Biodynamic craniosacral therapy
A gentle, restorative approach to bodywork
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on complementary therapy that emphasises stillness, relaxation and awareness of the body.
Unlike traditional massage, it does not involve firm pressure, kneading or stretching. Instead, the practitioner uses very light, sustained contact at different points of the body, allowing time for the client to settle into a deeply restful experience.
At Nurturing Hands, Joan Fisher draws on her specialist training in biodynamic craniosacral therapy to offer a quiet, unhurried treatment tailored to each individual.
What to expect during a treatment
A craniosacral therapy session is very different from a conventional massage.
You’ll be welcomed into a peaceful treatment room and invited to lie comfortably on the massage table, remaining fully clothed throughout the session.
Joan uses extremely light contact, often resting her hands at particular points of the body, including the head, back, sacrum (base of the spine) or feet.
There is very little movement or pressure. You may notice warmth, subtle physical sensations or simply the feeling of being still and relaxed.
Some people find the experience deeply restful, while others notice very little sensation during the session. Every person’s experience is different.
You can talk with Joan at any time about your comfort, positioning or how the treatment feels.
At a glance
- Fully clothedYou stay dressed throughout the session.
- Very light touchGentle, sustained contact at points such as the head, back, sacrum or feet.
- Quiet, unhurried sessionTime to settle into a restful experience.
- No firm massage pressureNo kneading or stretching.
Who might enjoy craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy may appeal to people who:
- Prefer very gentle touch rather than firm massage.
- Would like a quiet, unhurried treatment.
- Feel more comfortable remaining fully clothed.
- Enjoy stillness and relaxation.
- Are curious about a different approach to complementary bodywork.
You don’t need to have a particular health condition to book a session.
If you’re receiving treatment for a medical condition, Joan can discuss the nature of the session with you, but craniosacral therapy should not replace appropriate medical assessment or treatment.
Understanding the nervous system
Our nervous system plays a central role in how we respond to our surroundings, physical activity, stress and rest.
The nervous system includes the central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which connects the central nervous system with the rest of the body.
Part of the peripheral nervous system is the autonomic nervous system, which regulates many involuntary bodily functions. Two important branches are:
Sympathetic nervous system
Alertness and activity
Associated with alertness and the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Parasympathetic nervous system
Rest and digestion
Associated with rest, digestion and recovery.
Both are essential to normal functioning. Our bodies naturally move between periods of activity and rest throughout the day.
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is traditionally understood through a holistic approach to the body and nervous system. Sessions provide a quiet setting in which clients can rest, become more aware of physical sensations and experience gentle, supportive touch.
Although craniosacral therapy is sometimes described as influencing cerebrospinal fluid movement or autonomic nervous system activity, these proposed mechanisms have not been reliably established by scientific research.
What does craniosacral mean?
The name refers to two anatomical regions.
The craniosacral system is a term used in this therapy to describe structures associated with the brain, spinal cord, their protective membranes and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Cranio
- The cranium, or skull.
- Sacral
- The sacrum, a bone at the base of the spine.
Joan’s craniosacral therapy training
Joan Fisher has been practising massage and complementary bodywork since 1994 and has undertaken extensive specialist training in craniosacral approaches.
Joan has also undertaken further professional development through craniosacral workshops and specialist teaching. Her training reflects a longstanding interest in gentle bodywork and complementary approaches to wellbeing.
Craniosacral training
- Diploma in Biodynamic Craniosacral TherapyBody Intelligence Training2012
- CranioSacral Therapy Levels I and IIUpledger Institute
- Biodynamic Cranial TouchCranioSacral Academy of Australia2010
A little time for yourself.
If you’d like to experience a gentle, unhurried craniosacral therapy session, Joan would be happy to discuss what to expect and help you arrange an appointment.