About cranio-sacral therapy - Anastazja Korczak Wroclaw

What does the therapy entail

Cranio-sacral therapy derives from Osteopathy. Two American osteopaths – William Sutherland and John Upledger , are considered the fathers of Cranio-sacral therapy. The process of therapy entails a very subtle touch to the patient’s body, where it is possible to sense tension and abnormalities in the structure and movements within their tissues as well as the entire cranio-sacral system.

This system includes skull bones, sacrum, fluctuations in the spinal cord, flexibility of the nervous system and reciprocal tensions within its membranes. Spinal cord fluid moves spontaneously in the dura mater. It is the third involuntary moment (independent) in our bodies apart from our lungs breathing and our pulse. It has its own quality, strength and amplitude and is an expression of our life potency. During a cranio-therapy session, I observe the expression of the spinal fluid through using subtle finger palpitations – its potency and movements along its central passage as well as any points of inertia. Then I assist the process of recovery by ‘unblocking’ and regulating the movement using specific therapeutic methods/grips.

When searching for the cause of pain, or a particular illness, we often forget that we ourselves are an accumulation of the experiences of our entire lives. The human body is a tensile construction, which endeavours to sustain life through maintaining a constant tension within its entire organism. Tissues, fluids and our potency strive for balance in order for our entire system to experience well-being. External injuries or emotional stress accumulate tension which, in turn, is stored in our bodies, often for years, incorporating our entire organism.

The effects may be physical (migraines, pain, digestive problems, sleeping issues ) as well as emotional ( hyperactivity, (hypertension, depression). Cranio-sacral therapy is neutral to the patient. It neither sends them good energy, nor does it attempt to heal them. In accordance with the principles of biodynamics, I believe that the main force at work in each element of the body is health. And this should dictate the treatment plan. We could call this Cranio-sacral mindfulness. Experience, touch and presence. To be with whatever is occurring.

Indications for Cranio-sacral therapy

Pain ( including chronic pain), headaches, migraines, back, joints, extremities, teeth, spine;
Neurological disorders: tingling and numbing in the extremities, sciatica, femoral, arms, tics;
Concentration disorders, learning difficulties, sleeping disorders ( including insomnia), neurotic-anxiety disorders, generalized low mood without any specific reason, nervous stimulation, ( hyperactivity), chronic stress;
Hyperactivity in children and adults ( ADHD, ADD);
Autism;
Postpartum injuries of mother and child;
Postnatal depression;
Otolaryngology disorders (ears, sinuses);
Chewing disfunctions (jaw-temple joint) teeth grinding, bruksizm;
Post-traumatic states (fractures, twists, dislocations);
Chronic fatigue syndrome;
Depression;
Low level of resistance;
Various kinds of trauma;
Problems with becoming pregnant.

Contraindications for undergoing Cranio-sacral therapy:

Cranio-sacral therapy should be complimentary to classic medical treatments, particularly in cases of extreme or chronic illnesses. Optimum effects are achieved by cooperating with the physician in charge.

About me

I trained under the guidance of Joanna Czarna, Tracy Evans, Sati Shepherd and Michael Kern. I’m a graduate of a two-year course of studies in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy at the European Centre of Therapy. I’m a member of the Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust. I have been treating patients snice 2020, helping them with pain management and stress, strengthening their resources and regain their health.

I am a certified teacher of Iyengar yoga. In 2019, together with Anna Planda I established the Poruszenie School of Yoga. I have always been actively involved in body and movement work. I have practised Capoeira, running, and studied dance and circus techniques. I was born in Australia, brought up in Eastern Poland. I have lived a nomad’s life since childhood and learnt to be with people independent of their ethnic roots or social status. I was a co-producer of Wroclaw’s Brave Festival and Brave Kids for 10 years.

I visited a Craniosacral therapist for the first time with my children, and experienced it’s effectiveness. Over the next years I myself regularly underwent it’s therapeutic procedures. I had never earlier experienced such profound calmness, grounding and access to my creative potential.

The method is very subtle, yet extremely effective in working with trauma as well as chronic stress, sleeping disorders, or birthing patterns.