Upledger CranioSacral Therapy

 

Upledger CranioSacral Therapy

 

Gentle pressure focused on balancing the rhythm of the cerebral spinal fluid releases restrictions from the sacrum to the cranial area. Some problems relieved by this procedure include headaches, ADD, dyslexia, small stroke syndrome, morning sickness, migraines, low back pain, joint pain, menstrual cramps, acute fever, acute pain, lazy eye, labor pain, autism, and numbness in hands or feet.

 

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

 

While the validity of the cardiovascular and respiratory rhythms is undisputed today, for eons the very existence of these systems sparked debates in medical communities around the globe.

Now for nearly 30 years, osteopathic physician and researcher John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., has been a proponent of using the rhythm of another body system – the craniosacral system – to enhance body functioning, and help alleviate pain and discomfort.

The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area.

Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems could include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other health challenges.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. You also can benefit from better overall health and resistance to disease.

 

What Conditions Does CranioSacral Therapy Address?

 

CranioSacral Therapy strengthens your body’s ability to take better care of you. It helps alleviate a range of illness, pain, and dysfunction, including:

  • Migraines and Headaches
  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain
  • Motor-Coordination Impairments
  • Stress and Tension-Related Problems
  • Infantile Disorders
  • Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Scoliosis
  • Central Nervous System Disorders
  • Emotional Difficulties
  • Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Orthopedic Problems
  • Any Many Other Conditions

How Is CranioSacral Therapy Performed?

CranioSacral Therapy is performed on a person fully clothed. Using a light touch – generally no more than the weight of a nickel – the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. The therapist then uses delicate manual techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord.

A CranioSacral Therapy session can last from about 15 minutes to more than an hour, and it can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapeutic procedures.

The result? A central nervous system free of restrictions. And a body that’s able to return to its greatest levels of performance.

 

Conditions That May be Avoided or Improved by Treating Newborns:

 

  • Colic
  • Vomiting
  • Hearing Problems
  • Motor Problems
  • Seizures
  • Strabismus
  • Pylorospasm
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Erb’s Palsy
  • Klumpke’s Palsy
  • Torticollis
  • Chronic Otitis
  • Dyslexia
  • Alphasias
  • Hyperkinetic Behavior
  • Spasticity
  • Down Syndrome
  • Autism
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Abnormal Fears
  • Failure-to-Thrive Syndrome
  • And Many Others

Jamilah Friesema

Jamilah Jane Friesema holds a B.A. from Calvin College in sociology and a certification in therapeutic massage from the Michigan Institute for Healing Arts and Sciences since 2008. She provides several integrative techniques in her work that include aromatherapy, cranio sacral therapy and reflexology. Jamilah specializes in in relaxation massage, headache relief, and the treatment of chronic pain. Her services include Therapeutic and Relaxation Massages, Ear Candling, Hot Stone Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Ionic Footbath Treatments and Pregnancy Massage. She is a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals and the Internal Alliance of Healthcare Practitioners. Jamilah is available at Holistic Care Approach for appointments Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1p.m. - 7p.m. and on the second Saturday of every month from 9a.m.  - 3p.m. Jamilah has been with HCA since 2009.

Mary Beth Holtz

Mary Beth has been practicing in the holistic health field since 1990. Her credentials include Massage Therapist, Advanced Practitioner (specializing in energy works), Facilitator (Three-In-One Concepts, Inc – One Brain System). Mary Beth has a Bachelor of Science in Healing Science from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Besides private practice with adults and children, Mary Beth has worked in corporate settings involved with training, motivation, and education of others on aspects of health and movement.

Molly Kehoe

My name is Molly Kehoe, and I have happily been with Holistic Care Approach since 2001. I worked for Spectrum Health (Blodgett campus) for 26 years as a surgical scrub nurse. My team was orthopedics,and this has given me an unique opportunity to literally view the human body from the inside so to speak. I did many many hip and knee replacements with several different surgeons, lots of spinal surgeries, and I also worked with plastic surgeons on everything from skin grafts for burn victims, to facelifts, liposuction, maxillo/facial re-alignment, breast reduction, augmentation and restorative surgery after mastectomy. I went back to school in 1999, at the wonderful Naturopathic Institute in Mt Pleasant Michigan. I had been given a special opportunity to study there, and it was a good fit with my previous vocation. I graduated in 2001 with a Bodywork therapist degree, and have been studying various other therapies ever since. I have worked as a professional Astrologer, and am happy to discuss this fascinating view of the Universe during your massage, if you are interested. I have been trained to do many types of massage, simple Swedish for relaxation, therapeutic for injuries, pregnancy massage, reflexology, healing touch, lymphatic drainage, and my most requested, Cranial/Sacral Therapy. I have had 6 levels of training from the John Upledger Institute for this unique type of therapy. It is very subjective, and is a unique experience for most people. It is light touch, 20 energy directed, and heals on many levels by addressing a person’s cranial sacral system, literally the fluid that flows inside the head and spinal cord of our bodies. It is a therapy that removes blockages, pressure points internally, and is effective for everything from persistent migraines, many types of physical injuries, and even emotional release from trauma. This is a therapy that can open up new avenues of healing for many people. I have had pediatric training in this modality, and see newborns to correct any birth trauma, to toddlers and up with tone problems or learning disabilities. I also have been fortunate enough to train under Fabian Maman, a wonderful French innovator, who has coined the treatment “Vibrational healing”. This 1 and a half hour treatment involves using tuning forks and some energy healing to “tune” the spine, balance your bodies energy centers, and using his unique music, release old primal pain. It is deeply relaxing, and I really enjoy seeing the results from this treatment. I am available to see clients at HCA on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with some flexibility in my schedule. If you have seen something here that speaks to you please call for an appointment. My greatest joy is to make my clients feel nurtured, safe, and open to their own healing powers.


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