Therapies
Craniosacral Therapy
The bones of the craniosacral system are those of the skull, face and mouth - which make up the cranium - and of the spinal column which extends down to the sacrum. Membranes enclosing the brain and its hydraulic system connect the craniosacral system.
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of this body system comprised of the bones, membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It is a whole body approach that focuses on the central nervous system and the enclosed membranes, as well as the fascia which is a specialized connective tissue covering muscles, organs and glands. The fascia is a covering that creates a type of “stocking” that keeps the body and its structures together and flowing in a smooth, continuous fashion.
Craniosacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger. He refined the work and experiements of Dr. William Sutherland (osteopath) who discovered a subtle movement in the network of these tissues and fluids that he felt is produced by the body's inherent life force, which he referred to as the "Breath of Life." This respiratory motion or craniosacral rhythm is an important measure of our state of health. When these rhythms are full and balanced health and well-being are optimized.
The intention of treatment is to release restrictions in the membranes of the craniosacral system and/or fascial restrictions within the body from previous injuries, physical holding or repetitive postural patterns. The role of the therapist is to facilitate the body’s self correcting mechanism and as the body unwinds through the process, the client can experience heat, pulsations, physical and emotional responses. Once restrictions are released, the pulse of the cerebral spinal fluid (breath of life) can be felt throughout the entire body enhancing the body's own self-healing and self-regulating capabilities at the cellular level. The positive effect of CranioSacral Therapy relies to a large extent upon the patient's natural self-corrective physiological activies. The therapist's light, hands-on approach assists the hydraulic forces inherent in the craniosacral system to improve the internal environment.
Craniosacral therapy is suitable for people of all ages and can be effective in acute and chronic cases. It is ideal for the treatment of nervous and/or musculoskeletal disorders, chronic and acute injury and/or holding patterns, ADD/ADHD, migraines, asthma and/or sinus conditions. TMJ (tempromandibular joint disorder) can also be treated with craniosacral therapy, since some of the fascial restrictions of the body can be released through mild and/or light intra-oral adjustments. It is also not uncommon for a fascial release in the hip or neck for example, to affect the jaw and vice versa. Since craniosacral therapy directly influences the parasympathetic nervous system, it is ideal for conditions of stress, anxiety and psychosomatic pain syndromes (emotional stress manifesting in physical form – pain without cause or diagnosis).
Jin Shin Do ® (JSD) Bodymind Acupressure ™ *
Jin Shin Do ® (JSD) “The way of the Compassionate Spirit” is a unique synthesis of traditional Japanese acupressure techniques, classic Chinese acupressure theory, Reichian segmental theory, Taoist philosophy and Qigong exercises. Developed by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, M.A., L.M.F.C..C. This sensible therapy outlines tension points associated with common physical problems and with distressing feelings like anxiety, depression, guilt and anger.
JSD acupressure uses the same points as acupuncture, but instead of needling, two points are usually held -- one in an area of local tension, and the other distal to it, but on the same “meridian” or “channel” (energy pathway). Stimulating the points together helps to release the flow of energy along the meridian, thereby loosening muscles, releasing stress, tension and rebalancing the mind/body complex. Acupressure can help to treat symptoms of physical ailments or concerns. It can also be useful in integrating mind/body awareness where one can learn to transform, rather than repress, painful feelings – leading to a more joyful way of life and the realization of one’s full potential.
JSD acupressure is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of a disease. It is a relaxation therapy, and when used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, the JSD acupressure technique can assist the healing process by releasing tension, decreasing stress and encouraging a sense of increased well-being.
* Sourced from Jin Shin Do® Foundation
Integrated Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique)
Integrated Lymph Drainage is a precise technique designed to accelerate the normal functioning of the Lymphatic System. It cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system, reduces pain, and promotes the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system. It thereby facilitates the healing of injuries, chronic/acute conditions and inflammation.
The body is 70 per cent fluid in nature. The lymphatic system is important for the maintenance of fluid homeostasis within the body. Since lymphatic fluid flows to the lymph nodes (stations for recycling of waste products, fats, proteins and other substances), manual lymph drainage techniques can help to encourage homeostasis, cleansing and detoxification.
Lymphatic drainage is excellent for the treatment of acute/chronic injuries, whiplash, headaches, sinusitis, ear/nose/throat infections, TMJ and gingivitis, arthritis, varicose veins, poor circulation, wounds and scars. It is a very gentle and relaxing technique that can be used to encourage relaxation and healing response within the body.
With advanced level training, manual lymph drainage can be used effectively for maintenance of breast tissue health (fibrocystic breast disease) and the treatment of conditions where lymphedema is present. Lymphatic drainage helps with the management of symptoms and is not a cure for systemic disease or pathology.