The Power of touch
Receptors in the hands are continually active as we touch objects. Our brains analyse the size, texture, shape, weight, density instantly. The brains somatosensory pathways integrate this information from thousands of sensors in the hands and transform it to a form suitable for cognition and action.
Touch is active or passive. Active touch is when we make contact consciously and passive is when something or someone touches you inadvertently. Our hands have 4 different types of receptors that are activated when we touch objects, the way a blind person moves their fingers over simple dot patters is a great example of the receptors in the fingers.
When we touch using our hands, a large part of the brain becomes engaged by the sensory experience, by the thoughts and emotions it provokes.
In craniosacral therapy, somato-emotional release is a large part of the therapy. As a result of touch, experiences come into the conscious brain from the subconscious mind, and this allows for a very therapeutic session to take place. Trapped negative emotions in the Tissues of the body, can cause pain, discomfort, anxiety, stress, migraines, difficulty catching one’s breath, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems etc….
The long term benefits of CST and somato -emotional release are about letting go of negative emotions and sensations in the body e.g. anger, fear, grief, shame, regret, sadness, envy, guilt, all of this is done using Therapeutic dialogue and imagery. It’s about the emotion, not the story. Touch allows us to communicate with the body and listen with intent.
Oxytocin and serotonin are released when we touch with a caring positive intent. People seek out massage therapy for the purpose and the benefits of touch, even though they may not realize it. Babies & children who are distressed will find calmness when held, we hug and hold family and friends who are grieving, lonely or sad. Sports players, slap each other, high five and hug one another as a form of communication on the field. In the hospital setting, healthcare personnel will hold the hand of a patient. In the dying process, we encourage family members to sit/lie close to the person, to keep in physical contact until at least the last breath.
We all need touch in our lives. Let craniosacral be one of the forms of touch you and family, friends can avail of. The power of touch can be very therapeutic , powerful and if you are willing to put in a few hours and a few euros , then you too will benefit from the long term positive benefits of CST.
Those benefits are ;
Relaxation, Improved immune response, Better sleep, Better symptom control in Menopause, Better control of your emotions in all situations. pain relief , relief in Fibromyalgia, TMJ, Gastrointestinal disorders , treatment for anxiety, stress and PTSD. Sexual assault clients get control in their lives back . clients on the spectrum benefit from balance in many areas.