Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) offers a unique approach to health and wellbeing. The practitioner listens from a place of embodied neutrality and offers a spacious, light touch to the client on a treatment table. The orientation is to the expressions and subtle rhythms within the body.
This can support the client to achieve a deep stillness or meditative quality on the table which has been shown to promote many beneficial responses. Clients often report noticeable improvements and a gentle unwinding from tensions, coupled with more ease and flow. This can result from deep relaxation and improvements in their health condition to an overall general vitality within.
The Origins | Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) has its roots in Osteopathy with a clinician from the beginning of the 20th century called Dr. Sutherland.
He was instrumental in noticing the subtle forces within the body and he initially focused his attention on the central axis of the body including the dural membranes encasing the brain the spinal cord. His orientation embraced the fluidic nature of the body and noticed that with a gentle awareness subtle rhythms (or tides) begin to emerge. He was interested in these nuances of the tide and how they support health in the body.
His research also led him to notice a deep resonance within the other structures of the body and their relationships to one another. As an example, if a person was experiencing pain or contraction in the right hip there may be a resonant contraction within the tissues in the right shoulder. This developed a recognition that certain structures in the body can “support” one another as the body seeks to align itself.
Dr. Sutherland had a strong foundation in anatomical knowledge which continues to be an important aspect of BCST today. His findings and subtle sensitivity allowed him to have an expanded view of health and the body’s natural reserves and supported his clients to access these with gentle and simple techniques. He also exuded a deep reverence for each client that walked into have a session and the forces of health he was witnessing.
The subtle rhythms and structural dynamics are what BCST practitioners today are trained to perceive as well as their relevance to health states.
As the work continues to evolve, new research into connective tissue and fascia (protective coverings over tissues and organs) has emerged over time with the understanding that trauma can be held within the tissues of the body. BCST can be a safe, contained space for traumatic or emotional releases and the practitioner is also trained in facilitating this for the client.
Simple yet powerful awareness techniques naturally accompany each session.Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy with Julie Lacey, Hummingbird Clinic
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A SESSION
My clinic is in Richmond and Nelson, New Zealand.
A session is normally 1-hour long. The first session is 1-hour & 15 minutes to allow for a detailed case study to be taken.
The session is fully clothed on a treatment table. The table is provided for comfort and functionality with clean sheets and added cushions, bolsters and blankets if needed.
I normally start each session at the feet and may move to different areas of the body - this is discussed with you as the session progresses. If at any time pain or discomfort is felt, I encourage you to let me know.
The Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy session is client-led. If you prefer silence to deeply reflect and notice body sensations, this will be fully supported. Alternatively, if you'd like to discuss your experiences or observations during the session, this is also welcomed.
One treatment can be wonderfully settling/aligning for body mind and emotions. However, if you're focusing on a specific issue, one session per week for approximately three weeks is recommended. Regular sessions help build momentum, providing fuller support throughout your therapeutic process.
A confirmation text is normally sent approximately 24 hrs. before the session.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Hummingbird Clinic!
“I feel each session is like stepping into the mystery as I never know what story will unfold with each and every unique person who comes in.”
Gentle | Energising | Restorative What may be helped with Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
In general, we tend to hold on to trauma states in the body longer than needed and have lost our capacity to naturally let go of stressful impacts. I’ve observed that Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy often has good results with an acute injury or accident that has just taken place. Within a safe, nurtured environment the body is given the opportunity to regulate itself. In the same way that say a bird that has hurt itself will go still, shake itself off and then fly away - the stillness that occurs in a session can support the body to recalibrate. The body then has the ability to shake off what is not needed and naturally re-balance within.
Pregnancy, mums and babies
Traditionally this work is known to have wonderful benefits in all the stages of pregnancy through to childbirth for mums, babies and eventually toddlers. Childbirth can create compressions and contracted states for a newborn as it makes its journey through the birth canal. BCST can be a great support, with its gentle, spacious non-invasive contact or touch that allows the baby to release some of those contractions and possible traumas to its cranial soft tissue. I normally treat mums and babies together because of their strong bond and interconnectivity, especially in the early stages after birth.
Client’s report benefits and improvement with the following:
Enhanced body awareness
Headaches
Nervous tension/stress
Birth trauma
Digestive disturbances
Colic (babies)
Sleep difficulties insomnia
PTSD
TMJ (Temporomandibular joint/pain and disfunction)
Dental trauma
Tiredness and low energy
Back or spinal injuries
Connective tissue disorders
Post surgery recovery
Concussion, whiplash
Musculoskeletal pain
Emotional trauma
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy can be a wonderful support for the body.Book a Biodynamic Craniosacral Treatment with Julie, Richmond & Nelson.
Appointments for Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy are available Mondays and Wednesdays.
Fees - $100 per session
1st session - Please allow 1 hour 15 mins
Subsequent sessions are I hour
