Terminology in craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral rhythm:

Craniosacral therapy works with rhythms. All the tissues in the body express themselves in a constant rhythm of expansion and relaxation. The trained hand of a craniosacral therapist detects these rhythms and interprets them. It gives information about function/dysfunction and about the vitality of the tissues.

Still point:

The still point is a therapeutic phenomenon, observed when the craniosacral rhythm temporarily stop. During a still point it becomes very “quiet” in the body while at the same time a lot happens. The still point is a phase of internal reorganisation. The still point happens spontaneously or the therapist invites it.

Unwinding: 

This is a specific (micro-)movement or tension pattern inside the tissues. The body needs to go through this pattern to be able to release restrictions. The tissues guide the process of unwinding and the sequence it follows is unique in every situation. It requires a lot of attention of the therapist while at the same time leaving the space to let the movement unfold. During a phase of unwinding the hands of the therapist follow or witness the release of tension in the tissues. 

Listening: 

With a very light touch-contact the craniosacral therapist will place a hand on the body of the client and “listens” to the sensations in the tissues. Listening gives information about the nature, the intensity, and the direction of tissue tension and restrictions.

Most importantly, if the therapist listens, the body communicates whether it wants to be treated or not. Continuously listening to the body guides the treatment. 

SER: Somato-emotional release:

The body has the capacity to store memories and emotions in the tissues. (And, when triggered, will act out on these memories.) In craniosacral therapy this implicit memory is also called “cel memory” or “tissue memory”. This causes patterns of tension and causes the tissues to function less good. Consequently, symptoms and dyscomfort arrises physically, mentally and/or emotionaly. A craniosacral therapist can feel and detect these patterns and help the body to release them and resore vitality.

The body guides the process and takes the first step. The therapist keeps space for the tissues to unwind and supports and witnesses the process. Healing comes from the inside.

This is a very safe process because the body only brings up emotions or memories when it is capable of processing them. Sometimes emotional cysts releases without memories or emotions to come up. These are “fragments of experiences” ready to release. Craniosacral therapy is an amazing therapy for the vagal nerve and the mind-body connection.