@ R.M.
Rodolfo Mari began his study of CranioSacral Therapy in 2004 when he found the book The Heart Of Listening by Hugh Milne. Rodolfo was so impressed with the possibilities of the CranioSacral path in correlation to Massage Therapy, Yoga and other Physical Training that he was already practicing. Therefore, he immediately applied for a month long immersion class through the Milne Institute. Rodolfo has since completed the 4 core courses at the Milne Institute for Visionary CranioSacral Work and expanded his studies at the Upledger Institute with the 4 levels of CranioSacral Therapy classes plus the Advanced CranioSacral Therapy course .
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
Cranial Osteopathy was originated by osteopath William Sutherland (1873-1954) in the late 1800s. While looking at a disarticulated skull, Sutherland was struck by the idea that the cranial sutures of the temporal bones, where they meet the parietal bones were, “beveled, like the gills of a fish, indicating articular mobility for a respiratory mechanism.” Sutherland hypothesised the dural membranes act as ‘guy-wires’ for the movement of the cranial bones, holding tension for the opposite motion. He used the term reciprocal tension membrane system (RTM) to describe the three Cartesian axes held in reciprocal tension, or tensegrity, creating the cyclic movement of inhalation and exhalation of the cranium. The RTM as described by Sutherland includes the spinal dura, with an attachment to the sacrum. After his hypothesis of the supposed cranial mechanism, Sutherland further hypothesised that the sacrum moves synchronously with the cranial bones. Sutherland began to teach this work to other osteopaths from the 1930s, and continued to do so until his death.
A typical craniosacral therapy session is performed with the client fully clothed, in a supine position, and usually lasts about one hour. In the Upledger method of craniosacral therapy, a ten-step protocol serves as a general guideline, which includes (1) analyzing the base (existing) cranial rhythm, (2) creating a still point in that rhythm at the base of the skull, (3) rocking the sacrum, (4) lengthening the spine in the lumbar-sacral region, (5) addressing the pelvic, respiratory and thoracic diaphragms, (6) releasing the hyoid bone in the throat, and (7-10) addressing each one of the cranial bones. The practitioner may use discretion in using which steps are suitable for each client, and may or may not follow them in sequential order, with time restraints and the extent of trauma being factors. The therapist places their hands lightly on the patient’s body, tuning in to the patient by ‘listening’ with their hands or, in Sutherland’s words, “with thinking fingers”.
Please give us a call to make an appointment, for more information or to inquire if CranioSacral Therapy is a good choice for you.