BCST helps bring the nervous system into a state of safety and social engagement by cultivating the low-tone Dorsal Vagal response and the Ventral Vagal response (also called the “social engagement system”) of the parasympathetic nervous system. In simple terms these are the part of the nervous system dedicated to “rest, digest, and heal” and “freedom, friends and forage” respectively. Re-tuning the nervous system in this way can be particularly helpful in cases where people have developed maladaptive behavioral habits regarding safety in relationships, often due to developmental issues of “attachment”. Underlying these dysfunctional relational habits is often an inability to physically feel a sense of safety while in the presence of another person. This can vary depending on the person and their history, particularly their trauma history. By bringing the nervous system into a parasympathetic state in a safe relational context, it creates a new precedent in the system to help it access this “idling” state on its own. ~~
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is fundamentally a relational, co-regulation based touch therapy. It works with the nervous system to bring about healing, safety, and integration. Our training covers all the major anatomy and systems in the body.
BCST helps bring the nervous system into a formative state of safety and social engagement by cultivating the low-tone Dorsal Vagal response and the Ventral Vagal response (also called the “social engagement system”) of the parasympathetic nervous system. In simple terms these are the parts of the nervous system dedicated to “rest, digest, and heal” and “freedom, friends and forage” respectively. Re-tuning the nervous system in this way can be helpful in cases where people have developed maladaptive physical, cognitive, behavioral, and relational habits regarding safety in one’s body, mind, environment, and relationships.
BCST is particularly useful for situations where disruptions in nervous system integration occur, often due to developmental issues of “attachment”. Underlying these dysfunctional relational habits is often an inability to physically feel a sense of safety while in the presence of another person. This can vary depending on the person and their history, particularly their trauma history. By bringing the nervous system into a parasympathetic state in a safe relational context, it creates a new precedent in the system to help it access this “idling” state on its own. To read more about how the autonomic nervous system works, including the polyvagal theory: stay tuned... a blog section will be added soon.
Some researchers believe that BCST also works with the endocannabinoid system, a vast system in the body that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. Many clients with pain find that with regular BCST sessions, they are able to forego or greatly reduce their reliance on pain medication. This may be because it stimulates the production of anandamide, one of the body’s natural endogenous cannabinoids, which leads to feelings of comfort and well-being.
As part of my practice, I aim to identify if the therapy I offer will be able to meet your needs. To this end we will discuss what your needs are at the initial intake, and remain open and curious through the course of treatment. Depending on your unique circumstances, I may recommend 1-8 sessions to see if the therapy is compatible. As the body is complex, the source of a similar presentation of symptoms may be due to a diverse range of causality including nutrition, lifestyle, a particular developmental pathology, or specific trauma pathways. I may direct you to other modalities to address other needs as I identify them.