SE addresses both psychological and physical symptoms of trauma and breaks down the experience into small steps, slowing it down, rather than encouraging catharsis. The practice of Somatic Experiencing can be weaved in a CranioSacral therapy session to provide support in the healing process. In that case, the session is very similar to what is described in the CST section, using gentle therapeutic touch for about one hour. SE can also be done without the use of touch, in person or remotely, having a rooted conversation in the person’s nervous system while tracking sensations in the body.
Like the movement of the breath or the cardiac pulse, the motion of the cerebrospinal fluid can be felt anywhere on the body with a developed and trained touch. Restrictions are released from the core and because structure & function of the body are interrelated, enhancing the performance of the nervous system consequently improves the overall health. Using a light touch, CST helps release the imprint of physical, psychological and emotional stress, and helps to break long held tension patterns. CranioSacral Therapy is a unique experience. Most people feel an immediate sense of deep relaxation and come out of a session feeling centered and refreshed. The felt experience is different for each person and for each session.
A vast majority of people feel better after a CST treatment as it alleviates their pain (physical and/or emotional), decreases their stress, and most often lessens or resolves some of the symptoms they came with at first. A CranioSacral therapy session usually lasts about one hour. The patient is lying down on a massage table, fully clothed. Using a light touch, the therapist will assess and treat the restricted areas found in the body. CST should not be used under the following conditions:
• Recent brain hemorrhage or stroke
• Recent spinal tap or puncture in the CranioSacral system
• Recent fracture of the skull, vertebrae or ribcage
• Arnold Chiari Malformation
• Any condition where a variation and/or a slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability
If you have any concerns about CST you should consult your physician prior to receiving a session.
WHAT IS A SESSION LIKE?
Cranio Sacral Therapy (CST)
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
