Finding my inner calm through craniosacral therapy

I always thought craniosacral therapy was for babies in the first weeks after birth – for developing good sleep patterns and helping with feeding problems. But it turns out I was wrong. I met Helen Liz Smith, a craniosacral therapist in Marlow, who told me this therapy can be beneficial to adults too, as well as pregnant women and older children. She said I should try it, and offered me three sessions so I could experience the benefits. Here's what happened at Session One...

Helen is a member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association and she works from her home in Marlow. A mum of three children, she also has over 30 years of experience in the beauty therapy and wellbeing industry. Now here is a lady who knows her stuff! Having initially trained in Beauty Therapy at the London College of Fashion, Helen has since worked at home and abroad in prestigious salons and clinics. In 2010, she became interested in craniosacral therapy and graduated from the Institute of Craniosacral Studies in Bristol. There's no doubt she has the right credentials, but most important of all, she has the serene and warm type of personality – the type that instantly puts you at ease and makes you want to share your thoughts and feelings.

When I was shown into her tranquil treatment room, called 'the beach retreat', I could already feel myself calm and relax a little. Decorated in peaceful whites and blues, it reflects Helen's love of sea colours. Helen began by asking a few questions about what was going on with me.

She then dimmed the lights and asked me to lie down – there was no need to remove any clothes except my shoes, so I lay down on the comfortable treatment bed and she tucked me up under a soft, fluffy towel. She told me to breathe deeply and surprised me by beginning on my feet. I hadn't been sure what to expect, but had always thought craniosacral therapy was 'done' to the head. 'Craniosacral therapy works with the whole person,' says Helen. She said changes could occur in my body, mind and spirit during and after the sessions.

She started by placing her hands lightly on the top of my feet, using the pressure to listen to what's going on in my body. 'Much the same way that a counsellor might listen to your words,' says Helen. 'And your body responds to this sensitive touch by beginning to listen to itself.' Helen was talking to me as she did this – and again I was nicely surprised that the treatment wasn't being done in absolute stone-cold silence.

I slowly felt my feet loosen, soften and relax outwards. After a while, Helen came round the table to cradle my head in her hands. She said she could feel my body was in a state of overwhelm – and I had been feeling particularly stressed that day. I had so much on my mind – helping to organise my daughter's nursery fair, loads of work on and, of course, the endless house chores. My stomach also started to gurgle, very loudly, despite me having had breakfast. Helen said it was because she was applying gentle pressure to the vagus nerve. I also felt a pressure across my forehead, despite Helen not touching me there. Finally, Helen held my sacrum – she said she thought it would help to centre me, as she felt my thoughts and feelings were all over the place.

When Helen told me she had finished 45 minutes on, I did feel more calm. It had given me time and space for quiet reflection – which I never have – and the treatment itself had been what I'd describe as extremely comforting... It had been exactly what I'd needed.

After the session later that day, I felt as if I was coming down with a cold – perhaps the body's way of eliminating toxins, but the day after, I felt great. Rejuvenated even. And was really looking forward to the next treatment in a week's time...

Session 2

I was really looking forward to seeing Helen again, to have another hour of peace and tranquility, and to catch up about how I'd felt after the previous session, and anything else that was going on in my life. Helen is so easy to talk to, I really felt myself opening up.

This time, when I lay on the bed and she started on my feet, I knew what to expect, so felt myself relax quicker. And when she moved to work on my head, I could feel myself sink into a deeply relaxed state. This time, a deep stillness came over me, where all thoughts emptied from my mind. I can't remember the last time I'd felt like that. Towards the end of the treatment, my left leg started twitching. I've only ever had that before in my pregnancies. Helen said I could be recalibrating and re-learning a new neutral alignment with my body.

I came away thinking I was glad I have one final session to look forward to – and I can see why it's so popular, especially among pregnant women and for babies. The treatment is so gentle, and I feel there's something nurturing and supportive about it.

Later that day, I felt tired. I think I'd let my body totally relax. I felt different somehow. Refreshed, nurtured. And I decided to give myself an easy day – allow myself to finish processing the treatment.

I can't wait to see what the final session will bring. I already feel like I'm listening to my body more. I feel more in tune with it, and being more kind to myself. Perhaps I'm on my way to a new me.

Check back next week to read my final blog on the treatment... and how I feel at the end.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Helen Smith

07985309414

http://helenliz.co.uk/