Feeling the Rhythm with Craniosacral Therapy

In order to be an excellent Craniosacral Therapist, one must really learn to listen to the CS rhythm before doing anything else.

With the Craniosacral System, the practitioner needs to be able to feel the subtle movement under the body as it moves through flexion and extension.  This takes practice and experience for most therapists as they begin their journey into the world of Craniosacral Therapy.  Sometimes, it also takes the clients a few times to sink in and actually connect to the rhythm as well.  This is because most people have not learned about this rhythm as much as for example the cardiac pulse or diaphragm breathing.  However, the more one receives this work,  the more profound it may become, releasing cellular memory patterns and old energy dynamics.

Using an intention of supporting and connection in Craniosacral Therapy, incredible changes can occur, mostly leaving clients feeling rested, rejuvenated and in good spirits as the work completes itself.  CST can also help alleviate deep seated pain, unwind twists and rotations, and allow space for emotional holding to let go in order to lighten up.

If you would like to know more about this type of bodywork, please call Sharon Hartnett at (614) 372-6598 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.

For more information, please see my website:  www.massageincolumbusohio.com

Relieving Osteoarthritis Pain Symptoms with Craniosacral Therapy

In the AMTA Massage Journal,  I just read that approximately 27 million Americans suffer from Osteoarthritis. 

While there is no cure available for Osteoarthritis, there are some treatments that have proven to be helpful in alleviating pain.  In order to optimize quality of life,  speak to your physician first, but also consider looking at a holistic health plan for yourself so that you can remain active and vital in your life.  

Some ideas:

1.  Studies have shown significant improvement with Massage in case studies.  People who have received sessions weekly can feel a real difference.  In particular in my practice, fascial and Craniosacral Therapy has helped clients to feel more flexible and healthier.  As the tissues rehydrate, more fluids are able to get to the joints and regenerate flow and energy.  What is especially nice about the Craniosacral Therapy is that it is extremely light touch, thereby very gentle while providing revitalizing effects.

2.  Food Elimination- Clients that I know who have eliminated certain foods out their diet, feel huge shifts.  The first few days may be difficult, especially if you are letting go of gluten, sugars, nightshade foods, or dairy, but afterwards, the body starts to hum and vibrate in a much more joyful melody.  There are wonderful doctors in the field of Functional Medicine who have had much success with this.  One that I recommend is:  Dr. Anup Konodia   http://anupkanodia.md.com  who was just seen on 20/20 nationally.  I have seen clients of his feel incredible changes after changing their diets.

3.  Topical Pain relievers may be helpful.  Some of the patches available at your local pharmacy may help with local pain relief.

4.  Exercise:  Most doctors these days will tell you to listen to your body, but also make sure that you are getting enough exercise to keep your circulation up.  However, don't overdo it because symptoms can worsen if overly fatigued.  Exericse is about finding the right balance for you.

5.  Your physician may want to give you steroids or other medications.  They recommend early treatment to help the progression of the disease to slow down.  As a patient though,  communicate, research and follow the path that feels best to you.

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett LMT
Columbus, Ohio   614 372-6598
www.massageincolumbusohio.com

Healing from Neck Surgery

Neck Surgery

Fortunately for me, I found a technically excellent neurosurgeon who did a disc replacement in my neck for me as I had a huge bone spur pressing into my spine.  I was quickly loosing sensation, in much pain, and my nervous system functioning was diminishing. Lucky for me, I went into NHC, and walked out with a success story.

Yet, post-surgery,  while I initially felt pretty good,  I started to feel a lot of pain throughout my whole body.  There was a buzzing, and overall tension, and major strain and pain.  I felt alone as nobody seemed to understand the pain as I looked healthy.  I had read about other people's experiences on the internet with this type of  operation that could find no help or understanding of what was causing the painful symptoms either.  There was not much guidance of how to follow through and holistically get back into health.  Now I found myself in the same position without a clue as to how to truly get better.

Some of the things I tired: I did go to a PT who spent most of the time measuring things and gave me a few exercises. I have to say, that it didn't help much.  I went to chiropractors, and that helped, but only temporarily.   Although, I was very grateful to be taken out of pain. I received some excellent Structural Integration and Craniosacral Therapy, but not enough and a little bit too late in the game.  As I result,  I found myself deteriorating and the doctors just didn't have any answers why I wasn't feeling well.

When I went down to Florida last year, my friend and an excellent bodyworker in Naples, Florida, JoAnn Rahl, gave me some ideas to get back on the road of recovery.  On of the best things I did for myself was to receive so Structural Integration Therapy.   I know that I include this in my practice and have had many many clients who have received the benefits of my work,  but I needed to give this to myself as well.  After a few sessions with her and another friend Cindi, I could see that there was a great possibility of healing.  I also started to do some Feldenkrais work, Yamuna Ball Rolling, and Melt exercises that Joann taught me, and that also helped tremendously.  But even though that was helpful, something was contributing to constant inflammation.  Nothing in my medical records revealed any problems.  However, I felt burning and disharmony throughout my tissues.  So after the bodywork and movement practices, I decided to go off gluten.  I showed no markers with gluten sensitivities, but I did feel much better without this is my diet.  My thinking cleared up and my energy balanced.  I also started taking emulsified vitamin D as I read more about inflammation and a new supplement called glutathione in liquid form which seemed to really help.  A strong probiotic called VSL3-DS too brought positive results. Reading and researching for your own wellness is important when doctors and others don't understand or relate to your health.  I am clearly not a doctor, but I did read what other Functional doctors were talking about, and they had some important information to share.

I am not saying that I am at 100 percent.  It takes times to find your unique path to wellness.  But I will say that it helps to ask questions, to take self-responsibility and to try different healing modalities to help you to heal and deepen in your evolutionary process.   Don't take "no' for an answer.  Give practitioner's some time.  It took a long time to get out of alignment, it takes time to get back on track. People who live with a positive intention can get better.... stick with it and don't let life bring them down.  They let go of their thoughts that "nothing works", and move forward with heart and better choices.

With my neck,  my present regiment is to get good bodywork  (Structural Integration, Craniosacral Therapy), take supplements that I find work for me,  slowly do food elimination protocols to help me determine what supports me nutritionally or not, and to practice stretching and movement on a daily basis.  We live in a world that is very polluted and where GMO's and pesticides are in our foods.  We need to take steps to get back to the simplicity of nature and connect with healthy plants, air, people and our connection to Spirit.   

Don't ever give up on yourself for too long...  Look for the teaching in every moment if possible. Believe it or not, the Universe is always supporting you if you can use fresh eyes to see it!

Quality of life means coming back into balance and receiving that which supports you.

I am feeling quite a bit better.  My posture is improving. My eating is better. Still doing my practices.  And I like to help others who are in pain, and not finding the answers they need to get better.  I am not a doctor, but I do have an inquisitive mind, and I enjoy helping my clients.

I look at this surgery and all the issues that went with it as a good teaching to be human and to find an enriching way to be in service.

My personal journey with neck surgery,

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett LMT
Columbus, Ohio

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

Feeling Strong!