CranioSacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

A CranioSacral therapy session involves the therapist gently placing their hands on the patient, which allows them to tune into CranioSacral system, which produces a very subtle rhythm, usually between 8-12 cycles per minute, depending on the person. This rhythm can be felt throughout the body. Using a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a five cent coin, skilled therapists can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Other times, CranioSacral Therapy may be combined with other complementary therapies to help restore the body to its optimum functioning level.

I got my training through the Upledger Institute, which was founded by the Osteopathic Physican, John Upledger.

What are the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy?

I have found in my years of being a bodyworker, that CranioSacral Therapy is a very effective healing modality. It is particularly great for those that do not want a massage, but still need bodywork for whatever reason. Most clients find this method of healing deeply relaxing and comforting. In a CranioSacral session, a patient can remain fully clothed.

CranioSacral Therapy is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:


CranioSacral for Children and Infants:

Children and infants can benefit greatly from CranioSacral therapy. I find these little people very easy to work with for the most part, as their bodies are generally more accepting of changes.

Treating children can be quite different then treating an adult. Every child is different in their response to CranioSacral Therapy, so I find the process very creative and fun.

Usually, for a child (particularly a toddler), the treatment will be rather sporadic, with lots of breaks. I will often find myself following them around the room as they explore, waiting for an opportunity to get my hands on them. I try to make their environment inviting and comforting, with interesting toys and things for them to explore as I work with them.

I find 45 minutes is about the maximum amount of time they can comfortably withstand. With very young children they will be happy to receive my touch if the adult present is happy with this situation. I sometimes begin the treatment by indirectly treating through the adult. This usually gives the child a deeper sense of security and they are then more open to the work.

Lastly, it is possible to do too much in a treatment. Going too far with young children can lead to over-stimulation and trigger a fight-or-flight response that is counter-productive. I find that I need to stay alert for "I have had enough!" signals when treating children.

CranioSacral for Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum:

Personally, I love to treat and work with pregnant women. Pregnancy is one of those special times when a woman needs to take care of herself, and enjoy her changing body.

Pregnancy: CranioSacral Therapy can be beneficial in relieving some of those discomforts that can accompany pregnancy. Through-out pregnancy, a woman’s body is constantly undergoing changes. Some moms wonder if it is safe to have CranioSacral treatments at all stages of pregnancy. It is both safe and desirable as CranioSacral helps the body to adapt to the changes throughout the 40 weeks and it is desirable to get your body functioning at its best to support your growing baby.

CranioSacral can effectively help the following symptoms during pregnancy:


In addition, CranioSacral can help the pregnant woman’s body prepare for labor!

During Labor: As a birth doula (a professional labor support person), I have worked extensively with laboring women. I have used CranioSacral Therapy during labor and have found that it may help labor progress at it’s natural pace, release any emotional/ physical blocks that are preventing labor for progressing, relax the woman and her baby, release headaches, help avoid pain medications, prevent any unnecessary interventions, and more!

If you are in labor and need me to come to you at your birthing place (hospital or home), you can call me and I will try to be there as soon as possible!

Post-Partum: Postpartum period can be both magical and difficult. Receiving a CranioSacral treatment after birth can help out a lot! It may help to heal your body of any birth-trauma, or after pains. It may also help prevent or minimize post-partum depression.

Also, working on a newborn is always a pleasure for me and can help the new person to adjust to life outside the womb, as well as release any birth trauma for them.

Please feel free to call me for additional information or to schedule an appointment!

(406) 860-4207

Testimonials

"Elizabeth’s very presence is calming and comforting.”

-Cara Virostko

“Elizabeth has an energy that is so beautiful and pure. I found it so easy to relax and be present with her in my first session!”

–Cindy Lou Smith

“Elizabeth successfully integrated several healing modalities into our sessions to address my health concerns. She is both skilled and intuitive.”

–LeeAnne S.

“I appreciate Elizabeth’s ability to use her innate instincts to detect what my body needs to maintain a natural healing process.”

-Ronda

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