.

What is the difference between Craniosacral Therapy and Cranial Osteopathy?

Craniosacral therapists study cranial work exclusively over a two year course whereas, cranial osteopaths initially train in osteopathy - a more mechanical approach - and then take a post graduate course in cranial work. Post graduate courses vary in length.

Craniosacral work integrates a working knowledge of the physical body with psychotherapeutic understanding, theory and practice.

There is a variable overlap between individual approaches in the two professions and the best way to help you decide is to talk to me to see if my approach is suited to your needs.

Why is Craniosacral Therapy helpful for babies and children?

After their birth babies may have unresolved patterns of compression and shock held in their systems. This can be especially true when the birth has been traumatic with the use of interventions such as forceps, ventouse or caesarean sections (whether planned or emergency). It is also possible for even the easiest of births to leave some level of stress and unresolved compression in a baby’s system.

Craniosacral Therapy helps to deal with any difficulties the baby may have before they have a chance to become fully anchored and chronic, thereby allowing the potential for healthy growth and development. It can pave the way for the child to have greater self-esteem and experience well-being throughout childhood and later life.

Craniosacral Therapy can effectively help with the following conditions: colic, ear infections, disturbed sleep patterns, irritability, restlessness and feeding problems, all of which can be caused by imbalances resulting from the birth process.

Deeper rooted conditions such as asthma, autism, hyperactivity, behavioural and emotional problems can also be caused by birth trauma and can respond well to a course of Craniosacral Therapy treatments.

Craniosacral Therapy works because it helps to support the underlying health of the body in its continual process of maintaining homeostasis (balance) rather than just focusing on a specific condition. People are surprised that such a light touch can produce such profound results. It is gentle. Babies often begin to relax, smile and sometimes even fall asleep while being treated. It is non-invasive. Clothing and nappies do not have to be removed. Lorena, your therapist, is aware that babies may have experienced many invasive procedures both during and after their birth, as a result of which they may be anxious about further contact with someone other than a parent. Building a rapport with the child and showing an understanding of their feelings and experiences is an important step in the treatment process.

As children grow they will experience a lot of changes, impacts and stresses to their bodies some of which they may not be able to fully process. Stressors can include academic pressure, pollution, food additives, injury or accidents leaving structural imbalances. Post-operative or dental trauma can lead to restricted movement, headaches, mood changes or digestive problems. Some of these stressors may further impact on any unresolved birth patterns held. Craniosacral Therapy can help to trace the underlying causes to their source and treat them.

It is recommended that babies are brought for a Craniosacral check-up soon after birth and, if necessary follow-up treatments. It is recommended that to maintain optimal health babies have regular check-ups every 3 months until 2 years. Older infants and children (from 2 years) should have check ups every 6 months to maintain optimal health.

What are the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy?

  • Increased sense of relaxation.
  • Improvement of the symptoms you came to see the practitioner about as well as those related to them. For example treatment for a bad back can help reduce the frequency of headaches.
  • A positive change in negative behaviour patterns
  • Better able to manage whatever life ‘throws at you’.
  • Reduced stress.
  • Improvement of psychological issues related to past trauma, your health or stress issues.
  • Improved functioning of your immune system (e.g. fewer colds; illnesses don’t last so long; feel better etc.).
  • Effects of past trauma are reduced.
  • Improved sense of well-being.

Should I expect any side-effects from Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is different for everyone. Some people feel warmth, tingling sensations, a sense of weight through the body or a sense of deep relaxation. Some may experience momentary discomfort or sensations relating to an injury they have had in the past. These sensations will pass and generally leave you with a feeling of release and increased health.

Some clients start to feel better immediately after a treatment, others take 24 to 48 hours to feel any different and sometimes your symptoms may get worse before they start to get better.

Is there any problem with undertaking Craniosacral Therapy treatment when I’m on prescribed medication?

Craniosacral Therapy treatment works perfectly safely alongside other therapies and prescription medication. Your therapist will be able to offer more advice on this during your consultation. However, if in any doubt, consult your GP before undertaking treatment. There are many benefits to Craniosacral Therapy but please note it is not a substitute for medical care.

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