Matching resistance

I have spent the last 4 days in a class for Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) with Lisa Upledger DC, wife of John Upledger DO who began the Upledger Institute http://upledger.com/. The class has been a wonderful experience and has taught me about meeting the force of the trauma inside the body.

Some people may wonder what Cranio-Sacral Therapy is. It is one of the prime therapies I use when working hands on with a client. The following description is from http://upledger.com/content.asp?id=26

CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

◦ Migraine Headaches

◦ Chronic Neck and Back Pain

◦ Motor-Coordination Impairments

◦ Colic

◦ Autism

◦ Central Nervous System Disorders

◦ Orthopedic Problems

◦ Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

◦ Scoliosis

◦ Infantile Disorders

◦ Learning Disabilities

◦ Chronic Fatigue

◦ Emotional Difficulties

◦ Stress and Tension-Related Problems

◦ Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

◦ Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

◦ Neurovascular or Immune Disorders

◦ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

◦ Post-Surgical Dysfunction

SER is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. SERI offers applications designed to enhance results using CST and other complementary therapies.

◦ Assess and mobilize the Avenue of Expression working through more than 10 different body components, including the thoracic inlet, hard palate and hyoglossal tissues.

◦ Locate and release Energy Cysts.

◦ Release suppressed emotions that may be inhibiting complete structural releases.

◦ Refine listening and comprehension skills.

◦ Improve palpation and whole-body evaluation skills.

In matching the force of a restriction we have been able to release old trauma, emotions and energy cysts, which is where the energy from a trauma is trapped in the tissues. Bodies are beginning to realign.

I know that the work I have learned from this course will only help to improve my skills as an advanced practitioner of CST. Remembering to match the force will also be valuable in life, as we need to find a balance in life with the people we meet. It is important to match where a person is at so that we neither give up our power nor overpower someone else. Be aware and be in the moment.