Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Find Deep Relaxation, Pain Relief, and Enhanced Well-Being with CST in Ottawa or virtual sessions
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, calming therapy that reduces restrictions and tensions throughout the body. It focuses on enhancing the structure and function of the craniosacral system the membranes and fluid that surround and protect your brain and spinal cord. By using light touch, CST practitioners like Anna can detect and release restrictions in this system, promoting a state of deep relaxation and facilitating your body’s natural healing processes.
Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
Who Can Benefit from Craniosacral Therapy?
CST is suitable for people of all ages, from infants to seniors. It can be particularly helpful for those experiencing:
- Chronic pain
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Headaches and migraines
- TMJ dysfunction
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- And more
How Does a Craniosacral Therapy Session Work?
During a CST session, you will lie fully clothed on a massage table. Anna will use a gentle touch to assess the rhythm and flow of your craniosacral system. She will then use light pressure and subtle movements to release any restrictions and promote balance.
Remote Craniosacral Therapy
Anna also offers remote craniosacral therapy sessions, which can be conducted over the phone or video chat. These sessions are just as effective as in-person sessions and provide a convenient option for those who are unable to travel or prefer to receive therapy in the comfort of their own home.
"Our mission is to help you progress toward self-awareness and optimal health. We offer compassionate, intuitive care, treating the body, mind, and spirit as a unified whole."
Anna Crandlemire, Manual Therapist
Dress in comfortable, loose clothing (no jeans or bulky material for CST sessions). Bring a water bottle and drink water before and after your session.
Your session takes place in a quiet, private setting. Clients remain fully clothed. The session is performed with the client reclining on a massage table or in a reclining chair. For CST and Lymph Drainage, the practitioner stands or sits at various times during the session at the client’s head, middle torso or feet.
Experiences differ for each individual, and from session to session. You may deeply relax and even fall asleep at times. Other times you may want to talk, and the practitioner may lead you through a therapeutic dialogue process. You may recall hidden memories, relive events, and express emotions. Some clients may not be aware of many sensations in their body as the tissues relax and re-balance, while others will notice more.
You may become very relaxed and drift off to sleep during your session. The practitioner will ask for you to give feedback of which reflexes on your feet are tender or sensitive as she works on your feet. Some clients will have many tender reflexes, while others may only have one or two. You also may feel chilly and need a blanket as your body relaxes.
Somatic Groundwork requires a floor area large enough for you to lay down in an “X’ position. You will be guided through grounding, breathing and yielding into the floor, and then through movement patterns. You will spend part of the time on the floor, and also in mid-level and standing positions.
Response to manual therapy varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. The number of sessions needed varies widely – from just one up to three or more per week over the course of several weeks. I recommend starting with 3 to 5 CST or Reflexology sessions, spaced either a few days apart for acute conditions to a week apart. Once clients start feeling better, they often continue with monthly sessions as part of their health care program.
Some insurance providers cover Reflexology treatments. Craniosacral Therapy, Lymph Drainage Therapy and Posture & Movement Therapy are not covered. Receipts will be issued for all sessions, and can be claimed as medical expenses on your tax return.
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