Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BDCST) is a powerful and unique therapy that orients to the clients system towards optimal health. The practitioner utilizes detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and tunes into embryological rhythms which have guided human development (organization, protection and healing) since conception.
BDCST is a deep dive into somatic awareness. In the words of elder Roland Becker says, “Listen to what is actually unfolding in current body physiology.” Listen to what is… Not what the mind thinks is unfolding, not the story our mind tells us, not what the mind expects- but instead really listen to what is actually unfolding NOW- in present time – by staying present with body sensations and shifts – by BEing with what is unfolding- in real time. While staying connected, in relationship, the body can find resonance with something new.
In a way, sessions are similar, but not identical to transcendental meditation, mindfulness or focused breath work; in so far as the practice offers a doorway to embody wakeful presence and activates our vital forces or chi energy; yet BDCST offers so much more as we learn to tune in, feel and rebuild trust with our body intelligence. Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is about orienting the body to the health that always is – and the homeostasis which supports the expression of health.
“Body intelligence is wiser than the head.” – Roland Becker
The body has its own language; it understands sensations far more than words. Part of this work is also about bringing ourselves into the present moment, present to body sensations, movement, shifts and changes, so a deep dive into somatic awareness as we reestablish FLOW and restore the bodies natural rhythms.
Biodynamic craniosacral work tracks the bodies subtle rhythms and patterned movements with an orientation towards expansion, health and holism. It is an interactive approach which encourages groundedness, health and presence.
Through a uniquely expansive relational touch, the practitioner can tune into and follow patterns of congestion, recognize held and contracted areas and sense areas of thickened fascia tissue.
Through listening to the bodies expressions of health we are actually listening to current body physiology, touch can bring about great change- through mirror neurons and fluids resonating together within the body structure. We can feel our bodies own natural adjustments and reorganization through body fluids.
Essentially this process allows for a clearing of energies which do not belong in the system. This quality of touch allows an opportunity for the body to widen, expand, open out and restore its natural rhythms and movements; thereby allowing for the restoration of intelligence within cells and tissues.
Given enough resources, the body knows how to orient to a fuller place of health.
“The way OUT is IN.” – Michael Kern
BDCST focuses on guiding the body through trauma resolution. it there is trauma or injury at a tissue and if the experience is not fully resolved – then the body can hold in that area – this could mean energetic holding, scar tissue, adhesions, energy blocks, interruption of fluid flow – also blocks, armour, walling off in an attempt to protect that vulnerable place from reinjury. all tissues get involved in the holding patterns of an isolated area – compensations abound. The body adjusts and reorganizes around these imprints and held tissues. Compensations abound.
Holding takes away from the finite energy the body has for all functions – BDCST seeks to integrate separate, held or isolated parts back into whole body function.
How you may benefit from Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
- Awakening: increased ability to stay present and aware in waking moments
- increase in vitality and energy
- release of body tension, and liberation of more vital force energy available for LIFE
- feeling more at home in your body – more in resonance with ones true nature
- quietening of the mind, increased sense of peace, wellbeing, joy and connection
- realignment of body structure (not from external manipulation but instead generated from the inherent wisdom of the body itself)
- reorganization through body fluids
- over time regulation of the nervous system
- endocrine regulation
- Resolution of trauma, accidents, injuries, birth patterns or challenges throughout all of life from infancy to adulthood
- an invitation for local structures (or walled off areas) to come back into relationship with the whole
- Greater sense of connection to SOURCE
“You didn’t come into this world. You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean. You are not a stranger here.” – Alan Watts
Our body is mostly water (even our bones have a dense fluid vascular network within) and like various fluid states (such as the ocean) there is movement within the fluid. Our body cells, organs and tissues are bathed in fluid and are also continually in motion – subtle motion – yet motion nonetheless as they carry out metabolic functions (nutrients in, oxygen in, waste material out); organs have motility and mobility – with movements unique to themselves as they operate as one part of a greater whole. Thus sensitive hands can feel these fluid motions anywhere in the body.
Tissue injury, surgery, external forces, trauma can over time hinder these natural rhythms (which can be called tides- akin to the tides of an ocean). Blocking the normal tissue states and motility will affect tissue function. Every cell and tissue is interconnected – this creates a spiral out with whe whole body getting on board making compensations or adjustments to the held, stuck tissue.
affect nerve impulse conduction, affect lymph drainage and impair circulation (inhibiting nutrients in and cellular waste removal out) and influence musculature surrounding the isolated area.
Fascia the connective tissue linking every cell from head to toe is generally between 70-75 % water – depending upon how hydrated our tissues. Fascia can harden, become brittle, can form adhesions or scar tissue.
Undigested experiences linger in body tissues. What does this statement mean?
How best to prepare for Craniosacral Sessions
First there is nothing to do but have a willingness to show up for the work. So no preparation is needed simply release all expectations – focus on quietening your mind, breathe and just BE.
That said, so many individuals are overworked and rarely take time for stillness and reflection in their day to day life. Should you want to enhance your craniosacral experience; there are some suggestions which can bring you more inline with whole body communication.
- Hydration. If you typically do not drink pure water, then be mindful to have a couple more glasses of pure water each day prior to and after a session (coffee or juice does not count). Optimal hydration facilitates optimal fascia communication from head to toe.
- Time spent in nature will assist to quiet the mind.
- Movement: stretching, yoga, walking, qi gong (here is a link to one of my favorite teachers WesleyQiGong)
- Deep breathing techniques
Visit our manual osteopathy website, Alinear Osteopathy to find out how it can assist to restore or preserve health.
Visit our Blog posts to read more about manual osteopathy and why I choose it as an adjunct profession.
Katolen is the owner of Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, a holistic health care office (with online shopping) located in the Crosstown district in Vancouver, which offers a variety of holistic health care options and services for the attainment and maintenance of your optimal health and vitality including private consultations and personalized health programs, group workshops and educational seminars in both holistic health and herbal medicine. Alchemy & Elixir Health Group seeks to educate, empower and support the health of the whole person to achieve a greater balance within the mind, body and spirit.
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