Biodynamic craniosacral therapy
What it is
Sometimes the subtlest touch is the most profound.
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) is a gentle yet powerful hands-on body therapy. This form of touch supports the nervous system and tissues to unwind and release tension and trauma, and restore healthy structure and function.
This therapy works through the connective tissue matrix, neural networks and the body’s own fluid rhythms (we’re 70% water after all).
Often the ‘problem’ doesn’t originate just in the body part where we feel pain. BCST helps unravel the web that underlies symptoms so that healing can occur at the source.
Biodynamic touch can facilitate emotional integration as well. Emotional residues often get held in our bodies and can respond well to this form of treatment, helping the body let go of old stories held in the tissues.
BCST can support resolution of a wide range of health conditions. Processes which I assist clients with include:
• healing injuries and easing pain (back/neck and spinal issues, headache, joints, muscle tension, etc)
• realigning body structure for ease, including posture, pelvis, jaw
• supporting the nervous system to unwind stress and anxiety, and access greater emotional equilibrium
• resolving symptoms of trauma and PTSD
• nurturing the body through the changes of pregnancy and birth
• deepening embodiment, comfort and flow in the body as a whole.
Because of its non-invasive nature, this work is appropriate for people in all stages of life, including children and babies.
How it works
a.k.a “How is it that I feel so much better in my body afterward, when it seems you were just sitting there gently holding me?!”
Through the stresses of life, we may accumulate strain, trauma and densification of tissue in our bodies, including our muscles, fascia, organs and bones. We may also experience changes in our nervous system’s habitual responses to the world, as high-stress environments keep us distracted or over-alert.
Underneath those symptoms, however, every cell in our body remembers what health feels like. Biodynamic craniosacral touch reorients the body toward the original blueprint of health that has been in each of us since before we were born. With finely honed perceptual skills, the therapist dialogues carefully with the client’s bodily systems to initiate and support the body’s own self-healing mechanisms. Rather than imposing an agenda, this therapy supports the body’s own cellular intelligence to create deep change.
During a treatment and afterward, the body is supported to loosen old patterns. Muscle tensions often release; bones can change their relationship to each other; and the nervous system slips into states of ease, fluidity, repair and rejuvenation.
The therapist provides supportive, respectful touch to facilitate this. One of the favourite comments that I often receive from clients is that they feel profoundly held and supported during a session.
If this all sounds like magic… well, once you try it, you may still think it’s magic! I continue to sit in humble awe of the transformations that I have witnessed through this work.
What to expect in a session
The treatment takes place fully clothed, on a massage table. It is common for people to feel sensations of energy and fluid moving through the body, while some people simply go into a state of deep rest. The treatment often continues to work over the course of the day or days after a session.
Testimonials
I have had several treatments with Redwood. They’ve been amazing. Redwood is a deeply connected craniosacral therapist. The connection to health continues to get deeper and stronger each time I visit. My whole family has benefited from treatments – my Nanna, my partner, our three kids aged 13, 9 and 3. Highly recommended and looking forward to our next session.
– Al
Redwood is an excellent practitioner of cranial therapy. I highly recommend them and this form of treatment. I have found it beneficial for calming my nervous system. I reach new levels of relaxation during/after a session. I have also experienced it working superbly to help my body/mind to integrate the benefits of other physical body work/therapy, etc. Treatments are very gentle physically, but also very powerful. Redwood is a talented, gentle, respectful, honest and conscientious healer.
– Laura
Redwood, as a craniosacral therapist, a healer and wise one has made a huge impact on my wellbeing. Through my sessions with Redwood, not only have I found a safe space, safe hands into which I can entrust my body; I have experienced relief from my PTSD-related symptoms. During times of high stress, Redwood's craniosacral sessions and guidance have helped me navigate my journey with calm. Redwood is welcoming, warm and has a powerful mana.
– Erihapeti
I received several treatments from Redwood to help alleviate lower back pain, headaches and sinus pressure. Redwood provided professional and effective therapy. I am more than happy to recommend Redwood as an excellent practitioner of this modality.
– Terry
I was fortunate in being able to receive treatments from Redwood over a number of months. Having had cranial therapy in the past that was exceptional, I feel qualified to say that the treatment I received from Redwood was also exceptional. Redwood has a natural affinity for this healing modality, and the improvement in my wellbeing reflected this. I would have no hesitation in recommending Redwood as part of a healing process for anyone on their journey.
– Aly