0864059898 | rory@roryryanacupuncture.ie | Kildare
Rory Ryan Acupuncture
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle hands on treatment that supports regulation of the nervous system ~ specifically the vagus nerve ~ and allows conditions resulting from stress and trauma to resolve. It enhances the body’s natural healing processes to let go of the negative impact of life’s pressures – mentally, physically and emotionally.
Our bodies are the stories of our lives, holding tension and imprints of experiences. When a life event feels overwhelming and is more than a person can tolerate at the time, our facia and muscles contract in order to protect us. However, after the event has passed and when unexpressed emotions are repressed, the holding becomes unnecessary and starts to affect our health, causing pain and anxiety, poor posture, headaches and sleep disturbance.
The Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
Relieving tension and strain from the tissues around the craniosacral system (brain and spinal cord) fosters a feeling of calm and improves wellbeing, including digestive, respiratory, circulatory and skeletal systems. It is an effective treatment for helping people with a wide range of health challenges associated with pain and dysfunction. Some of these conditions include:
• Anxiety
• Migraine
• Vertigo
• Hormonal issues
• Stress
• Inflammation
• Pain
• Trauma
• Menopause symptoms
• Gut issues
• Sinus problems
• Trauma
Craniosacral Therapy for Newborns and children
CST for newborns and babies is a very gentle, light-touch therapy that supports the function of the central nervous system by releasing tension and restrictions in the pelvis, spine, shoulders, neck and head.
Newborns often carry patterns of birth trauma and a craniosacral treatment removes compression patterns set during birth. A treatment for baby can address feeding issues, colic and reflux, aid restlessness, encourage correction of mis-shappen head shape and torticollis, and support overall balance and calm. A gentle treatment relieves discomfort, restores balance, and helps baby adapt to their new environment.
When I speak with new mothers who are breastfeeding, a common worry is fussiness in baby when latching. Occasionally, the source of the problem is a restriction in the mouth area, such as a tongue tie, but often, more subtle tensions are at play – for example, an area of tension around the abdomen can affect tissue further up the body causing a pull. And so, baby’s latch becomes a symptom of the problem with tension issues in the background, preventing them from latching comfortably.
Many newborns hold tension in their body caused by a stressful labour or intrauterine positioning. When I meet baby, I first notice how they hold their body and I look for obvious signs of tension as I begin their treatment. They may be arching their spine, stiffening their limbs, clenching their fists or favouring one side when lying down or feeding, all due to body tension.
As baby is at the centre of the treatment, I remain responsive to baby’s needs, letting them lead the way, pausing when needed. If baby is more comfortable feeding during the treatment, mum and baby can both benefit. Babies generally love the gentle feel of the treatment and fall asleep.
Some common results from CST treatments for newborns:
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Latching is more comfortable for baby and mum
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Milk flow is easier as baby’s latch encourages mum’s milk supply
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Baby nurses comfortably on both sides so mum is not getting congested
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Content baby leads to more relaxed and consistent naps
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Reduced tension in baby’s body – happy baby
Children of all ages benefit from craniosacral therapy. It supports their growth, calms their nervous system, relieves symptoms of asthma, gut issues, headaches and supports developmental milestones.
Teens too, benefit from a CST treatment. Issues around school phobia, bullying, confidence and self-esteem are some of the concerns I deal with regularly. Many children are experiencing new levels of anxiety and phobias. Craniosacral Therapy can calm and restore balance to their overstimulated nervous system by releasing tension and rebalancing the body systems.
Craniosacral Therapy for Autism
A child who lives with autism often experiences stress and anxiety in their daily environment, such as bright lights, loud noises, groups of people and smells. Sometimes, even a change in weather can cause overwhelm and dysregulation.
Their struggle to process sensory information in their environment leads to an overwhelmed nervous system causing anxiety and stress. In turn, stress has an affect on neurological function, by heightening its’ response and putting the child into a fight-flight state leading to meltdowns. Cranio Sacral Therapy helps to change the nervous system’s response to a calm state, fostering improved neurological function and deep relaxation.
Some benefits of CST:
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Regulates the Nervous System: CST helps calm the nervous system, shifting children out of a "fight-or-flight" state. Turning down the volume of what is often a very wired nervous system can make a huge difference to an overwhelmed and agitated child.
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Improves gut function: CST improves gut function through calming the nervous system and reducing gut tension so the gut can function optimally:
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Improves Sensory Processing: By releasing tension in the tissues (fascia) around the brain and spinal cord, CST improves how the nervous system receives and processes sensory information.
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Enhances Cerebral Spinal Fluid Flow: A CST treatment promotes better circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, reducing restrictions in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
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Reduces Physical Tension: CST helps melt away muscular tension and restrictions in the cranium and spine, improving overall motor coordination.
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Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation within the brain causes problems for ASD children. Relieving membranous pressure in the brain and spinal chord helps reduce hyperactivity and irritability.
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Supports lymphatic drainage and detoxification: ASD children often have impaired detoxification pathways and high levels of metals and toxins in their body.
About Mary Mitchell - CST Therapist
Hi, I’m Mary. I have been practicing Craniosacral Therapy (CST), since training with the Upledger Institute in 2009.
During the past 10 years I have developed an interest in women’s wellbeing. This emerged from a pattern of treating women who had experienced trauma and who found the strength to rebuild their lives with the help of CranioSacral therapy.
I have also trained in Reflexology and Facial Reflexology along with training in Reflexology for Menopause.
As a holistic therapist, I have explored various therapeutic approaches in order to support a client’s return to health.
When my children were young, I studied child development and therapeutic play, qualifying with an honours degree in early years education. This grounding supports my work when treating young children across a broad spectrum using craniosacral therapy and reflexology.
​Expertise:
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CranioSacral Therapy
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Somato Emotional Release
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Paediatric CST
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Reflexology​
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Foot reflexology
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Facial reflexology
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Paediatric reflexology
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Life Coaching
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Coaching through Trauma
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Relationship coaching
Mary also practices in Greystones - visit thewaveclinic.ie for more info.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) FAQ’s
What catchment area do we provide clients with Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?
We cater our Craniosacral Therapy (CST) services to clients in Kildare, Laois and Offaly from our Monasterevin based clinic.
What is the best way to book a Craniosacral Therapy (CST) appointment?
You can contact Mary Mitchell by phone at +35387 982 8611 or book a Craniosacral Therapy (CST) appointment through the Book an Appointment button above.
