Aromatherapy can be particularly helpful when integrated with CST to support trauma resolution. Essential oils directly impact our brain through the sense of smell, which is considered a part of our reptilian or lower brain. The reptilian brain controls the more basic, core drives of our being, e.g. respiration, hunger, thirst, etc.

The limbic system, the layer above the reptilian brain, is the area responsible for emotions and feelings. Because the sense of smell is so intimately connected to the limbic system, it is important to be very aware of the power of scent. Our sense of smell is hardwired into our emotional brain and it can easily override the more rational thinking of our cerebral cortex. We have all experienced how certain odors create different feelings and emotions in us. Once a scent has become linked to a negative situation, try as we may, it is pretty difficult to talk ourselves out of disliking that scent. Because of this, scent can be a double-edged sword when working with survivors of trauma. It can transport them immediately back to the traumatic event or it can be a supportive grounding influence.

Aromatherapy is also quite helpful during a session when things seem to have stalled. I was working with a client on her liver area, which felt heavy and congested. The hands on work was not having the affect that I hoped and things continued to feel thick and sludgy. She happened to have a blend with her that was designed to support digestive function and took a couple sniffs from the bottle. We were both amazed at how well that worked to shift the energy which then created a shift in the tissues.

The calming and grounding effects of aromatherapy are very useful. If a client is feeling particularly unsettled, a few sniffs of a favorite oil or blend can do wonders to help them focus and be present, which makes my job a lot easier! Clients appreciate having a blend or single note to take home with them as they continue to process and integrate the session. It helps to bridge their experience in the treatment room with their everyday life and acts as a reminder for self-care. The scent can be a nice accompaniment while they spend time reflecting on the treatment, deep breathing, journaling, or doing yoga.

Craniosacral therapy is a very powerful and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. When combined with aromatherapy the benefits are further enhanced. The two modalities compliment each other beautifully. They are effective at treating physical conditions and rebalancing emotions and energy. Most importantly, they affirm our body�s natural healing capabilities and reconnect us with our flow of health.

If this article has sparked your interest in craniosacral therapy, body-mind healing, and aromatherapy, listed below are some books that I have found to be helpful.

Wisdom in the Body by Michael Kern

Your Inner Physician and You by John Upledger

Crash Course: A Self-Healing Guide to Auto Accident Trauma & Recovery by Diane Pool Heller, Ph.D.

Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit by Gabriel Mojay

Craniosacral therapy, like aromatherapy, does not have a nationally recognized certification. Some training programs offer certification and the criteria is determined by the individual school. This work requires an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as very refined palpation skills. Most students, although not all, come to the work with an existing background in healthcare. For more information on schools of training, please contact the author at [email protected].

Lisa Gillispie, BSW, LMT, CST is a licensed massage therapist and has been practicing craniosacral therapy since 1995. She received her Craniosacral Therapy Certification through the Upledger Institute and has completed advanced training with them as well. An instructor for Sacred Spaces Seminars, Lisa teaches the Foundation Class, a four-day comprehensive exploration of the craniosacral system.

Lisa maintains a busy private practice in Columbus, Ohio using craniosacral therapy in her work with infants, children and adults. She also works with people from around the country who come for intensive treatment sessions. This work brings Lisa much joy and satisfaction both personally and professionally. She feels privileged and honored to be a part of a person�s healing journey. For more information visit www.SpiritOfHealingOnline.com or email the author at [email protected].

INDEX