Craniosacral Technique
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, light-touch treatment that works with balancing the natural rhythm and structure of the cranium and sacrum. It helps to promote the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the brain and spinal cord. It also works to relax the body’s nervous system so that proper healing can occur. Although many are introduced to Craniosacral therapy when it is recommended to their babies and children, it is used to help people of all ages. Most commonly, Craniosacral therapy has shown itself to be very effective in treating headaches, migraines, jaw/teeth grinding, sleep challenges, anxiety and behavioral issues and recovery from head trauma/surgery.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, light-touch healing modality that helps balance the nervous system and restore health and vitality to the body. During a session, the client remains fully clothed and receives the treatment on a massage/bodywork table. Through a series of light-touch hands on holds at various areas of the body, the practitioner provides a neutral listening presence that supports the client’s body in reorienting towards health. Through witnessing and acknowledging tension, compression, or pain, combined with an appreciation of potency and vitality, bodies are capable of shifting, reorganizing, and releasing tension and trauma. The work aims to increase overall wellness, integration, and reconnect with wholeness.
How does it work?
Dura is the membranous structure which connects the brain to the cranium, protects the delicate spinal cord within the spine and attaches the base of the spine with the sacrum. The cranium and sacrum move in conjunction with one another to circulate cerebrospinal fluid along the entire length of the spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is the nourishment for the brain and spinal cord and needs to be circulated properly. The pressure of this fluid and tension on the dura are the two things that move cranial and sacral bones. Craniosacral evaluation looks at how the bones of the cranium and sacrum are moving and if there are any imbalances present. Balancing this movement can help with decreasing stress on the nervous system allowing it to function at a higher level. It also can be very helpful in getting general chiropractic adjustments and alignment techniques to “hold”.
Craniosacral Therapy and Children
The cranium consists of sutures and fontanelles that overlap one another during the birth process as they compress when entering the birth canal. This process is called molding and the cranial bones should resume their normal shape within one week of birth. The delicate nervous system is protected by cartilage at this point and not by bone. The cranium itself is membranous at this stage and needs to constantly expand and realign to adapt to the extremely rapid growth of the brain during the first three years of life. Just within the first year of life the brain will grow 2-1/2 to 3 times its birth size. Craniosacral technique helps to facilitate the molding process of the cranium and can correct any alignment issues. This can be especially important after birth or after any head injuries, be they minor or major.
90% of the neurological development and synaptic connections in the brain are made by age 6. By this time all of the motor and sensory functions we use as adults have been fully developed. Damage at any stage prior to preliminary development of these functions will result in compensatory patterns to either be learned or occur naturally to allow us to interact with our environment to the best of our ability. If corrections are not made, studies have shown that these children will function at a reduced capacity later in life.
Craniosacral and Stress
Most notably, Craniosacral technique can help to calm down the nervous system, which has many benefits, including helping with ADD/ADHD, sleeping problems, and infants with latching problems. It can help alleviate tension created by teeth clenching or grinding. Overall, it is a great way of decreasing stress in the body.
Please call us to set up some time to discuss this healing technique with one of our practitioners. We are confident that Craniosacral technique is a powerful, yet gentle healing tool from which many will find benefit.
Alex Kewitt, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (Minnetonka)
Alex approaches care with a trauma informed lens. For Alex, consent is of the utmost importance, especially around touch. When working with Alex, clients may appreciate a good mix of silence/stillness, as well as dialoguing during sessions in order for Alex to hear what’s emerging. She tends to use humor, irreverence, and playfulness in sessions, so clients can feel connected, comfortable and at ease throughout their time working with Alex.
Read more about Alex.
Dr. Susan Quigley, Chiropractor, Owner (Minnetonka)
Dr. Susan Quigley is the owner and founder of SuNu Wellness Center. She was first exposed to chiropractic care at a very young age, receiving her first adjustment by a pediatric chiropractor at age two. Her family experienced many wonderful benefits from alternative medicine. These benefits prevented them from invasive and complicated medical interventions. Part of her vision for SuNu’s clients is to help them with preventative care and effective alternative solutions to wellness.
Read more about Dr. Susan.
Dr. Annie Baietto DC, Chiropractor (Minnetonka)
Dr. Annie’s passion for healing others began at a young age. Though she took some detours along the way to explore the world, she could not resist her true calling. She is passionate about always learning the latest techniques and advancing her knowledge to provide the best possible evidence based care to her patients. Dr. Annie looks forward to serving the SuNu community with a deep appreciation for achieving wellness through self-empowerment and collaborative care.
Read more about Dr. Annie
Dr. Courtney Casper, Chiropractor (Minnetonka)
Dr. Courtney began pursuing a career as a pediatric chiropractic, rather than one in pediatric medicine, after hearing an amazing testimonial from a chiropractor about the healing power of chiropractic care for children. she received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2016 from Northwestern Health Sciences University. During her time as an intern to Sunu chiropractor Dr. Susan Quigley, Dr. Courtney also discovered a passion for women’s health and providing prenatal care. Dr. Courtney is currently working to bring the vision of SuNu out to the community by providing care through home and workplace visits.
Read more about Dr. Courtney.
ADRIENNE SUESS, LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST (MINNETONKA)
Adrienne Suess offers acupuncture services at our Minnetonka location. She has a deep appreciation for holistic health traditions and methods. She brings a wealth of knowledge, and experience to the SuNu Community. Adrienne connects with her clients and serves with a confidence that’s efficient and effective, while also offering a tenderness and authenticity that ensures a safe and calming experience conducive to healing. If you’re interested in acupuncture, fire cupping, craniosacral therapy and/or perinatal and pediatric care, Adrienne is a wonderful resource.
Read more about Adrienne.