I grew up in Texas and pursued a career in advertising. By age 38, I had constant hip and shoulder pain. I went to massage school just for the massages, not sure I would finish.

CranioSacral therapy turned things around for me. This light touch manual therapy helped release trapped emotions that were creating restrictions and tensions in my body. I became fascinated with the method and wanted to work with others.

I have completed the 800 hours of training at East West College of the Healing Arts as well as CranioSacral Therapy 1 and 2 and SomatoEmotional Release 1 and 2 from The Upledger Institute.

I am now a Certified Massage Therapist (#86641) offering CranioSacral Therapy sessions at The Oakland Acupuncture Project on Grand Ave. on Tuesday and Saturdays.

WHAT IS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a light touch, hands-on method of listening to the craniosacral system for places where the body could benefit from various gentle techniques. By gentle, this means very light pressure generally no greater than 5 grams which is approximately the weight of a nickel.

Our bodies are conductive and even with some of the most simple techniques, you might think “You are barely touching me, how can this possibly be effective?” This light touch allows the therapist’s nervous system to assist your nervous system to release and relax. Remember, all of your muscle cells are like little slinkies controlled by your nervous system. It’s as much a skill to relax and have them expand as it is to send a message to contract.

The techniques in this method release restrictions in the connective tissues of the body. The practitioner learns to use the bones of the skull and sacrum to facilitate potentially profound releases impacting a number of conditions and helping people with an array of health challenges related to pain and dysfunction.

The experience of physical or, as we now know, emotional trauma, can remain recorded and stored in bodily tissues, wearing our systems down.