Manual Medicine at Total Integrative Health
CranioSacral Therapy
The CranioSacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum or tailbone area.
Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems could include chronic pain, eye difficulties scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities and other health challenges.
Because of its positive effect on so many body functions, CranioSacral Therapy is practiced today by a wide variety of healthcare professionals. They include medical doctors, doctors of Oriental medicine, naturopathic physicians, nurses, psychiatric specialists, psychologists, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists and other professional body workers.
How is CranioSacral Therapy Performed?
The CranioSacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch – generally no more than the weight of a nickel to test for restrictions in the CranioSacral system. This is done by monitoring the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid as it flows through the system. While experienced clinicians can detect that motion anywhere on your body, they can most easily feel it at the skull, sacrum and coccyx. These bones attach to the membranes that enclose the cerebrospinal fluid.
The positive effects of CranioSacral therapy rely to a large extent on your body’s natural self-corrective activities. The therapist’s light, hands-on approach simply assists the hydraulic forces inherent in the CranioSacral system to improve your body’s internal environment – and strengthen its ability to heal itself.
Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, specialized hands-on therapy designed to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. Using light, rhythmic techniques, MLD helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays an important role in immune function, fluid balance, and the removal of cellular waste.
Unlike traditional massage, MLD uses very light pressure to help move lymph fluid through the lymph vessels and toward the lymph nodes, where it can be filtered and processed by the body. This therapy is both relaxing and restorative, making it an excellent complement to many wellness and recovery programs.
A Gentle Approach to Wellness