Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy was formulated as an offshoot of Osteopathy primarily by John Upledger in the 1980’s. This therapy uses light touch to ease restrictions in the connective tissue, particularly that around the central nervous system. The connective tissue (fascia) surrounds and penetrates every organ, and indeed every cell, in the body. It is a vast interconnected matrix from which it is possible to communicate from every part of the body to every other part.
Restrictions in the connective tissue can stay in the body for decades and release of these restrictions can vastly improve both local and global function. Internal body rhythms are monitored, which provides information about where releases are occurring in the body.
It also uses techniques of dialoging with particular parts of the body in order to gain conscious insight into the client’s own healing story. Susan is an advanced CranioSacral Therapy practitioner and was certified in CranioSacral Therapy techniques by the Upledger Institute in 2011.
Reiki
Reiki is a “chi” path like acupuncture or Tai Chi. This means that it uses the characteristic energy, all-living things share, which is crucial to their vitality. In traditional Asian medicine, chi is seen as a real but subtle substance flowing throughout the body and bringing life force to various organs and systems. In Western cultures, chi is sometimes simply seen as bioelectricity. Interestingly enough, it is likely that chi flows through the connective tissue, which is sensitive to changes in electric fields.
Reiki is most often practiced with hands on the body but sometimes Reiki practitioners will lift their hands and work with the external electric field or aura. Like CranioSacral Therapy, the experience for the client is one of profound relaxation and accessing the body’s own ability to manifest deep change. Susan was certified as a Reiki Master Teacher in the Usui Reiki System in 2007.
During a Treatment…
Both Reiki and CranioSacral techniques are gentle and effective on their own. However, when combined, as Susan does, they become even more powerful. Clients quickly enter a state of deep relaxation, which is the entryway to the body’s ability to heal itself.
These techniques use the holistic model; where emotions, experience and the body’s current state of health all interact. Those interactions are directly responsible for our everyday experiences. In shifting the way all these things interact with each other, you can also shift the everyday experiences.
Special Care Options
Susan also provides specialized treatments for children, the disabled, the elderly, and animals. She takes time to really listen to the client and makes sure to personalize treatments to match the client’s comfort level at all times. Sessions with children involve toys; and kids can move about or be engaged in activities that they bring from home. Elderly clients, and indeed all clients, are treated with warmth and respect for both their body and their intelligence. They are encouraged to find whatever positions are most comfortable during treatment.
Special treatment options are available for clients who may not be able to effectively use the stairs or who are uncomfortable lying prone. Susan is available for hospital visits and treatments. As is standard for Reiki and CranioSacral Therapy, clients are never requested to disrobe for treatment.
For treatments on animals, Susan makes use of her extensive background in animal behaviour to work in a gentle, nonthreatening manner with animals who may have been traumatized or have behavioural issues. In addition, Heart of the Tree’s Healing Family Circles with Animals program works with the family unit to create a loving, healing space.