by Farrukh Akhtar, Craniosacral Therapist
‘What is it that you actually do?’
I get asked this a lot, even by people I see regularly. It seems that any concrete explanation about treatment strips away the beauty of what is experienced, leaving only a fragment of an answer. So, I will do my best to provide a brief overview of craniosacral therapy here.
Craniosacral therapy can lead to a profound sense of peace and wellbeing. It is a holistic therapy, formed on the premise that everything we have ever experienced, is held within the body; and that given the opportunity, the body has its own inherent treatment plan: its unique blueprint to health.
The job of the craniosacral therapist is to connect with our system in such a way that the body re-connects with its sense of health. As it does this, we organically develop a different relationship to ourselves. This can be at a physical level, or equally at an emotional, psychological or spiritual level.
Research is steadily accumulating, showing that craniosacral therapy can be effective in treating specific conditions. Those seeking relief from general and chronic ailments may be surprised to feel the impact of treatment in ways they had not expected.
As with other holistic therapies, there is no quick fix. While a few sessions will let you know whether the therapy is for you, a continued period of treatment may be necessary for sustained results.
During a treatment, you remain clothed and usually lie face up. The therapist makes light contact with your head, the base of your spine and other areas, encouraging your body to relax and begin to make the changes it needs.
Because the body functions as a whole, your therapist may focus on areas other than where your symptoms occur.
Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, craniosacral therapy is suitable for everyone from newly-born babies to the elderly. Women often come during pregnancy, and mothers and their babies for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of tension and fear held in the body enables both mother and baby to settle into calmness.
‘There is more wisdom in your body than the deepest philosophy’ – F. Nietzsche
For advice about whether craniosacral therapy is right for you, please speak to Farrukh. Ring us on 020 8520 5268 and we’ll put you in touch with Farrukh.