Hands on: CST a way to release what ails us

Elvera N. Makki, Contributor, Jakarta

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) may be an unfamiliar term here, but it has been around in Western countries since the 1970s.

Although the International Association of Healthcare Practitioners lists 7,000 CST practitioners worldwide, only seven people from Indonesia have received the necessary training at Upledger Institute in the U.S.

"Nevertheless, as far as I know, the other six apply the knowledge merely for personal purposes, like helping their children or assisting themselves in healing a particular sickness," said Reza Gunawan, who is the founder of True Nature Holistic Healing.

CST puts its therapeutic emphasis on a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and improving the functioning of the craniosacral system -- a physiological body system comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

"The touch is soft like this," said Reza, placing his right palm on my arm.

Feeling about as soft as the weight of a small coin, it may be easy to underestimate or doubt its power. But CST advocates say the touch allows the release of impairments on the craniosacral system, thereby enhancing the functioning of the central nervous system.

"This is good for those who suffer medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, ranging from migraine headaches, emotional difficulties, stress and tension-related problems, learning disabilities, neurovascular or immune disorders, to neck and back pain," Reza said.

The theory is that once the restrictions are released, optimal balance is restored, so the mind and body would work harmoniously, life energy and vitality would be strengthened and all physiological systems work more efficiently. The patient will be calmer, more aware and alert.

"True, but the task is not that simple," Reza said.

He explained that every person has a natural healing mechanism and medical history, with an evaluation based on the individual characteristics.

Although people may have similar complaints, each patient would receive a customized combination of natural healing methods over several therapy sessions.

"Generally, it's three to six sessions per person, but a person may only need two sessions, while others might need extra time."

He said healing techniques that were effective in holistic combinations included health meditation, acupuncture, energy healing and therapeutic touch, self-help energy work, massage therapy and clinical hypnotherapy.

Some might prefer to skip the latter treatment, fearing that it might take them to a deep, dark place, or even cause them to be compromised.

But Reza, fully certified by the International Center for Hypnosis Education and Research, said many patients wished to take clinical hypnotherapy.

So, how does it actually work?

First of all, becoming hypnotized is a very natural reaction, Reza said. The hypnotic state automatically happens anytime a person becomes deeply relaxed or highly focused.

For instance, hypnosis can take place when a person spaces out while driving, reading a good book or watching a movie. A professional hypnotherapist can prompt and regulate the hypnotic state in individuals and help facilitate desired changes through the use of properly worded hypnosis suggestions.

"I felt deeply relaxed, like I was flying," said Rio Arifin, 27, of his experience with hynotherapy to treat a past life trauma.

He had learned about hypnotherapy when he saw a TV program in the United States telling of success stories.

While hypnotized, the client generally hears and remembers much of what is being spoken, is not completely insensible during the session and can freely choose to disregard any suggestions the hypnotherapist makes.

Reza said hypnosis made a person more inclined to do things he wanted to do, but virtually never made a person behave against his own belief systems.

Generally speaking, the client hears and remembers 50-100 percent of what was said during the session and was very aware of his own body and breathing, as well as the temperature and sounds in the room.

Most people, around 90 percent, are actually more aware when hypnotized. Approximately 10 percent of the people go so deeply into hypnosis that they have no memory of the session.

Reza said that the most common uses of hypnosis in treatments ranged from stress reduction, bulimia, smoking cessation, sexual healing, childbirth, weight loss, traumas and phobias to creative art enhancement and fostering a positive mental attitude.

Reza, naturally, is a firm believer in its benefits.

"It is one of the most pleasant and natural therapies available. It puts you in charge of your own mind and your outcome."

Rio admitted that he was skeptical before trying the treatment.

"Frankly speaking, I did not believe in such natural healing, you know, the body-mind-spirit kind of thing. My father is a doctor, who always used conventional medicine like antibiotics to cure us, and never allowed us to find any other alternative ways," said Rio.

"He doesn't know I went to the hypnotherapist."

The rivalry between holistic natural healing and conventional goes on, with both struggling for trust.

In some professional journals, the medical establishment characterizes holistic practices as scientifically dubious, sounding alarm about the safety of treatments.

On the other hand, holistic physicians question whether drugs and invasive procedures can ever be the ultimate road to health.

Both even dispute which form of medicine can truly call itself traditional or conventional. Western medicine is merely centuries old, while ancient medicines, like Chinese and Ayurvedic, have been in use for thousands of years.

"Personally, as a holistic natural healing consultant and therapist, I'm not dead set against conventional medical treatment," Reza said.

"The two are good if we can utilize them respectfully," said Reza, who limits himself to a maximum of 60 90-minute treatments per month.

"Be educated consumers. Learn as much information as possible about the two sides: doctors, therapists, medicine, natural healing modalities, hospital services and other issues concerning your health.

"And a second opinion is always important."

In his clinic, he advises clients to consult their primary care physician or doctor prior to participating in any natural healing programs.

"Especially when you are pregnant or have a serious medical condition," he said. "It's also an option if the client wants us to work hand in hand with his doctor".

True Nature Holistic Healing Tel. 0811804150 www.truenaturehealing.net