Q: What happens during a craniosacral therapy session?
A: A full body evaluation is first done at specific points along the body to detect restrictions or tension and the practitioner is feeling for and observing the cranial rhythmic pulse. A very light touch of about 5 grams of pressure is applied to the area of contact helping soft tissues to release restrictions, relax and help the body to release stress and heal itself. A patient can experience deep relaxation, muscle twitching as on the verge of sleep or actually fall asleep during the treatment. Digestion and motility can also be aided and a patient may feel their stomach gurgling. All of these reactions are normal and a way of the body letting go to release restrictions, relax, and rebalance.

Q: What might I feel or expect after the treatment has ended?
A: Several feelings are possible such as deep relaxation, improved focus, centered and balanced, reduced pain and tension, improved posture, calm and light, a restful night of sleep.

Q: Recommendations after a session?
A: Drink plenty of water. Take it easy, drive slowly back to your destination. Take the rest of the day off from strenuous physical activity to allow the results of the treatment to settle and take effect. If possible, rest. If you are an athlete or involved in physical activity, it is recommended to complete that activity first such as a yoga class or a tennis match and then receive a treatment after.

Q: What is the cranial rhythm?
A: It is the movement of cerebral spinal fluid throughout the body that is formed in the brain andsurrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It can be compared to the ebb and flow of an ocean wave or feel like a pulse. As the body is unwinding from its restrictions and balancing a maximal cranial rhythmic impulse can be felt by the practitioner.

Q: Are there any reasons to not have craniosacral therapy?
A: There are some contraindications and these are for health issues that may involve a variation or slight increase in intracranial pressure. Patients that have had an acute aneurysm, acute traumatic head injuries, cerebral hemorrhage, or a history of severe bleeding disorders should avoid treatment.

Q: How many craniosacral therapy sessions will I need?
A: Dr. Sirota treats all of her patients individually. The number of treatments will depend on the health situation and how long the issues have been persisting. Her recommendations are to follow up closely for one week after the session to see if the patient has had significant improvement or resolution after one treatment. At that point results and goals are reassessed and discussed with the patient and determined if additional sessions are needed or follow up for health maintenance.

Q: Is craniosacral therapy safe for pregnant women?
A: Yes, it is and helps calm the mother and child, increasing balance, encourages internal bonding, and relieving body tension and headaches.

Q: Is craniosacral therapy safe for children?
A: Yes, it is a very gentle technique and can help with behavioral, emotional disturbances, learning disorders, and hyperactivity.

Any additional questions? Please feel free to contact Dr. Sirota via phone or email.