Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST)
What is Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy?
BCST is an advanced body/mind therapy that combines a Western scientific understanding of the body with mindfulness skills, a unique type of touch and an appreciation of the body’s ability to heal itself.
Focus On Health
A core principle of BCST is that health is always present in every body. Sometimes when the focus has been on illness, pain or pathology, it is possible to lose a connection with the underlying feelings of health, comfort and ease. BCST can help you reconnect to the health and vitality inside you.
History
The therapy has its roots in the discoveries made by Osteopath Dr William Garner Sutherland in the late 1800s. He developed an approach to Osteopathy known as “the Cranial Concept”. These original concepts have been refined and extended to become the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy of today.
Biodynamic Touch
Biodynamic touch is a particular type of touch. It is light and reverential. There is never any pressure, manipulation or force. Your therapist is trained to create a calm, still and embodied presence. This type of touch and presence enables you to Feel Safe, supported and held. This sense of safety allows your brain to switch from Flight or Fight to rest and repair. It is in this state that healing and change can begin to take place.
What Makes BCST Unique?
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BCST is gentle, non invasive and no force or manipulations are used in the treatment.
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The therapy is client led, the treatment pace is set by you and the requirements of your body.
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BCST acknowledges the whole person and that emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health are all interconnected.
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The understanding of the body’s intelligence to heal and facilitate self repair is central to the therapy.
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Clients report feeling deeply listened to on all levels.
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BCST is a progressive therapy that embraces the latest findings in medical science and the wisdom of traditional healing arts.
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Biodynamic touch is a powerful tool to stimulate the brain to make new connections.
Benefits of BCST
"Our Health is our Wealth"
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a light touch therapy which has a long history of development through the life and work of AT Still, WG Sutherland and John E Upledeger. A gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system, this physiological system helps protect and assist the delicate tissues of our nervous system; such as the brain, spinal cord and fine nerve fibres. It is comprised of the bones of the head, spine, face and mouth as well as the fascia and more delicate membranes and fluids contained within.
This is a therapy which enhances the body’s own healing abilities. CST in its essence involves gentle manipulations as the therapist both tests for restrictions and “listens” to the quality of the craniosacral rhythm, which the body regulates and maintains in order to feed and nurture our delicate nervous tissues. The forces used are exceedingly light and although the focus is in and around the head and spinal column, the treatment may be applied anywhere on the body.
CST clears restrictions in the fascial tissues of the body. These are the soft tissue layers that are continuous throughout the whole body and envelop every organ, muscle and bone down to the individual cells. As a light, hands-on approach, CST harmonizes with the body's natural hydraulic forces and movements, thus encouraging and enhancing the body's inherent natural healing abilities. This gentle releasing of chronic tensions within the body can effect major changes in both physical and emotional well-being.
All events in life are perceived by the body through the sensory network of nerves going into the brain. These events include trauma of any nature; injury, physical or emotional trauma, or could be chemical or biological in nature. Everything the body experiences, is recorded in the tissue and may cause restrictions. These may then manifest as disease, dysfunction or poor healing, as the body’s own healing and self-corrective techniques are overwhelmed and therefore less efficient.
Craniosacral therapy enhances the function of the Autonomic Nervous System, which consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The body heals and repairs itself when the parasympathetic is dominant i.e. when we are most relaxed or asleep. The sympathetic nervous system, known as the “Fight or Flight” system is affected by the modern way of living and this can lead to undue stress. At worst this can be a chronic debilitating condition as we all know.
The Process of BCST Session
At the beginning of the session, we will have a little meditative practice to access inner resources which leads to the stage where you will lie down on your back on a massage table, fully dressed. Facilitator places her hand and able to listen to the rhythm of patient’s body, typically the feet, the head (cranium) & the sacrum (lower back) & then if needed I’ll move to any other specific location most beneficial for the healing to take place.
A uniqueness of this treatment is that your therapist follows your body's inherent wisdom and what comes up for you during the session by listening your body’s response with knowing gentle touch. Following the inherent treatment plan makes these therapy sessions into your individual needs specific sessions supporting you to experience optimal health
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy enhances the function of the Autonomic Nervous System, which consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The body heals and repairs itself when the parasympathetic is dominant i.e. when we are most relaxed or asleep. The sympathetic nervous system, known as the “Fight or Flight” system is affected by the modern way of living and this can lead to undue stress. At worst this can be a chronic debilitating condition as we all know.
CODE OF PRACTICE
As a Professional member of the Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists, this practitioner will:
Put your needs as an individual first - treating everyone equally regarding gender, ethnicity, disability, culture, beliefs, sexuality, lifestyle, age, social status or linguistic ability
Work to foster and maintain trust
Maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries
Listen to you and respect your views
Give you the information you need and ensure that you understand it so you can make informed choices
Respect your right to autonomy
Respect and protect confidential information
Be clear about how and why confidential information may be disclosed elsewhere
Maintain and develop their professional knowledge and skills
Practice within their boundaries of competence
Respond promptly and constructively to concerns, criticisms or complaints
Respect the skills of other health care professionals, and when appropriate will work in co-operation with them
