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!

Craniosacral Therapy is based on working with the Craniosacral System and the surrounding Fascia. 

But do clients and Bodyworkers know everything they can about the Fascia part of the work?

For years,  Craniosacral Therapists, Structural Integration Therapists and a myriad of other bodyworkers have been clued into this mysterious fabric that wraps and contains all the organs and other functional cellular materials in the body.  We have seen incredible results where people stand taller, find more flexibility, feel more vitalized and alive after sessions.  But there is so much more to learn...   for example-  while we feel the fluidity increase within, how does that actually affect clients on a cellular level?

Fortunately for all people interested, the Integrative Therapists and Scientists have decided to come together to deepen their knowledge in their quest to discover more. What this means for clients is that with more research,  bodyworkers can change their intentions and tools to better aid the process of healing. 

Check out the following Youtube of Dr. Schleip who spoke at the Congress to find out more:

The Art of Listening with Craniosacral Therapy

When I talk about Craniosacral Therapy,  I always speak about Listening.

Clients come in to be heard.  Their bodies are asking to be acknowledged and supported.  The goals that they want accomplished can only be reached by palpation and touch with listening hands and a listening heart.  So when I came across the following quote, I was touched.  I was reminded that in the stillness and quiet, a bubbling spring sprouts forth that is fruitful and lush.  

"As healers we have to receive the story of our fellow human beings with a compassionate heart, a heart that does not judge or condemn but recognizes how the stranger’s story connects with our own…. Our most important question as healers is not, “What to say or to do?” but, “How to develop enough inner space where the story can be received?”

Henri J. M. Nouwen

Spaciousness is empty.  It holds the possibilities of all healing.

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

Follow the Energy in Craniosacral Therapy (614) 372-6598

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is born from the field of Science. 

Dr. John Upledger, Dr. Sutherland and other Osteopathic physicians developed their fine CST work through years of study and research with the Craniosacral System (CSS).  Fortunately today, the Upledger Institute has trained thousands of massage therapists, bodyworkers and other hands-on practitioners to spread the benefits of this compassionate and profound work.  

How does Energy Fit into this Craniosacral Therapy Model?

Included in the Upledger curriculum, there is some focus on Energy Therapy.  Releasing chaotic patterns of energy dysfunction can dissolve restrictions and allow the body to self-correct and heal.  Flow and movement are essential in healing.

While most sessions start with a basic physiological protocol, the more advanced work actually does delve into feeling into the energy component of healing. One of the areas that I like to work with is relieving active energy cysts through light and gentle touch, but also through intention. After years of working with the Human Energy Field (HEF), it is fairly easy for me to just ask the body to show me the lesion and I directly go there.  Secondary or related areas will also present themselves as the session moves along as needed. Yet at the same time,  I am constantly amazed at how the energy of the HEF's wisdom is always so present and ready to facilitate the healing.  Craniosacral Therapy is a constant joy in revealing the body's own capacity to heal and evolve.

Often when I work with the energy cyst,  I notice that there are feelings and unresolved patterns that release.  But as my heart is open and I align my hara with kind and stable holding, the energy begins to quiet,  dissolve and the space reorganizes itself into a more peaceful state of being.

However, if emotional issues do showed up,   Craniosacral Therapists are trained to dialogue and support the client's own personal process without doing psychotherapy.  Our job is to help you find your own answers through whatever intelligence is awake and alive in your human energy field.

I know Energy Consciousness can seem very far out. But in reality, anyone who is sensitive can feel an energy system once they quiet and listen.

If you have any questions about a Craniosacral Therapy session including energy healing, please contact Sharon Hartnett at  740 966-5153for a free 15 minute phone consultation.

Sharon Hartnett LMT:  Certified Advanced Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio

Finding the right Craniosacral Therapist for You! Columbus, Ohio

When you are looking for a Craniosacral Therapist (CST) to help you relieve pain, release cellular trauma, and/or to rediscover your joy-

take your time and interview.

Not all Therapists have the same experience, learning and talent. 

In fact, every person who touches you is going to offer you a totally different experience.  

Look at credentials first, and consider whether your CST is certified or not.  If he or she is... then that massage therapist or bodyworker has gone through a rigorous curriculum to demonstrate skill, understanding of the Craniosacral system and an excellent hands on approach to working with the Craniosacral Rhythm and its ability to release dysfunction and improve overall health and wellness.  Also,  you can go to the Upledger Institute and research that therapist's name to see if they have gone on to the advanced level work or not.  As a Craniosacral Therapist continue's his/her education, they enhance their ability to be more technical, work with enhanced listening, to stay more present, and to work with dialoguing when trauma and emotional work arises.

Next, take the time to discuss some of your concerns on the phone and ask questions to make sure that it is a right fit.  You are the client and your needs are the priority in the session.  You deserve to work with someone with the best credentials and ability to directly focus on your challenges. So ask about their history with CST, how long they have worked, and if they have had success with your current issue.  No CST or any therapist can promise results, but the better therapists can integrate and stay with the session more fully based on what they bring to the table.

Look for someone who is not only mindful, but a Craniosacral Therapist who is compassionate and works from the heart.  Some therapists are overworked and often felt feeling stressed out themselves. Ask questions to see if they enjoy their work and if they know how to balance their own lives by taking care of themselves as well.  The best therapist is one who stays more than half full rather than half empty in life. You want to work with someone who can offer you the best care.  Someone who centers from their heart first.

By supporting the Central nervous system and releasing restrictions through the body, Craniosacral Therapy has been shown to enhance functionality and bring about profound healing.  CST is a gentle and non-invasive modality of bodywork that is virtually risk-free and all ages can benefit from this essential therapy.

If you have any questions,  call Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST in Columbus Ohio for a free 15 minute phone consultation.  (614) 372-6598

www.massageincolumbusohio.com