CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY is a gentle, non-invasive manipulation technique. The therapist applies light pressure, about the weight of a nickel. Work is done to release restrictions, predominantly at the transverse diaphragms, cranium, and sacrum.

The CranioSacral system is a physiological system. It includes the bones of the skull, face, and mouth, which make up the cranium and extend down the spinal cord to the sacrum. This hydraulic system is enclosed by membranes. Cerebrospinal fluid ebbs and flows within this system to create the CranioSacral rhythm. Your brain, spinal cord, nerves, veins, and arteries are all contained within or pass through this system. An imbalance in the CranioSacral system can adversely affect the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, which can result in sensory, motor, intellectual dysfunction, and/or mood shifts.

Working with the CranioSacral system may normalize the soothing flow of cerebrospinal fluid that gently massages the brain and spinal cord. This treatment may induce a feeling of deep relaxation.

SOMATOEMOTIONAL™ RELEASE is an outgrowth of CranioSacral Therapy. Work is performed to release energy blockages throughout the body. Verbal release is encouraged in the form of descriptions of feelings and/or memories that occur as a result of the process. No psychotherapeutic counseling is offered; this therapy is intended to serve as an adjunct to medical, psychiatric, and/or psychotherapeutic counseling.

It may be that when an injury takes place or a trauma occurs it enters the body - and unless released, remains stored within the bones, tissue, or blood. This trauma can travel through the body and be released naturally or find lodging in a particular area. This stored negative memory, experience, or energy can adversely affect a person's everyday life even if the original experience is not held in conscious memory.

It may be that the trauma from the birth process, stress, anxiety, anger, guilt, surgery, or the energy of a fall or accident could cause an imbalance and disharmony within one's being. The associated memory and experience, unless released, may "walk around" with a person making detachment, objectivity, and/or recovery difficult. SomatoEmotional Release™ focuses on bringing these events to conscious awareness.

RELEASE OF THE AVENUE OF EXPRESSION involves the use of very slight pressure. Areas of release include the diaphragm, chest, neck, hard palate, bones in the face, the tongue, and teeth. The Avenue of Expression is composed of all structures, tissues, fluid, and energies involved in oral expression. Each of the components of the "Avenue of Expression" has at least some influence over the ability of a person to express him or herself by making sound. Some sounds are intelligible such as words, some are noises such as groaning, laughing, crying, and screaming. The purpose of this work is to open the "Avenue of Expression." When expression has been restricted, swallowed, held back, or sometimes even allowed to flow in excess, memory of this restriction is held within each associated cell. Patterns form and are repeated. Energy blockages are stored. These restrictions or patterns may be difficult to change and may affect the expression, communication, or level of skill level of the vocal mechanism. Once the energy of the restriction is released, the opportunity to overcome, improve, and replace old habits with new ones is presented. Self expression may also be enhanced.