Stress and anxiety are part of the body’s natural defence mechanism for dealing with danger.  If the body is secreting these hormones continually, they can lead to health issues, including heart problems and high blood pressure.  Anxiety is a similar condition which is characterised by feelings of panic or phobias associated with specific social situations, and can lead to depression if left unchecked. People are looking for natural, non intrusive alternatives to stress management and alleviating anxiety, and Craniosacral Therapy is one such discipline worth exploring.

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy focuses on the area of the head and spine, with the belief that the spinal fluid surrounding the body’s nervous system is crucial to our wellbeing. Craniosacral Therapy can help to enhance the functioning of all the body's organs via manipulation of this area. It is used for the treatment and alleviation of a range of ailments and conditions, including localised neck and back pain, tension, motor coordination problems, fatigue, chronic brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as stress and anxiety related issues.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress is characterised by the release of hormones into the blood stream which raise our heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.  This equips us to deal with potentially stressful situations, such as fleeing from a threat.  When this is triggered too often, or continually, the body and its organs are placed under pressure – and leads to the phenomenon of stress.  Anxiety is characterised by an aversion to any new situation - when it becomes acute these feelings are often irrational. Sufferers can experience a rapid heartbeat, sweating and difficulties in breathing. Anti-social behaviour and depression may result.  Managing stress is one way of protecting yourself from the potential negative health implications. Stress and anxiety can be managed by including the following elements into your life:

• Sufficient exercise
• Healthy eating habits
• Adequate sleep and rest
• Ample relaxation and downtime; and
• Avoiding or limiting stress in your life 
• Other disciplines such as yoga, meditation and Craniosacral Therapy are increasingly utilised alongside these techniques to aid recovery and healing.

How Can Craniosacral Therapy Help Stress and Anxiety?

The ultimate goal of the therapy is for the release of energy or blockages in the nervous system via manipulation similar to gentle massage. This is normally done with the client clothed and lying on a massage table. Practitioners will typically focus on the head, spine and pelvic area, with a treatment or session lasting around an hour.  A number of sessions are typically needed to see any effect.

Find out about other effective natural treatments for stress and anxiety.