Craniosacral & Massage Therapist

Michael O’Connell

Michael is a compassionate and holistic health professional with 20 years’ experience working as a therapist.

He works with a number of natural modalities to integrate body, mind, heart and soul in healing. His intention is to offer a safe place in which healing of the whole person can be facilitated and supported. Michael brings a deep understanding to his work and is also a qualified counsellor (AICA).

Michael offers the following therapies and may use a combination of these when working with you:

• Craniosacral Therapy
  
• Polarity Therapy
  
• Myofascial Release
  
• Remedial Massage

An initial consultation will include an assessment of your overall physical health and history as well as details of any current symptoms.

Qualifications

• Dip Remedial Massage
  
• Dip of Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy
  
• Dip Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
  
• Registered Polarity Practitioner
  
• Accredited member of ATMS and Craniosacral Therapy Assoc of Australia
  
• Qualified Counsellor (AICA)

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About the therapies

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a subtle and profound healing form which assists the body’s natural capacity for self-repair. In a typical craniosacral session, you will lie fully-clothed on a treatment couch. The therapist will make contact by placing their hands lightly on your body and tune in to what is happening by ‘listening’ with their hands. Although the contact is light, the effects can be profound and long lasting. Practitioners are trained to place their hands gently on specific areas of the body, listening to the rhythmic flow of the living system – the central nervous system, bones, fluids and tissues.

Craniosacral therapy is so gentle that it is suitable for babies, children, and the elderly, as well as anyone in fragile or acutely painful conditions. Treatment can aid many conditions, raising vitality and improving the body’s capacity for self-repair.

Polarity Therapy

Polarity therapy is a natural health care system based upon the universal principles of energy: attraction, repulsion, and neutrality. The interrelation of these principles forms the basis for every aspect of life, including our experience of health, wellness and disease.

As part of the larger field of energy medicine, Polarity Therapy complements the other therapies used.

Myofascial Release Therapy

A gentle, non-invasive treatment that is very effective in removing restrictions in the fascia, muscles and deeper connective tissues. Benefits include restoration of healthy tissue function and improved posture.

Remedial Massage

Increases metabolism, hastens healing, releases and refreshes the muscles and improves circulationof blood and lymph. It reduces tension and promotes relaxation and vitality.
Examples of conditions treated

Some of the conditions successfully worked with include:

• Allergies
  
• Arthritis
  
• Asthma
  
• Autism
  
• Back pain
  
• Birth trauma
  
• Bronchitis
  
• Cerebral Palsy
  
• Colic
  
• Depression
  
• Digestive problems
  
• Drug withdrawal
  
• Dyslexia
  
• Ear infections
  
• Fall or injury
  
• Frozen shoulder
  
• Headache
  
• Hormonal problems
  
• Hyperactivity ADHD
  
• Insomnia
  
• Jaw disorders
  
• Immune system disorders
  
• Learning difficulties
  
• Menstrual pain, PMS
  
• Post-operative conditions
  
• Problems during and after pregnancy
  
• Re-integration after accidents
  
• Sciatica
  
• Sinusitis
  
• Spinal curvatures
  
• Sports injuries
  
• Stress related illnesses
  
• Tinnitus
  
• Visual disturbances
  
• Whiplash injuries

Working with babies and children

These gentle therapies are very suitable for working with children. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is especially suitable for babies and small children who have experienced birth trauma. The compressive and stressful forces of the birth process may create dysfunction in the fragile system of the newly born that can be simply resolved by this very gentle, non-invasive therapy.

Telephone to make an appointment
0412 886 676
Russell Avenue Family Medical Practice
1 Russell Avenue Lindfield