Health & Fitness: 'Energy Work' in Maplewood

Mention craniosacral therapy, or CST, to an average Maplewoodian and you will probably be met with a blank stare. What exactly is craniosacral therapy? It was invented by osteopath William Garner Sutherland and then developed by John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician. Sutherland found that by using gentle touch to release what he considered restrictions in the craniosacral system, conditions such as scoliosis, chronic fatigue and autism could be treated and healed. [We must note that there are those who question whether there are measurable medical benefits to the therapy.]

Carol Flamm Reingold, who practices CST, among other healing methods, out of Shakti Yoga says craniosacral balancing is an "energetic healing system designed for facilitating healing of the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. It frees stuck energy through various 'unwinding' techniques, using a variety of methods, including touch and talk."

Reingold, who has been practicing this modality since 2002, tried to explain the science behind this healing treatment.

There is a fluid called the cerebral spinal fluid surrounded by three layers of tissue called the meninges. The fluid has a tide with a rhythm, which under normal circumstances constantly pulses. This can be felt throughout the body. "In Craniosacral," said Reingold, "we seek to help that fluid move through places that it may be constricted or areas where it's not moving as optimally as it might. There is direct touching of the body from ankles to head, often ending with subtle movements of the cranial bones themselves." Clients see Reingold for any number of reasons, ranging from horrible headaches to infertility to general anxiety and depression.

Reingold often begins her sessions, which typically last an hour and fifteen minutes, by speaking with her client to find out what specific issue they would like to address. The client remains fully clothed and reclines on his or her back on a massage table. Reingold offers bolsters to keep the client as comfortable as possible. She then walks around the client to track the energy around the client's body.

Reingold usually starts at the client's ankles and moves up the body, stopping at various points such as an arm or a leg. All the while, she softly touches the body and checks for energy blocks. She ends at the head before working on the cranial bones. "This is often when people go into what I call 'the cranial trance,' said Reingold. "To me, it almost feels like you are dreaming, going somewhere, but somewhere that is impossible to report back what you saw. People say they feel asleep, but there is a certain kind of breath pattern that I see happen that looks unique to this state in my experience. This does not always happen, nor does it need to for a successful session."

According to Reingold, clients have different reactions during a session. Some may feel an emotional release and begin to cry. Others feel an immediate relief of pain. "The most common response is one of feeling intensely relaxed on a deep level," said Reingold.

Adults are not the only ones who can benefit from this form of therapy. Maplewood resident Alyssa Frey has been practicing craniosacral therapy for twelve years and has been a licensed occupational therapist for sixteen years. "It is gentle and non-invasive," explained Frey, "making it safe for newborns and children."  Yes, even newborns. Frey has had tremendous success using CST to treat infants and children for various ailments since this modality is so subtle and gentle.

Parents bring their children to Frey for many different reasons. "The central nervous system is the vital control center for the body and it affects every other major body system and function," explained Frey. "Problems in this area can include motor, sensory and neurological. I treat many newborns with issues related to breastfeeding, colic and torticollus, which is difficulty moving the head."

Frey went on to say "birthing can cause a host of subtle or profound issues within the child's nervous system that can occur in utero or during delivery." She believes that early treatment during this critical time in development can correct or even prevent issues later on.

 In older children CST has proven to be very effective in treating attention disorders, autism, sensory issues, chronic ear infections, speech delays and learning disabilities. A typical session with a child takes place in a quiet room with the child relaxing on a massage table or playing. Infants also lie on the massage table, but if they get fussy, Frey will treat them in their mother's arms. While she uses the same methods as she does with her adult patients, the session may be a lot shorter. A typical session, which takes place in Frey's home office, can range from fifteen minutes to more than an hour. In Frey's experience, newborns usually correct very quickly. 

Both Reingold and Frey agree that CST needs to be experienced to understand the concept fully.

In other words, don't knock it until you try it.