In her discovery of neuropeptides, brain biochemist Dr. Candace Pert proved the existence of the mind body connection, something ancient healing traditions have known about for hundreds of years. Neuropeptides have been called ‘molecules of emotion’ because they are released from various organ systems in response to thoughts and feelings. Neuropeptides bind to cellular receptors throughout the body and influence chemical changes that affect heart rate, blood sugar levels, and even white blood cell counts.
Thought patterns and emotions influence our physiologic functioning. The molecules transmitting this information (neuropeptides) don’t even have to originate from the brain. It might take a leap of faith, but what this means is that our entire body thinks and feels. We don’t have to work on the brain to access the mind. This is why craniosacral therapy, a gentle form of body work, is such an excellent modality for healing all sorts of trauma from physical to emotional.
Craniosacral therapy was developed it the 1930’s by osteopath, William Sutherland. Through various experiments, Dr. Sutherland discovered that the bones of the skull were designed for motion and not ‘fused’ - as held by popular medical belief. He recognized that the bones of the skull had some ‘give’ in order to accommodate the movement created by the production and circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain down and around the spinal cord, a movement he called ‘the breath of life’. This motion is essential to all physiologic functions, and can become congested or inert as the result of stress or any type of trauma - physical or emotional.
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to restore optimal health to the body by restoring this vital circulation. Optimal circulation of the CSF is achieved by releasing restrictions held in the fascia layer - a collagenous tissue that is like “shrinkwrap” enveloping our entire musculoskeletal system, nerves and all. In its restrictions, or patterns of holding, the fascia layer stores memories of various traumas - traumas that shape and influence our current experience of life. Working on different areas of the fascia can result in different experiences at any given time. Please read what others have to say about their experience with craniosacral therapy:
After seven treatments, I am still not sure how Marie does what she does — all I know is that it works. I’ve seen her after injuries and when I am feeling “normal”, and each time I leave feeling extraordinarily better physically and emotionally. It is hard to describe, but my body feels alive and tingling, as if energy is flowing through me like a thousand rivers. My mind is relaxed and my thoughts are light — gone are the concepts of worry and doubt.
~F.H.
My yoga instructor told me about craniosacral therapy and recommended Marie — I was getting migraines at least once a month or more, and nothing helped. I started going to Marie and my migraines have all but disappeared. Additionally, I have found that I hold stress in my body less, get sick less often, and sleep better with craniosacral. My body and mind feel so much more at peace.
~H.M.
In the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life, I came across Marie’s information about craniosacral therapy. I was in the process of grieving the loss of my father and aunt, and this in turn stirred up a lot of physical pain from an old car accident. I was participating in talk therapy and exercising regularly, but I still felt “stuck”. I decided to give craniosacral therapy a try. From the first treatment I felt a difference; a subtle shift in my emotions and physical state. I was not exactly sure how to articulate the result, but I knew I felt better. I continued to see Marie, and after each treatment I feel as if I am walking straighter and have a sense of calmness. I sleep better as well. With time, this therapy has helped me to be able to let go of a lot of my grief and sadness. This therapy has also helped to relieve pain and numbness I experience as the result of a pinched nerve. Craniosacral therapy has truly made a difference in my quality of life.
~R.R.
My weekly craniosacral sessions with Dr. Rodriguez have been a life-changing experience! She is capable of bringing my body into deep states of relaxation, previously unimaginable, where profound physical, emotional, and energetic healing take place. Because of this therapy, I am now able to live from a more centered and grounded place.
~M.D.
Quality sleep has been a lifelong problem for me. Marie helped me to come to the realization the some of my other health concerns and general symptoms were related to the fact the my sleep wasn’t restorative. A month or so after beginning craniosacral treatments, I began to notice that I was staying asleep for longer periods of time, so even if I wasn’t in bed for a long time, me sleep was more efficient. I find that receiving treatments twice a month seems to have an incredible positive effect on my nervous system, leading to a balanced sleep schedule and more energy.
~T.D.
