Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Craniosacral
and Osteopathy?
A: The philosophical basis of Osteopathy, as proposed by
its founder Dr Still, is quite subtle. At the same time, in practical
terms, the aim of an osteopathic treatment is to realign the bones
of the vertebral column. The aim of a craniosacral session is
to help the membrane system, inside the vertebral column and cranium,
become more flexible.
Certainly the subjective experience of the two modalities is very
different.
An Osteopathic treatment rarely lasts more than half an hour and
is often much shorter.
A Craniosacral session normally lasts between one and one and
a half hours, occasionally longer.
Osteopaths seldom work with emotions which is often an integral
part of a Craniosacral session.
Osteopaths often use high velocity thrust techniques involving
a force of several kilos for a brief period.
The Craniosacral touch is totally different; a very light traction,
in the order of 5 grams, maintained for several minutes, giving
time for the membrane system to respond in its own way.
Craniosacral does not attempt spinal adjustment. In fact it is
quite common for a practitioner to collaborate with an Osteopath
when a client has obvious bony misalignment.
For information on courses which teach spinal adjustment contact
your local Osteopath or The University of Western Sydney, tel:
02 9685 9222.
Q: What other healing modalities are compatible
with Craniosacral?
A: Craniosacral work can be a useful companion therapy
to most other forms of healing - from antibiotics to aura-soma.
To carry home the benefits of receiving Craniosacral sessions
into daily life and to give independence to the person, the practice
of Yoga and the Alexander Technique are both recommended.
Q: Are there specific health problems that Craniosacral can
treat?
A: The Craniosacral system provides the environment for
the central nervous system. An improvement in the functioning
of the Craniosacral system benefits every organ and muscle in
the body. The Endocrine system responds particularly well to this
work. The Autonomic Nervous System can find a balance between
its parts through Craniosacral work. Obviously disease and discomfort
related to problems in these areas can be alleviated.
Head, back, neck and jaw pain are often helped, as are difficulties
with balance or noise in the ears.
Vision can improve as can the functioning of the muscles which
move the eyes.
Women often report much more regular menstrual cycles, and Craniosacral
can be of help in pre and post natal care.
An exhaustive list would be very long. Above all, Craniosacral
is a very effective form of preventive medicine.
Q: Can children receive sessions?
A: Children often enjoy Craniosacral which can be very
calming for the hyperactive and helpful for those with learning
difficulties. Even very young babies can benefit, particularly
if the birth process was traumatic or in some way difficult. Colic
is generally relieved - for the whole family.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This varies from person to person. Very serious situations
may require 20 sessions or more. However, Craniosacral therapy
is a process which generally reaches a conclusion. People do get
better.
For most people an initial series of from 6 to 10 sessions is
adequate, with occasional ‘maintenance’ sessions thereafter.
Receiving sessions can carry a person to that space of silence
and watching, to that ever fresh experience of what is.
“Just
the last thing to remember... Live watchfully. Whatsoever
you are doing: walking, sitting, eating; or if you are
not doing anything, just breathing, resting, relaxing
in the grass. Never forget that you are a watcher. You
will forget it again and again. You will get involved
into some thought, some feeling, some emotion, some
sentiment. Anything will distract you from the watcher.
Remember and run back to your centre of watching. Make
it an inner process continuously. You will be surprised
how life changes its whole quality. I can move this
hand without any watchfulness, and I can also move this
hand with absolutely watching from inside the whole
movement. Both the movements are totally different.
The first movement is a robot movement, mechanical.
The second movement is a conscious movement and when
you are conscious you feel the hand from within. When
you are not conscious you only know the hand from without.
You have known your face only in the mirror, from the
without, because you are not a watcher. If you start
watching you will feel your face from within and that
is such an experience, to watch yourself from within.
Then slowly strange things start happening. Thoughts
disappear, feelings disappear, emotions disappear and
there is a silence surrounding you. And you are just
like an island in the middle of the ocean of silence.
Just a watcher. As if a flame of light at the centre
of your being radiating the whole of your being...”
OSHO
‘From Unconsciousness to Consciousness’
vol 1 #30
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