ABOUT CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Background
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a deep and profound method of healing which has a long history of development through the life work of Drs. Sutherland, Stills and Dr. John Upledger. This is a therapy which enhances the body’s inherent healing process by facilitating the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid to balance the craniosacral system (CSS), which is comprised of the brain, the spinal cord, its membranes and fluids. The CSS is an acknowledged physiological system in the body that maintains the environment and function of the central nervous system. CST utilizes light touch on specific points around the cranium, along the spine and at the sacrum.
Essence
In its essence, Craniosacral Therapy involves gentle manipulations as the therapist tests for restrictions and “listens” to the quality of the craniosacral rhythm, which the body regulates and maintains in order to feed and nurture our delicate nervous tissues. These subtle manipulations, which are exceedingly light, work at the deepest level in the body to affect the autonomic nervous system, touch the subconscious and allow the brain to move into theta wave, the space between restful awareness and drifting off to sleep. Cerebrospinal fluid circulates in a wave-like motion of ebb and flow, bathing the brain and spinal cord.
Alignment
By aligning with this movement an effect is made on neurological patterning in the body, the intention of which is to unwind tension and old patterning in the craniosacral structures and thus improve the function of the entire central nervous system. As a result, a healthier nervous system begins to emerge and there is noticeable improvement in its functioning, from the ability to handle stress and anxiety, to more restful and deeper sleep, to balancing moods and mental activity.
Deep Relaxation
Relaxation has long been valued for its healing and restorative effects on the body and encouraging deep states of relaxation in the body is easily facilitated by CranioSacral therapy. The main centers of the nervous system lie in the cranial and sacral regions and the gentle manipulations of CST modulate the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, optimizing the function of both. The body heals and repairs itself when the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant; when we are most relaxed or asleep. CST promotes the body into a healthier parasympathetic state.
ABOUT TRAGER THERAPY
Trager technique is a gentle and nurturing modality of body therapy that is deeply relaxing and very calming to the nervous system. It emphasizes and promotes ease, fluidity and freedom of movement throughout the entire body. During a session your torso, limbs, head and neck are supported through gentle movements, rhythmically rocked and elongated to your body’s own unique wave-like motion. As your mind and body unwind with the soft movements, tensions disappear, sensory awareness becomes enriched and new movement patterns become possible.
Receiving this work is effective for anyone experiencing muscle tension or discomfort by decreasing pain, increasing joint mobility and flexibility. It is helpful for managing stress, calming the mind and soothing the nervous system into a state of deep relaxation.
ABOUT YOGA INSTRUCTION
As a yoga instructor I welcome all skill levels and bodies knowing that every individual is unique and not just one approach fits all. I encourage exploration and discovery of movement that is accessible to students in each moment. I emphasize working with the internal practices of focused awareness and mindful movement that is supported by breath as a way of deepening the connection to self.
About Thea
MINDFUL LISTENING
DEEP HEALING
The work I am called to do has its roots in creating and holding a safe space where you are held in mindful awareness. Through the practice of creating a supportive environment and allowing your body to become deeply still and relaxed, your system generates therapeutic change from within.
With a wealth of experience as a licensed Massage Therapist for over 27 years, registered yoga and Pilates instructor and former ballet dancer, I have built a deep experiential knowledge of the anatomy and movement patterns in the human body. My work is built on combining this foundation with an intuitive understanding of the subtle energetic body and how our energies either flow or have become blocked.
I am drawn to the practices of CranioSacral and Trager Therapy, as well as yoga, as it has concerned me how ubiquitous chronic stress and anxiety have become part of modern life and how that has affected our nervous system’s inability to cope. Through the different modalities of bodywork that I do, I aim to address the central nervous system and it’s structures. The gentle light touch of CranioSacral, the lulling, rocking motion of Trager, the deeper movement and breath work of yoga are all therapeutic tools to facilitate a more adaptable and resilient nervous system.
My training goes back to 1995 when I graduated from the Colorado School of Healing Arts. I continued my lifelong passion of learning by earning my degree as a CranioSacral Therapist in 2006 and more recently completed my training from the U.S. Trager Association.
Through the sensitivity of my hands and my intuitive understanding, I feel and listen as your body tells its stories. My approach is to allow and be guided by your innate intelligence and inborn wisdom, while I encourage the emergence of a more balanced state of being. My goal is to release, unwind, relax and support a deeper state of ease within.
It brings me great joy to offer my gifts to the Bellingham community and to use every encounter as an opportunity to help people transform through the healing power of touch.
SERVICES AND RATES
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CRANIOSACRAL & TRAGER SESSIONS
During a session you may
• Relax so deeply that you fall asleep
• Enter a quiet meditation-like state
• Feel you are dreaming while awake
• Experience memories or insights
• Feel warm, a softening of the body, a feeling of widening or floating
• At times, you may experience other kinds of sensations as energy that has been held in the body is released
After a session you may
• Feel relaxed but also energized
• Breathe more fully or deeply
• Feel more comfortable in your body
• Have more awareness of your emotional state
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